A start of a new month (July) and six weeks since the tragic fire happened.
Canada Day (July 1st) consisted of an assortment of things, but not really a relaxed day. I took some pictures of the fire damaged apartment from the outside. The fire/smoke smell still lingered in the area where the fire started. It was a smell that I would probably never forget. In fact cigarette smoke probably irritated me more now then it did before the fire.
I made time to go through the remainder of totes & boxes that I had stored in a friend's garage. One tote had blankets and I was glad that they were not damaged. As I'm going through the blankets I realized they were the ones my mom had made for my children many years ago. The blankets had their names on it.... WHAT A BLESSING. A wonderful reminder of my mom for the children and something she had made with her own hands. I did take the blankets to the laundry mat to give them a good washing and dry. Other things we went through were some more photos and movies. I had quite a few VHS movies from Feature Films for Families, so I gave them to Neufelds since they had a VCR player and could test them for quality. Photo albums were thrown into the garbage after the photos were removed. I also salvaged some fabric from the totes.
The restoration/construction crew was very busy disposing of many items into the dumpsters located close to the apartment. Several windows & patio doors were boarded up as they were in the clean up stage.
As progress was made at the apartment, walls were being stripped and then the building started looking bare. We drove past the damaged apartment several times a week since it was on our way to Church or other down town shopping. Several times I had some sad feelings as I drove past thinking my belongings were still in the apartment when really I knew they weren't. Even though we had only been living in the apartment for 1 year & 3 weeks there were memories for us in that suite.
We were adjusting quite well with most things in our new apartment. Ruby was always able to lock her bike up at the other apartment, but at our new location there was no bike rack. I asked the landlord about it and he immediately looked into getting one, but had to order it in. A change in one appliance was something to get used to and that was the oven. I really missed my own oven that I had in the previous apartment. One of the donated items we received was a toaster oven and it was put into good use even to this day.
The month of July was filled with many things such as continuous days of shopping especially on my days off, so I was never bored. Every day consisted of googling items on the internet and filling out my ever increasing worksheets. Sometimes commercials on TV would jog my memory about an item or similar item that I lost in the fire or conversations about things with others would remind me of something. In those cases I would try to write the item down on paper when possible. When it came to books, cookbooks or movies it was hard to estimate how much I had. Like I said we would google things on the internet. Ruby found the Feature Films for Families website and went through the list and checked off the ones we lost plus checked the price as well. The first cookbook I replaced (which was a must) was the "Mennonite Treasury Of Recipes" and was able to buy it locally. I did add more cookbooks as I came across them at a consignment store or if they were on a good sale. I knew I wouldn't replace all of my books or cookbooks, it would only be my favorite ones if they were available.
There was also the matter of replacing my orthotics which I had in my work shoes. I had an appointment with the foot doctor on July 7th and was able to order the orthotics, plus my car needed a service job as well. So here was another day off consisting of appointments, shopping and pricing. Sometimes I wondered if it would ever end.
Then the day (July 9th) finally came when the furniture store delivered my reclining sofa and Ruby's bed. The first evening of having the reclining sofa I relaxed by watching a rented movie. At last I could put my feet up again after a long day of work. The following week was another week of appointments along with some FUN. I needed to get my eyes tested again at Focal Point to see how I was adjusting to my glasses.
July 15th was my birthday as well as my younger sister's birthday ( 3 years difference), so that was a day set aside to spend lunch with my sisters in Wpg. After lunch it was shopping time with my daughters & granddaughter. It was a fun & full day.
The next day TV cable was hooked up.
Then the following Sunday we had a special lunch fellowship at Church for a newlywed couple. This was Ruby's first opportunity of making a special cake. We were finally getting into a routine with meals & such in our own home. Another event on this day was a staff function at Meadows Minature Golf consisting of a BBQ and taking part of the rides & golf. Another fun & full day.
The following week continued on with pricing, but I also started making photo copies of receipts. The insurance company would require them along with my insurance sheets of all the listed items. Some things I wasn't able to price through the internet so it meant physically having my list with clipboard and do my pricing in the store. Even when I wasn't in my uniform shirt and doing the pricing on my own time customers would still ask me for help. The only place that I wasn't bothered by customers was when I was pricing out my grocery items at Superstore.
Besides being in the middle of summer I also had to think of winter wear and not leave it for the last minute. So on another shopping day I came across some nice winter jackets plus Ruby was with me at the time so was able to buy her a jacket as well. I'm sure the temps were quite high the day I bought the jackets, but at that price I couldn't past it by. Buying used items at the Thrift Store was an option as well, which I did for some toys & stuffed animals that would be available for the grandchildren to play with when they came over to visit.
I took 1 week of holidays at the end of July (26th-31st) so I could make better progress on my insurance worksheets. I had done so much on my worksheets already, so I was seeing light at the end of the tunnel so to speak. We also had special services at Church in the beginning of the week and wanted to take part of it. I was determined to get as much done on my worksheets during the day and then go to the special service in the evening. I knew I would get overwhelmed if I did too many hours of pricing in one day.
July 26th ... received a chq in the mail from the insurance company, which was a nice surprise. I didn't think I would get another chq until I had all my insurance worksheets submitted. The timing of the chq sure relieved the stress on me in wanting to get my worksheets submitted as soon as possible. As soon as I got the chq I called and emailed the insurance adjudicator. He got back to me in a quick manner. It was good to touch base with him and give him a progress report. A few things that he appreciated from my progress was that I wasn't on his frequent caller list. He knew about my situation.... I was on my own and that I needed to work in order to support myself & Ruby, so taking time off from work for pricing etc was limited. Several times he suggested that my children help in the pricing. I knew my children were all very busy with their own work so I only asked for prices on certain items. During our conversation the adjudicator also said what the clean up bill would be which would be noted as a moving expense.... it was at a reasonable cost. As I said in my earlier posts that I felt the adjudicator was keeping me informed about things and he was looking out for me. I never felt that he wasn't taking care of matters. He proved himself many a time. The LORD had people in place for me... for which I was very thankful.
After 2 days of making very good progress I took a break to take a trip into Wpg. Ruby had been at her sister's place for a few days. Since I was in Wpg I also took a bit of time for some more shopping. Clothes shopping was an endless task, but was glad I was able to get dryer balls from Quilts Etc. We also needed to be back home for our first supper guests. It was the final service at Church for the special services and the speaker, his wife & brother-in-law were our supper guests. The services were a real blessing.
July 29th spent part of the day at home pricing my worksheet again. Now it was time for a break away from home, so we took a trip to Steinbach. Before going to Steinbach I drove to my country home by Grunthal to show Ruby where I grew up. The state of the house & property sure had changed and not for the better, it was worse. I took some pictures of the yard. I almost felt like going inside the house since it looked very abandoned, but didn't have enough courage to check the doors. If the inside wasn't kept up it would have been disheartening.
(Just recently we heard that someone else bought the place and are redoing the house. We (us sisters) were glad to hear such news. Hope to take pics this summer again).
Then off we were to Steinbach and stayed at my sister & brother-in-law's place for the night.
Friday (30th) morning we took in the parade in Steinbach. After the parade we did some shopping. Ruby also had a short visit with a friend that she hadn't seen in quite awhile. We were home by supper for a quick meal since I was going to an outside play. I enjoyed a relaxed evening at the outside play "MOSES" with Church friends.
The last day of the month was a saturday so it was a mix of things like shopping, pricing, laundry & cleaning.
Plus my holidays were extended a few more days into August which would help me a lot so I could work on my insurance worksheets some more. At this point I had not tallied up the insurance worksheets, which was probably a good thing.
Another month come & gone. It definitely was a month of challenges, blessings & much more.
So grateful that GOD is GOOD and supplied all our needs in such a timely matter.
"I can always count on God, my heavenly Father,
For He changes not; He always is the same.
Yesterday, today, forever, He is faithful,
And I know He loves me, praise His holy name!---Felten"
Saturday, 21 May 2011
Thursday, 5 May 2011
MONTH OF JUNE (Full & Busy)
The beginning of another week of work along with continuing with pricing on insurance worksheets. I didn't know if I had a time limit for submitting my worksheets so I was really trying to finish it as soon as possible. In fact the one morning as I'm getting up for the day I didn't feel rested since it felt like my mind had been going all night. So needless to say I felt tired even before my shift at work had begun.
The one evening shift that I was working a couple that I knew came into the store that had experienced a house fire in the winter. They didn't know that I had experienced the apartment fire until I told them. They were still replacing their items. I was able to get some good advice from them and they were quite willing to help me, They've been a source of encouragement to me during this time of loss & stress. Another person that was a source of encouragement to me was Merlin from Friesen Agency. Due to work and his work schedule it took a few attempts before we were finally able to talk. So when I went into the office to talk to him I also brought my worksheets along so that I could show him how I was listing things. He said I was on the right track and told me not to rush things. Merlin had also experienced a house fire, but many years ago when he was a a young adult living at home. He could relate to fire victims and gave some good advice. He even suggested taking note of what other family members would have in their house and compare it to what I may have had. It definitely would jog ones memory. I was also glad I had taken some pictures of the apartment even though it was after the fire, but sure wish I had taken more pictures.
Pricing older items like the rocking chair & stereo was difficult. Eventually what I did for the rocking chair I googled Amish furniture and found something similar and used that price as my replacement cost. Other items I would search on the internet like Canadian Tire, Sears, Home Hardware, Future Shop etc. When I wasn't able to find it on the website I would physically go into different stores to find something similar and price it that way. I also borrowed old CT catalogues from work (general manager had them in his office) to check for items and price accordingly. My computer desk wasn't that old, but wasn't available at CT any more. (I had bought it at CT). Some weeks I did more pricing then other weeks. It all depended on my schedule and other events. So pricing was a challenge and frustrating at times. Along with that trying to get into a regular routine of cooking a meal at home was a challenge.
Shopping for furniture was another challenge.
On June 7th I ordered a reclining sofa but would have to wait several weeks before I got it since the warehouse was out of stock. (I was missing my recliner A LOT).
June 11th. I did some more clothes shopping (an endless challenge). Here too I was missing a lot of my favorite outfits.
June 12th. A BIG shopping spree in Wpg. Shopping on this day consisted of a computer, printer, clothes, beanie bag chair (for Ruby), other miscellaneous items, replaced Ruby's grad shoes and my outfit & shoes for her grad as well. The back seat of my car was FULL(no room for passenger) and the trunk was almost full. I spent a lot of money that day.
June 14th. We went to the seamstress for a fitting on Ruby's grad dress. The seamstress waited till we had shoes before she did the final alterations. After that we did some more shopping. I believe I bought a Samsung TV that day. (I lost a Samsung TV in the fire and wanted the same thing since I liked it). Anything that needed assembling Ruby did and enjoyed it. Never ask me to assemble something cause I suck at it. (Just ask my children, they'd agree). I was also looking forward to my new tupperware that I had ordered from my daughter-in-law's party.
June 17th. Day off so another day of shopping which consisted of larger items like furniture. I had applied for a retail card at Home Furniture the previous week and was approved within minutes. Plus it allowed me time to pay it off since I was waiting for some more insurance money. The furniture that I purchased at Home Furniture consisted of my bed & frame, dresser with mirror/hutch, night table, Ruby's bed & frame, small freezer and desk (for computer). They were able to deliver most of it the next day which was very nice. Ruby had to wait for her bed (not in stock when I ordered). It felt so good to sleep in a normal bed again. Besides furniture shopping I also got a haircut so I was ready for Ruby's graduation.
June 19th. Ruby's dress was ready to be picked up, We were quite pleased with the alterations.
June 22nd. Internet hook-up and glad to have that convenience at home again. It sure was going to help speed up my pricing. I also had to change my email address, which I was hoping wouldn't be necessary.
This was the week of Ruby's graduation from grade 12, so I limited myself with pricing. I wanted to make sure nothing would spoil the preparation for grad.
June 24th. RUBY'S GRAD. What an emotional day. Ruby's friend came to do her make-up and then we went to the hair stylist. I sat in and watched the hair stylist do Ruby's hair. We got into a conversation of different things and ended up telling our experience with the apartment fire. When Ruby's hair was done I was ready to pay, but she didn't take anything for it. The hair stylist said that we should do some FUN thing together. Then I lost it.... the tears flowed out of pure happiness that she would do that for someone that she didn't even know (it was the first time that I met her). (I didn't tell my story for pity sake.) Like I said I had some emotional moments that day, but in all it was a wonderful day. It was a day that I wasn't sure I would ever see since Ruby wasn't under my care for almost 4 years. (That is another story in itself, which I won't go into). After the graduation supper Ruby went along with her sister & brother back to Wpg for the weekend. Now I had time to reflect on many things (good & bad). God knew I needed to see this day. It was an answer to prayer.
June 25th. I went furniture shopping again since I still needed a dining room set. So I went to Eldon's Furniture again and was able to purchase a dining room set which was the last floor model at a good price. They delivered it the same day.
The major furniture purchases were from only 2 stores which was quite adequate. I was pleased with my choice of furniture.
Several people have asked if I had fun shopping for new things. My view on that was mixed.... in some ways it was fun and in other ways it was frustrating. I guess some of the furniture had sentimental values or just very new.
As I was checking mail at the main post office and my new mail box I was pleased with the 1 package that I got from my Aunt. My Aunt from B.C. sent an envelope of pictures as a source of encouragement to me since she didn't know which pictures I may have lost in the fire.
Amongst all of these events during the month of June I was always glad for a day of rest (Sunday).
The Lord was continuing to provide and bless. "BE CAREFUL FOR NOTHING; BUT IN EVERY THING BY PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION WITH THANKSGIVING LET YOUR REQUESTS BE MADE KNOWN UNTO GOD. AND THE PEACE OF GOD, WHICH PASSETH ALL UNDERSTANDING, SHALL KEEP YOUR HEARTS AND MINDS THROUGH CHRIST JESUS." Philippians 4: 6 & 7.
The one evening shift that I was working a couple that I knew came into the store that had experienced a house fire in the winter. They didn't know that I had experienced the apartment fire until I told them. They were still replacing their items. I was able to get some good advice from them and they were quite willing to help me, They've been a source of encouragement to me during this time of loss & stress. Another person that was a source of encouragement to me was Merlin from Friesen Agency. Due to work and his work schedule it took a few attempts before we were finally able to talk. So when I went into the office to talk to him I also brought my worksheets along so that I could show him how I was listing things. He said I was on the right track and told me not to rush things. Merlin had also experienced a house fire, but many years ago when he was a a young adult living at home. He could relate to fire victims and gave some good advice. He even suggested taking note of what other family members would have in their house and compare it to what I may have had. It definitely would jog ones memory. I was also glad I had taken some pictures of the apartment even though it was after the fire, but sure wish I had taken more pictures.
Pricing older items like the rocking chair & stereo was difficult. Eventually what I did for the rocking chair I googled Amish furniture and found something similar and used that price as my replacement cost. Other items I would search on the internet like Canadian Tire, Sears, Home Hardware, Future Shop etc. When I wasn't able to find it on the website I would physically go into different stores to find something similar and price it that way. I also borrowed old CT catalogues from work (general manager had them in his office) to check for items and price accordingly. My computer desk wasn't that old, but wasn't available at CT any more. (I had bought it at CT). Some weeks I did more pricing then other weeks. It all depended on my schedule and other events. So pricing was a challenge and frustrating at times. Along with that trying to get into a regular routine of cooking a meal at home was a challenge.
Shopping for furniture was another challenge.
On June 7th I ordered a reclining sofa but would have to wait several weeks before I got it since the warehouse was out of stock. (I was missing my recliner A LOT).
June 11th. I did some more clothes shopping (an endless challenge). Here too I was missing a lot of my favorite outfits.
June 12th. A BIG shopping spree in Wpg. Shopping on this day consisted of a computer, printer, clothes, beanie bag chair (for Ruby), other miscellaneous items, replaced Ruby's grad shoes and my outfit & shoes for her grad as well. The back seat of my car was FULL(no room for passenger) and the trunk was almost full. I spent a lot of money that day.
June 14th. We went to the seamstress for a fitting on Ruby's grad dress. The seamstress waited till we had shoes before she did the final alterations. After that we did some more shopping. I believe I bought a Samsung TV that day. (I lost a Samsung TV in the fire and wanted the same thing since I liked it). Anything that needed assembling Ruby did and enjoyed it. Never ask me to assemble something cause I suck at it. (Just ask my children, they'd agree). I was also looking forward to my new tupperware that I had ordered from my daughter-in-law's party.
June 17th. Day off so another day of shopping which consisted of larger items like furniture. I had applied for a retail card at Home Furniture the previous week and was approved within minutes. Plus it allowed me time to pay it off since I was waiting for some more insurance money. The furniture that I purchased at Home Furniture consisted of my bed & frame, dresser with mirror/hutch, night table, Ruby's bed & frame, small freezer and desk (for computer). They were able to deliver most of it the next day which was very nice. Ruby had to wait for her bed (not in stock when I ordered). It felt so good to sleep in a normal bed again. Besides furniture shopping I also got a haircut so I was ready for Ruby's graduation.
June 19th. Ruby's dress was ready to be picked up, We were quite pleased with the alterations.
June 22nd. Internet hook-up and glad to have that convenience at home again. It sure was going to help speed up my pricing. I also had to change my email address, which I was hoping wouldn't be necessary.
This was the week of Ruby's graduation from grade 12, so I limited myself with pricing. I wanted to make sure nothing would spoil the preparation for grad.
June 24th. RUBY'S GRAD. What an emotional day. Ruby's friend came to do her make-up and then we went to the hair stylist. I sat in and watched the hair stylist do Ruby's hair. We got into a conversation of different things and ended up telling our experience with the apartment fire. When Ruby's hair was done I was ready to pay, but she didn't take anything for it. The hair stylist said that we should do some FUN thing together. Then I lost it.... the tears flowed out of pure happiness that she would do that for someone that she didn't even know (it was the first time that I met her). (I didn't tell my story for pity sake.) Like I said I had some emotional moments that day, but in all it was a wonderful day. It was a day that I wasn't sure I would ever see since Ruby wasn't under my care for almost 4 years. (That is another story in itself, which I won't go into). After the graduation supper Ruby went along with her sister & brother back to Wpg for the weekend. Now I had time to reflect on many things (good & bad). God knew I needed to see this day. It was an answer to prayer.
June 25th. I went furniture shopping again since I still needed a dining room set. So I went to Eldon's Furniture again and was able to purchase a dining room set which was the last floor model at a good price. They delivered it the same day.
The major furniture purchases were from only 2 stores which was quite adequate. I was pleased with my choice of furniture.
Several people have asked if I had fun shopping for new things. My view on that was mixed.... in some ways it was fun and in other ways it was frustrating. I guess some of the furniture had sentimental values or just very new.
As I was checking mail at the main post office and my new mail box I was pleased with the 1 package that I got from my Aunt. My Aunt from B.C. sent an envelope of pictures as a source of encouragement to me since she didn't know which pictures I may have lost in the fire.
Amongst all of these events during the month of June I was always glad for a day of rest (Sunday).
The Lord was continuing to provide and bless. "BE CAREFUL FOR NOTHING; BUT IN EVERY THING BY PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION WITH THANKSGIVING LET YOUR REQUESTS BE MADE KNOWN UNTO GOD. AND THE PEACE OF GOD, WHICH PASSETH ALL UNDERSTANDING, SHALL KEEP YOUR HEARTS AND MINDS THROUGH CHRIST JESUS." Philippians 4: 6 & 7.
Thursday, 21 April 2011
BACK TO WORK.....(May 31st - June 5th)
My start to the work week included many things along with breaking in new work shoes. My shift for monday (May 31st) wasn't a morning shift which was good. I had several things to do before work and they could only be done during the day. I went to Focal Point to reorder my eye glasses and since my glasses were less then 3 months old I only paid a replacement cost which was half off of what I had paid. I also went to the Post Office to see what the procedure was for picking up the mail and to give them my forwarding address. So every time I needed to check the mail it would have to be during the time that they were open. I also started making a list of people & places that would need my change of address. I had lost my address book in the fire so it was a little difficult trying to remember everyone that I possibly would have had in the book.
I gave myself some extra time for errands before going to work so I wouldn't feel rushed. As I get to work they had hot dogs in the BBQ for staff, so I had time to eat before beginnning my shift. Several people asked how I was doing and so I told them what kind of progress we were making and that we had a place.
My work day went well. As I'm serving customers I see many things that remind me of the items I lost in the fire. What was disheartening about some of the lost items was the fact that some things were quite new.... like my sofa, Samsung TV (less then 6 months old), apartment size freezer, pantry cupboard and some new clothes (or even my favorite clothes).
During the course of the week things were given to us that people didn't need or had doubles. Besides donated items money and/or gift card was given as well, which was appreciated very much.
My home phone was reconnected during the week as well, but no computer purchase yet.
So any pricing that I needed to do for my worksheets was limited since my time on a computer at the library or work was limited as well. Then on my day off during the week I did some major clothes shopping for myself and continued with my insurance worksheets.
There were many moments where I got overwhelmed with my ever increasing list of lost items from the fire.
Besides clothes shopping I also needed to look for furniture. I went to 3 or 4 furniture stores to see what was available and compared prices.
As I make my daily comments on facebook I continue to ask for prayer and also THANK everyone for their prayers & well wishes.
I also called the insurance adjudicator during the week and asked some questions in regards to how things should be listed on my worksheets.
I had started my rough copy list in a scribbler and then transferred to the actual insurance worksheet. Even then I had to redo quite a few worksheets because the insurance company wanted it categorized eg: (furniture, clothing, groceries, appliances etc.) So by the end of the week I was getting a little discouraged along with sore feet. It sure wasn't fun breaking in new work shoes. Glad our temporary beds were comfortable enough to give us a proper night sleep.
It almost felt like I had another full time job (not paid) besides my full time job. It was all very time consuming and lots of leg work. There sure wasn't a thing as free time to do fun things, at least not for awhile. We also checked the things I had retrieved from the fire that I had placed in someone's garage. Most of the photos that I had in the albums were okay, but the albums were finished. So we put the photos into plastic bags & boxed it up until I would have time to put them into new albums. (To this date of writing this post I still haven't put all the photos into new albums... side burner to do thing).
Due to the fire I had also missed out in seeing my cousins from B.C. who were visiting in the Wpg area for a couple of days.
After my day shift at work on saturday (June 5th) my sister & brother-in-law (James & Bertha) came out to see my place & have supper with me at the golf course restaraunt. (Ruby was out with friends). Besides having supper with me they also brought some more things from other family members and 2 large bags of clothes from her friend Betty.
Making meals at the new apartment during our first full week of living in it still wasn't much due to the fact that I lacked in kitchen supplies. I was buying kitchen or other household items several times a week and especially when I saw that it was on sale. Some items that were on sale came at a good time. Financially I was able to do all this since the 1st chq from the insurance company was a large amount, but I was still cautious with some buying. I didn't know when they would send me another chq.
So to close off this week I'm truely grateful for everyone's prayers, support and well wishes. Thankful for what the Lord has done in spite of the loss of material possessions. Again it also means taking 1 day at a time and keeping my faith in the Lord that He will supply what I need. HEBREWS 11:1 "NOW FAITH IS THE SUBSTANCE OF THINGS HOPED FOR, THE EVIDENCE OF THINGS NOT SEEN". My Bible that I lost in the fire always opened in the book of Hebrews.
I gave myself some extra time for errands before going to work so I wouldn't feel rushed. As I get to work they had hot dogs in the BBQ for staff, so I had time to eat before beginnning my shift. Several people asked how I was doing and so I told them what kind of progress we were making and that we had a place.
My work day went well. As I'm serving customers I see many things that remind me of the items I lost in the fire. What was disheartening about some of the lost items was the fact that some things were quite new.... like my sofa, Samsung TV (less then 6 months old), apartment size freezer, pantry cupboard and some new clothes (or even my favorite clothes).
During the course of the week things were given to us that people didn't need or had doubles. Besides donated items money and/or gift card was given as well, which was appreciated very much.
My home phone was reconnected during the week as well, but no computer purchase yet.
So any pricing that I needed to do for my worksheets was limited since my time on a computer at the library or work was limited as well. Then on my day off during the week I did some major clothes shopping for myself and continued with my insurance worksheets.
There were many moments where I got overwhelmed with my ever increasing list of lost items from the fire.
Besides clothes shopping I also needed to look for furniture. I went to 3 or 4 furniture stores to see what was available and compared prices.
As I make my daily comments on facebook I continue to ask for prayer and also THANK everyone for their prayers & well wishes.
I also called the insurance adjudicator during the week and asked some questions in regards to how things should be listed on my worksheets.
I had started my rough copy list in a scribbler and then transferred to the actual insurance worksheet. Even then I had to redo quite a few worksheets because the insurance company wanted it categorized eg: (furniture, clothing, groceries, appliances etc.) So by the end of the week I was getting a little discouraged along with sore feet. It sure wasn't fun breaking in new work shoes. Glad our temporary beds were comfortable enough to give us a proper night sleep.
It almost felt like I had another full time job (not paid) besides my full time job. It was all very time consuming and lots of leg work. There sure wasn't a thing as free time to do fun things, at least not for awhile. We also checked the things I had retrieved from the fire that I had placed in someone's garage. Most of the photos that I had in the albums were okay, but the albums were finished. So we put the photos into plastic bags & boxed it up until I would have time to put them into new albums. (To this date of writing this post I still haven't put all the photos into new albums... side burner to do thing).
Due to the fire I had also missed out in seeing my cousins from B.C. who were visiting in the Wpg area for a couple of days.
After my day shift at work on saturday (June 5th) my sister & brother-in-law (James & Bertha) came out to see my place & have supper with me at the golf course restaraunt. (Ruby was out with friends). Besides having supper with me they also brought some more things from other family members and 2 large bags of clothes from her friend Betty.
Making meals at the new apartment during our first full week of living in it still wasn't much due to the fact that I lacked in kitchen supplies. I was buying kitchen or other household items several times a week and especially when I saw that it was on sale. Some items that were on sale came at a good time. Financially I was able to do all this since the 1st chq from the insurance company was a large amount, but I was still cautious with some buying. I didn't know when they would send me another chq.
So to close off this week I'm truely grateful for everyone's prayers, support and well wishes. Thankful for what the Lord has done in spite of the loss of material possessions. Again it also means taking 1 day at a time and keeping my faith in the Lord that He will supply what I need. HEBREWS 11:1 "NOW FAITH IS THE SUBSTANCE OF THINGS HOPED FOR, THE EVIDENCE OF THINGS NOT SEEN". My Bible that I lost in the fire always opened in the book of Hebrews.
Sunday, 10 April 2011
WEEKEND (Shopping Day & Sunday)
Saturday, May 29th-----Another shopping day.
Morning. After a reasonably restful night we start our day with a list of things to do. First we went out for breakfast so we could begin doing what we needed to.
After breakfast we went to B & D Music where they were holding donated items for the fire victims. This was my first visit to the site so I wasn't sure what was available. Their backroom was quite full with many good donated items. We started going through the items and managed to get quite a bit. My first piece of furniture was a gliding style rocking chair with cushion (in excellent shape). The other items were micro wave, kitchen items (like a knife block with knives, glassware, cutlery wrapped in cloth, bowls, tupperware), pillows & bedding, some towels and Ruby chose some clothes. I managed to get everything into the car without having to make 2 trips. We unpack again at home and then head to Winkler for other errands and MORE SHOPPING.
One of my errands was to my landlord's (Wall's) house to pay for rent. As we're talking about things around the kitchen table I asked them how long the apartment suite was empty. It had been vacant for 2 months. I truly believe the LORD kept the suite vacant for us. (To this day when I really think about it I'm just in awe of how the LORD works in such mysterious ways... in our eyes). Mr & Mrs. Wall told us how things just didn't turn out for the ones that were interested in the suite. (Again there was a reason for that). I'm thankful for a Christian couple as my landlords.
Another errand was the MTS center. Now that I had a place of permanent residence I could get my home phone reconnected. As we're waiting in line for our turn the gentleman in front of us gives his address which was the same as ours (apartment fire address). I said hello to the gentleman and said we were neighbours. It explained why he looked familiar. We briefly talked as to how each of us were doing.
Before doing our major grocery shopping at Superstore we also check out TWICE AS NICE (Clothing store) and make a sizeable purchase at the store, which was more for Ruby then myself. We also shopped at DOLLARAMA for an assortment of miscellaneous items (cheaper isn't always better though).
In the midst of our many stops during our shopping we probably ate out again.
Finally last stop was shopping at SUPERSTORE. Ruby took a shopping cart and so did I. I can't remember the last time I used 2 shopping carts (last time may have been when the children were little). One cart was for groceries and the other cart was for miscellaneous. As we were shopping Melody text to see how our shopping venture was coming along and asked HAVING FUN?? She also recommended using store coupons. We did look for a sales flyer, but couldn't find one. Now if I had been more persistent and found a coupon I would have got a $20 or $25 gift card for having a purchase of over $200.
After we were done with our shopping it was time for a milkshake treat from McDonalds. Now it was home time to unpack all the things I had bought, it was a car full.
We also borrowed a very used table & chairs from one of Ruby's friends mother. I said it would be used temporarily until I had a new set.
It was a full day and wanting to relax wasn't the same. The one piece of furniture I surely missed was my recliner. Since we didn't have a computer or TV it meant occupying our time with other things, which wasn't too hard to do. I'm sure I continued with my insurance worksheets at every available time.
Bed time probably came earlier as well since the day had been busy. Thankful for a safe and eventful day.
Sunday, May 30th (DAY OF REST)
Morning. I was glad it was Sunday and looked forward to Church service.
The Pastor again announced a need for the fire victims and the donation site. I don't remember the title of the message, but its always good to be in the Lord's house on Sunday. A time to learn more from the Bible, sing songs from the Hymn Book and fellowship with other Christians.
After the morning service we went out for lunch with some friends from Church. This was almost a routine thing to do after Church and was glad that something wasn't out of the norm.
The rest of the afternoon we relaxed at home (at least it was a physical relax time), but mentally I still had a lot on my mind. I may have continued on with some paper work or my worksheet list.
We had evening service that Sunday as well, so we were back in Church.
After the evening service we were informed about the grocery hamper that we could take home. It was a sizeable amount and sure helped to fill our cupboards. The Lord was providing in many ways.
Again it had been a full weekend. Now it was time for bed and my thoughts were on what I would need to do during the week besides going back to work.
Morning. After a reasonably restful night we start our day with a list of things to do. First we went out for breakfast so we could begin doing what we needed to.
After breakfast we went to B & D Music where they were holding donated items for the fire victims. This was my first visit to the site so I wasn't sure what was available. Their backroom was quite full with many good donated items. We started going through the items and managed to get quite a bit. My first piece of furniture was a gliding style rocking chair with cushion (in excellent shape). The other items were micro wave, kitchen items (like a knife block with knives, glassware, cutlery wrapped in cloth, bowls, tupperware), pillows & bedding, some towels and Ruby chose some clothes. I managed to get everything into the car without having to make 2 trips. We unpack again at home and then head to Winkler for other errands and MORE SHOPPING.
One of my errands was to my landlord's (Wall's) house to pay for rent. As we're talking about things around the kitchen table I asked them how long the apartment suite was empty. It had been vacant for 2 months. I truly believe the LORD kept the suite vacant for us. (To this day when I really think about it I'm just in awe of how the LORD works in such mysterious ways... in our eyes). Mr & Mrs. Wall told us how things just didn't turn out for the ones that were interested in the suite. (Again there was a reason for that). I'm thankful for a Christian couple as my landlords.
Another errand was the MTS center. Now that I had a place of permanent residence I could get my home phone reconnected. As we're waiting in line for our turn the gentleman in front of us gives his address which was the same as ours (apartment fire address). I said hello to the gentleman and said we were neighbours. It explained why he looked familiar. We briefly talked as to how each of us were doing.
Before doing our major grocery shopping at Superstore we also check out TWICE AS NICE (Clothing store) and make a sizeable purchase at the store, which was more for Ruby then myself. We also shopped at DOLLARAMA for an assortment of miscellaneous items (cheaper isn't always better though).
In the midst of our many stops during our shopping we probably ate out again.
Finally last stop was shopping at SUPERSTORE. Ruby took a shopping cart and so did I. I can't remember the last time I used 2 shopping carts (last time may have been when the children were little). One cart was for groceries and the other cart was for miscellaneous. As we were shopping Melody text to see how our shopping venture was coming along and asked HAVING FUN?? She also recommended using store coupons. We did look for a sales flyer, but couldn't find one. Now if I had been more persistent and found a coupon I would have got a $20 or $25 gift card for having a purchase of over $200.
After we were done with our shopping it was time for a milkshake treat from McDonalds. Now it was home time to unpack all the things I had bought, it was a car full.
We also borrowed a very used table & chairs from one of Ruby's friends mother. I said it would be used temporarily until I had a new set.
It was a full day and wanting to relax wasn't the same. The one piece of furniture I surely missed was my recliner. Since we didn't have a computer or TV it meant occupying our time with other things, which wasn't too hard to do. I'm sure I continued with my insurance worksheets at every available time.
Bed time probably came earlier as well since the day had been busy. Thankful for a safe and eventful day.
Sunday, May 30th (DAY OF REST)
Morning. I was glad it was Sunday and looked forward to Church service.
The Pastor again announced a need for the fire victims and the donation site. I don't remember the title of the message, but its always good to be in the Lord's house on Sunday. A time to learn more from the Bible, sing songs from the Hymn Book and fellowship with other Christians.
After the morning service we went out for lunch with some friends from Church. This was almost a routine thing to do after Church and was glad that something wasn't out of the norm.
The rest of the afternoon we relaxed at home (at least it was a physical relax time), but mentally I still had a lot on my mind. I may have continued on with some paper work or my worksheet list.
We had evening service that Sunday as well, so we were back in Church.
After the evening service we were informed about the grocery hamper that we could take home. It was a sizeable amount and sure helped to fill our cupboards. The Lord was providing in many ways.
Again it had been a full weekend. Now it was time for bed and my thoughts were on what I would need to do during the week besides going back to work.
Friday, 1 April 2011
MOVING DAY & SHOPPING DAY
Day 8----May 28th (friday)
Morning. So here we were actually 1 week after the fire.
Since the morning of my dizzy spells I was a little cautious as I got up for the day. Glad I was getting stronger every day and I needed it. My day was going to be a full day. As I wait for the restoration office to call I continue with my list. This is how I started making a list of my belongings. I mentally visioned what I had in every room and that's how I wrote it down in the scribbler. Taking pictures of the apartment helped jog my memory as well even though I didn't take pictures of every shelf in the cupboard or every corner. Another list that I started on was a grocery list & immediate household items that we would need.
I also packed up our items that I had bought into a tote which wasn't much but still took a lot of space in the back seat of the car.
Once the restoration office called I got ready to go to the apartment. It was almost noon time by the time I was in the apartment suite. My contact person (Karen) gave me insurance worksheets and a clipboard. I really didn't know where to begin so Karen helped me in starting my list.
(Here is an explanation of what the restoration crew does. They were assigned to removing items from the suites once it was cleared from the head person and after the tenant had signed a release form. Items that could be salvaged would be packed up by the crew and taken to their restoration site in Wpg if that is what the tenant requested. Another option was for the tenant to remove his or her own things at their own cost. Any cleaning that the restoration site would do would still be taken out of the tenants insurance coverage.)
So we started going through my belongings to see if anything was salvageable, if it wasn't worth keeping it went onto a pile. As we did that I wrote it on my worksheet e.g "Samsung TV". Some things you couldn't list or put a price on ... like photos. I did list my photo albums, but I still removed them from the apartment (It was the living room/ dining room area where we started). TIP--The best way to store photo albums on a shelf is to have them stacked on top of each other not beside each other. I had them stacked and by doing it that way the heat of the fire had melted the plastic & sealed the album. I had saved a lot of photos by keeping my albums in such a manner. If there was anything I could keep or would like to keep it was put into a plastic bag or box. Since Ruby wasn't able to help that afternoon her friend Carl came to help with whatever he could. Shortly after I had started listing things on my worksheets Karen gets called about lunch. She asked if I'd be okay on my own and I said yes, so she excused herself for lunch. I was by myself for a little while before Carl came to help. It was slow going and disheartening as I rummage through things. We could have spent hours going through my belongings, but the head man of the restoration crew or security crew put a stop to it very quickly. When Karen came back from lunch the head man came into my suite as well and asked what we were doing here. He also asked about insurance coverage and said I was totally covered with the amount I gave him. He insisted that we get out ASAP and that I would get my full coverage. The reason he said to get out ASAP was because it wasn't very safe again to be in the apartment. The ceilings were starting to buckle from the weight of the water on the floors above our suite. It was quite noticeable in the bedrooms. So we were literally rushed out of the apartment without making a proper list of my belongings. Karen asked if I had taken pictures or made some notes of belongings, which I had the best I could. We briefly check things in the bedroom to see if anything could be removed.
These are the items I removed from the apartment: photo albums, some movies, music CD's, computer tower, jewellry boxes, totes with fabric & blankets, stainless steel noodle machine & stainless steel stock pot. I had a large photo frame of Melody (3 years old) in my bedroom and a 8 x 10 photo frame of Ruby (flower girl photo) in her bedroom that I quickly snatched up as well even though they were slightly damaged. Ruby also had some grad photos in a ziploc bag which didn't look too bad. (Thankfully she had given most of her grad photos to family & friends before the fire). We put all these items into large plastic bags or cardboard boxes that the restoration crew provided. The computer tower was damaged, but I wanted someone to take out the hard drive and see if the info on it could be saved. The photo albums were damaged, but the photos looked okay and the same applied to the jewellry boxes & jewellry. As for the totes they were sealed so I was hoping the contents inside would be fine. We didn't remove any clothes or shoes. Now with the little bit that I was removing from the apartment I needed to store it somewhere so it could air out. I didn't want to stink up someone's place. As we were finishing up at the apartment Ruby came since she was done with her day of school. Before leaving the apartment I had to sign some forms with Karen which stated that whatever was left in the apartment was getting discarded by them, nothing was worth cleaning. The 2 items that I questioned was the rocking chair (which was my grandparents) and the stereo with record player (70's style inherited from mom & dad's estate which I was really holding for son Phillip). In the end I let them go. Now that I had taken what I wanted I needed to make a quick phone call about storing it in a friend's garage, plus a truck to transport the items. Carl called his grandfather and asked to borrow the truck and he was kind enough to do so. We transport the items to a garage which had easy access and then we could go through it on our own time and not be rushed.
After the truck was returned we got some air mattresses from Carl's place and take them to our new apartment. This was Ruby's first time seeing the apartment and she really liked the kitchen area.
Now it was time to do a little bit of shopping, so we head over to Winkler.
First stop was Canadian Tire (my work place). Since I hadn't been at work all week due to how I had felt I thought it would be nice to touch base with my boss (Dave). We go upstairs to Dave's office and let him know how things are going.
Back downstairs we start shopping and it sure didn't take long to get a shopping cart full.
Believe me this was just the beginning of many, many more shoppping days ahead.
As we get unpacked at our new HOME we make due with what we have. We pump up the air mattresses later in the evening as we get ready for bed. The single air mattress was mine, but was elsewhere at the time of the fire and the queen size mattress Carl had picked up from my sister Ruth's house a few weeks prior to the fire.
It was another tiring day and eating take out food as we needed it.
Sleep came quiet easily, but with many thoughts going through my mind again. At the same time thankful for the help that we got that day. The Lord provides & protects. Good night.
Morning. So here we were actually 1 week after the fire.
Since the morning of my dizzy spells I was a little cautious as I got up for the day. Glad I was getting stronger every day and I needed it. My day was going to be a full day. As I wait for the restoration office to call I continue with my list. This is how I started making a list of my belongings. I mentally visioned what I had in every room and that's how I wrote it down in the scribbler. Taking pictures of the apartment helped jog my memory as well even though I didn't take pictures of every shelf in the cupboard or every corner. Another list that I started on was a grocery list & immediate household items that we would need.
I also packed up our items that I had bought into a tote which wasn't much but still took a lot of space in the back seat of the car.
Once the restoration office called I got ready to go to the apartment. It was almost noon time by the time I was in the apartment suite. My contact person (Karen) gave me insurance worksheets and a clipboard. I really didn't know where to begin so Karen helped me in starting my list.
(Here is an explanation of what the restoration crew does. They were assigned to removing items from the suites once it was cleared from the head person and after the tenant had signed a release form. Items that could be salvaged would be packed up by the crew and taken to their restoration site in Wpg if that is what the tenant requested. Another option was for the tenant to remove his or her own things at their own cost. Any cleaning that the restoration site would do would still be taken out of the tenants insurance coverage.)
So we started going through my belongings to see if anything was salvageable, if it wasn't worth keeping it went onto a pile. As we did that I wrote it on my worksheet e.g "Samsung TV". Some things you couldn't list or put a price on ... like photos. I did list my photo albums, but I still removed them from the apartment (It was the living room/ dining room area where we started). TIP--The best way to store photo albums on a shelf is to have them stacked on top of each other not beside each other. I had them stacked and by doing it that way the heat of the fire had melted the plastic & sealed the album. I had saved a lot of photos by keeping my albums in such a manner. If there was anything I could keep or would like to keep it was put into a plastic bag or box. Since Ruby wasn't able to help that afternoon her friend Carl came to help with whatever he could. Shortly after I had started listing things on my worksheets Karen gets called about lunch. She asked if I'd be okay on my own and I said yes, so she excused herself for lunch. I was by myself for a little while before Carl came to help. It was slow going and disheartening as I rummage through things. We could have spent hours going through my belongings, but the head man of the restoration crew or security crew put a stop to it very quickly. When Karen came back from lunch the head man came into my suite as well and asked what we were doing here. He also asked about insurance coverage and said I was totally covered with the amount I gave him. He insisted that we get out ASAP and that I would get my full coverage. The reason he said to get out ASAP was because it wasn't very safe again to be in the apartment. The ceilings were starting to buckle from the weight of the water on the floors above our suite. It was quite noticeable in the bedrooms. So we were literally rushed out of the apartment without making a proper list of my belongings. Karen asked if I had taken pictures or made some notes of belongings, which I had the best I could. We briefly check things in the bedroom to see if anything could be removed.
These are the items I removed from the apartment: photo albums, some movies, music CD's, computer tower, jewellry boxes, totes with fabric & blankets, stainless steel noodle machine & stainless steel stock pot. I had a large photo frame of Melody (3 years old) in my bedroom and a 8 x 10 photo frame of Ruby (flower girl photo) in her bedroom that I quickly snatched up as well even though they were slightly damaged. Ruby also had some grad photos in a ziploc bag which didn't look too bad. (Thankfully she had given most of her grad photos to family & friends before the fire). We put all these items into large plastic bags or cardboard boxes that the restoration crew provided. The computer tower was damaged, but I wanted someone to take out the hard drive and see if the info on it could be saved. The photo albums were damaged, but the photos looked okay and the same applied to the jewellry boxes & jewellry. As for the totes they were sealed so I was hoping the contents inside would be fine. We didn't remove any clothes or shoes. Now with the little bit that I was removing from the apartment I needed to store it somewhere so it could air out. I didn't want to stink up someone's place. As we were finishing up at the apartment Ruby came since she was done with her day of school. Before leaving the apartment I had to sign some forms with Karen which stated that whatever was left in the apartment was getting discarded by them, nothing was worth cleaning. The 2 items that I questioned was the rocking chair (which was my grandparents) and the stereo with record player (70's style inherited from mom & dad's estate which I was really holding for son Phillip). In the end I let them go. Now that I had taken what I wanted I needed to make a quick phone call about storing it in a friend's garage, plus a truck to transport the items. Carl called his grandfather and asked to borrow the truck and he was kind enough to do so. We transport the items to a garage which had easy access and then we could go through it on our own time and not be rushed.
After the truck was returned we got some air mattresses from Carl's place and take them to our new apartment. This was Ruby's first time seeing the apartment and she really liked the kitchen area.
Now it was time to do a little bit of shopping, so we head over to Winkler.
First stop was Canadian Tire (my work place). Since I hadn't been at work all week due to how I had felt I thought it would be nice to touch base with my boss (Dave). We go upstairs to Dave's office and let him know how things are going.
Back downstairs we start shopping and it sure didn't take long to get a shopping cart full.
Believe me this was just the beginning of many, many more shoppping days ahead.
As we get unpacked at our new HOME we make due with what we have. We pump up the air mattresses later in the evening as we get ready for bed. The single air mattress was mine, but was elsewhere at the time of the fire and the queen size mattress Carl had picked up from my sister Ruth's house a few weeks prior to the fire.
It was another tiring day and eating take out food as we needed it.
Sleep came quiet easily, but with many thoughts going through my mind again. At the same time thankful for the help that we got that day. The Lord provides & protects. Good night.
Sunday, 27 March 2011
WHAT A SIGHT
DAY 7----May 27th (thursday)
The morning dawned with much improvement from my dizziness. Along with the dizzy spells being a lot less I was very glad to take a shower and feel refreshed. I felt like I could face the day with making some kind of plans instead of staying in bed.
The last time the insurance adjudicator called he said there would be a cheque for me at the insurance agency. (I'm not sure if it was tuesday or wednesday).
Two phone calls that morning were good news. One was from the restoration office saying I could go into the apartment and view the damage. The other phone call was from a co-worker (Linda) letting me know that her Uncle & Aunt had a 2 bedroom apartment available in Morden plus it was immediate possession. I knew the couple and so I called them. They were sympathetic in regards to my loss and said they would really like me to take the apartment. (Mrs. Wall may have even said we'd love to have you in there. How sweet). So here was an available apartment suite and it was mine even before I said yes and even before I saw it. We discussed seeing the apartment that day, but a time would have to be determined once I was in Morden. (The Lord was working things out for us. PRAISE THE LORD).
Meanwhile before leaving the house to do my errands Ruby called to see what the conditions were like at the apartment. We discuss seeing the damaged apartment together. I didn't want to go in by myself and it was something we needed to do together because we knew it wouldn't be a pretty sight. Plus I was also able to give her the good news about the other apartment.
My first errand that day was to go to the insurance agency for my cheque and deposit it into my bank account. I was very glad that I was able to function and I felt safe driving the car on my own (no driver needed). The cheque was a large amount for the many immediate belongings we would need, it definitely would help.
Before going into Morden I also needed to buy hard hats and rubber boots. This was a requirement from the restoration office for when we were going into the apartment. When I got into Morden I picked Ruby up from the school. Next stop was the apartment and I was nervous. We find a security guard and check with him about entering our suite. As we go inside and to our suite I asked Ruby "ARE YOU READY TO SEE IT?", The security guard opens the door and leaves us alone as we go in. I can hardly describe what we saw next, it was almost unbelievable. I think I was more overwhelmed by the damage then Ruby was. So much was just charcoal black from the fire and very little was in its orginal place. If the items weren't fire damaged they were smoke or water damaged.
(Here are some examples of what it looked like. The TV was totally melted down and the VCR & DVD players were melted together as well (they were individual units) since it was all in the direct line of fire. The recliner's fabric was burnt to a crisp with the coils showing and the sofa was just as bad. Any type of plastic was melted or quite shrivelled depending on the level of the heat and its location. The freezer's coils were visible from the outside. The kitchen cupboard doors were blown off. In the bathroom the shower curtain had melted and fallen into the tub, but the bath towels were still hanging on the shower rod in one piece. In Ruby's bedroom the window shades were shrivelled as well from the intensity of the heat. Our clothes were all smoke filled along with water damage. Our shoes that we had at the entrance were nowhere in sight. It literally was a disaster zone.)
A person from the restoration crew was assigned to our suite, but I had just missed that person by about 30 minutes. I didn't know where to start so we just looked at what we could and took some pictures. We didn't remove anything from the apartment that day. We went back outside and I made a phone call to the restoration office. I was informed that the crew would be back the next day and that someone would call me when they were at the apartment. So that was the extent of our viewing of the apartment. I let the security guard know we were done for the day and that the door could be locked up again. Another thing tenants were informed about was about our mail. The post office was holding our mail and we would have to go in and ask for it.
After seeing the apartment I brought Ruby back to school and discuss what I would do on friday. I also wanted to know how she was doing and how her subjects were scheduled. There were some tests or classes that she couldn't miss on friday so she wouldn't be able to leave until those were done.
Then I call Mr & Mrs. Wall to see when they would be in Morden so that I could see the apartment.
The new apartment was a ground level suite with no stairs except for the outside step into the apartment. Wall's greeted me as I enter the apartment. The thing that appealed to me right away was the size of the kitchen & counter space and I was quite certain that Ruby would like it as well. The bedrooms were a reasonable size, the bathroom was adequate plus there was a nice open area between the bedrooms & bathroom. The storage room had several shelves and a storage cupboard which we could use if needed. The living room looked narrow to me so I thought it might be a bit of a challenge to arrange furniture when the time came. The laundry room wasn't in my suite so I would have to step out to go to the laundry room which was located in the middle of the apartment building. Everyone had their own entrance, no joining hallway. We discuss rent and a few other things, so my decision was YES I'll take it and when could we move in. (moving in with nothing really). They gave me the keys and we were free to move in immediately if we wanted to.
After I was finished in Morden I headed back to Diedrich & Judy's. This time I was able to enjoy a good supper with them at the table. Plus the medication was working and I was starting to feel much better, but still made sure I didn't make any fast moves. I also enjoyed the grandchildren's company as I was up and around them. I discuss my day with them and how things had turned out at both apartments.
In all it was a bittersweet day. Seeing the fire damage was overwhelming and yet securing a new apartment the same day was a blessing and an answer to prayer. THANK YOU LORD for providing in such a timely matter. So much to be thankful for even in these difficult times.
It was a tiring day due to all the emotions so when it was bedtime sleep came quite easily. This was going to be my last night at Diedrich & Judy's. Goodnight.
The morning dawned with much improvement from my dizziness. Along with the dizzy spells being a lot less I was very glad to take a shower and feel refreshed. I felt like I could face the day with making some kind of plans instead of staying in bed.
The last time the insurance adjudicator called he said there would be a cheque for me at the insurance agency. (I'm not sure if it was tuesday or wednesday).
Two phone calls that morning were good news. One was from the restoration office saying I could go into the apartment and view the damage. The other phone call was from a co-worker (Linda) letting me know that her Uncle & Aunt had a 2 bedroom apartment available in Morden plus it was immediate possession. I knew the couple and so I called them. They were sympathetic in regards to my loss and said they would really like me to take the apartment. (Mrs. Wall may have even said we'd love to have you in there. How sweet). So here was an available apartment suite and it was mine even before I said yes and even before I saw it. We discussed seeing the apartment that day, but a time would have to be determined once I was in Morden. (The Lord was working things out for us. PRAISE THE LORD).
Meanwhile before leaving the house to do my errands Ruby called to see what the conditions were like at the apartment. We discuss seeing the damaged apartment together. I didn't want to go in by myself and it was something we needed to do together because we knew it wouldn't be a pretty sight. Plus I was also able to give her the good news about the other apartment.
My first errand that day was to go to the insurance agency for my cheque and deposit it into my bank account. I was very glad that I was able to function and I felt safe driving the car on my own (no driver needed). The cheque was a large amount for the many immediate belongings we would need, it definitely would help.
Before going into Morden I also needed to buy hard hats and rubber boots. This was a requirement from the restoration office for when we were going into the apartment. When I got into Morden I picked Ruby up from the school. Next stop was the apartment and I was nervous. We find a security guard and check with him about entering our suite. As we go inside and to our suite I asked Ruby "ARE YOU READY TO SEE IT?", The security guard opens the door and leaves us alone as we go in. I can hardly describe what we saw next, it was almost unbelievable. I think I was more overwhelmed by the damage then Ruby was. So much was just charcoal black from the fire and very little was in its orginal place. If the items weren't fire damaged they were smoke or water damaged.
(Here are some examples of what it looked like. The TV was totally melted down and the VCR & DVD players were melted together as well (they were individual units) since it was all in the direct line of fire. The recliner's fabric was burnt to a crisp with the coils showing and the sofa was just as bad. Any type of plastic was melted or quite shrivelled depending on the level of the heat and its location. The freezer's coils were visible from the outside. The kitchen cupboard doors were blown off. In the bathroom the shower curtain had melted and fallen into the tub, but the bath towels were still hanging on the shower rod in one piece. In Ruby's bedroom the window shades were shrivelled as well from the intensity of the heat. Our clothes were all smoke filled along with water damage. Our shoes that we had at the entrance were nowhere in sight. It literally was a disaster zone.)
A person from the restoration crew was assigned to our suite, but I had just missed that person by about 30 minutes. I didn't know where to start so we just looked at what we could and took some pictures. We didn't remove anything from the apartment that day. We went back outside and I made a phone call to the restoration office. I was informed that the crew would be back the next day and that someone would call me when they were at the apartment. So that was the extent of our viewing of the apartment. I let the security guard know we were done for the day and that the door could be locked up again. Another thing tenants were informed about was about our mail. The post office was holding our mail and we would have to go in and ask for it.
After seeing the apartment I brought Ruby back to school and discuss what I would do on friday. I also wanted to know how she was doing and how her subjects were scheduled. There were some tests or classes that she couldn't miss on friday so she wouldn't be able to leave until those were done.
Then I call Mr & Mrs. Wall to see when they would be in Morden so that I could see the apartment.
The new apartment was a ground level suite with no stairs except for the outside step into the apartment. Wall's greeted me as I enter the apartment. The thing that appealed to me right away was the size of the kitchen & counter space and I was quite certain that Ruby would like it as well. The bedrooms were a reasonable size, the bathroom was adequate plus there was a nice open area between the bedrooms & bathroom. The storage room had several shelves and a storage cupboard which we could use if needed. The living room looked narrow to me so I thought it might be a bit of a challenge to arrange furniture when the time came. The laundry room wasn't in my suite so I would have to step out to go to the laundry room which was located in the middle of the apartment building. Everyone had their own entrance, no joining hallway. We discuss rent and a few other things, so my decision was YES I'll take it and when could we move in. (moving in with nothing really). They gave me the keys and we were free to move in immediately if we wanted to.
After I was finished in Morden I headed back to Diedrich & Judy's. This time I was able to enjoy a good supper with them at the table. Plus the medication was working and I was starting to feel much better, but still made sure I didn't make any fast moves. I also enjoyed the grandchildren's company as I was up and around them. I discuss my day with them and how things had turned out at both apartments.
In all it was a bittersweet day. Seeing the fire damage was overwhelming and yet securing a new apartment the same day was a blessing and an answer to prayer. THANK YOU LORD for providing in such a timely matter. So much to be thankful for even in these difficult times.
It was a tiring day due to all the emotions so when it was bedtime sleep came quite easily. This was going to be my last night at Diedrich & Judy's. Goodnight.
Sunday, 20 March 2011
Gloomy & Miserable Weather; PLUS
DAY FOUR----May 24th (Victoria Day)
The day started off cloudy with very little sunshine and the weather forecast wasn't promising much sunshine. Regardless of the weather we still had a restful sleep during the night.
I had started making a list of my belongings and little did I know how long my list was going to be.
We had an appointment to see an apartment at noon and we had a few options as to which suite we would like. The only thing was that they weren't immediate possession and the one was only temporary. Plus others were looking too and I didn't have first option.
After looking at the apartment we get something from Tim Horton's. Tim Horton's sure became a regular stop for us. We also check with a friend to see if we could use her computer for a little bit.
Since it was a holiday there wasn't much we could do so we headed back to Roland. It had started raining quite a bit while we were in Morden.
The next time the adjudicator called he commented on how calm I had been on saturday. I told him that I had my moments. Again he kept me informed on things before & after we were allowed into the apartment.
We didn't see the inside of the apartment on Victoria Day.
After supper I took Ruby to her friends house close to Morden. She needed to stay somewhere in or close to Morden so that she could continue going to school. As I talk to her friends mother the offer was given to me that I could stay there for the night as well. I declined because I really felt more comfortable staying with family. The next morning I was very glad I had made that decision.
The rest of the evening was a relaxing time with watching a movie. Bedtime came before midnight since I needed to work in the morning.
DAY FIVE----May 25th (tuesday)
As a rule I was able to sleep right through the night before getting up for the day. That night I needed to get up to use the bathroom and the minute I sat up the room was spinning (I was feeling dizzy). I immedialely laid down and the dizziness subsided. I tried getting up several times, but each time the dizzy spell was so severe I couldn't even focus on the doorway. Finally I managed with great difficulty to get myself to the bathroom and then back to bed. As I flop myself back on the bed the dizziness subsides, plus it was better to lay on my right side. I was hoping it would go away by 7 so I could get myself ready for work, but if it didn't I would have to call in sick. The dizziness didn't go away and so I called in sick.
Then when Judy came into the bedroom to pick her daughter up from the crib I told her that I wasn't going to work & why. Judy asked if she should take me to the clinic or hospital. I told her I would try to sleep it off first. I did sleep on and off almost all day, but it really didn't take the dizziness away. I guess my body was reacting to the stress & turmoil of the fire. After a few hours I asked Judy for some water & crackers and stayed in bed all day. I literally couldn't function and making any attempts in getting up just resulted in being dizzy.
(Since the bedroom was on the second floor I didn't hear much noise from the grandchildren at all. I'm glad they were too young to realize what was going on. Plus the cat was my companion that day, which was kind of soothing to a point.)
During the course of the day the adjudicator calls and says no one is allowed into the apartment yet because of the rainy & windy conditions. The conditions made it unsafe for people to enter the apartment. I also told him how I was feeling and said I wasn't going anywhere. Another call was from the lead person of the restoration crew and he also confirmed the state of the apartment (not safe to enter). [I will explain more on this in another post.] They both said take care and rest, just do what's needed in order to get better.
I also text my sister Anne (our family nurse) and told her how I was feeling. Anna suggested some medication that a doctor would perscribe.
Around supper time Diedrich comes up to check on me and asked how I was feeling. There wasn't much change from the morning so he said if it didn't improve in a few hours then one of them would take me to the hospital. Judy was hosting a tupperware party that evening and I would have liked to participate, but it wasn't possible.
My son Phillip & a few of his friends came to their house later that evening as well. Phillip jokingly said "mom don't worry." I told him "I'm not". It must have been around 11 or later when Judy took me to the hospital. The waiting time wasn't too long at the hospital. I explained the situation to the doctor and he checked my ears. He said it was an inner ear imbalance and perscribed some medication. It was exactly the medication my sister had mentioned. I really don't know if it was an inner ear problem and if it was did the stress bring it on. (My view on it was that I crashed due to the stress). They also gave me a pill of some kind at the hospital that was suppose to help with the dizziness until I had my perscription filled.
Judy drove the car up close to the entrance so I didn't have to walk very far. (I wonder if some people would have thought that I was drunk with the way I was walking. Believe me I wasn't). Glad that there were very few patients at the hospital. During the drive to and from the hospital I kept my eyes closed and even when the car took a turn it made me feel dizzy.
Once we're back at the house I went straight to bed. I had no problem sleeping even with the amount of sleep that I had during the day. My prayer that night was that the Lord would make me feel better, so I could function again.
DAY SIX ----- May 26th (wednesday)
Morning comes and I still don't feel the best. The dizziness is still around so I call into work again and I tell Sara (office gal) that I won't be coming to work. The doctor had said it could take a few days for it to clear up so its best that I take the rest of the week off. (It meant they had to fill in my shifts with someone else, which was a bit of a challenge, but they made due). I had no intentions in taking the whole week off, but God knew best. He was working things out at the moment even though I didn't see it.
After breakfast Judy takes me intoWinkler to the pharmacy so I can get my medication. The medication had a possibility of some side effects, but thankfully it didn't bother me.
Once we're back at the house again I eat something as I take the medication. It meant timing my eating with the medication. I go back to bed and practically sleep the day away. The fact that I could hardly function was something I had never experienced in my life. (I don't want to experience it again either if at all possible).
I also called Helen and told her I wouldn't be at Bible Study that evening.
I did have a radio in my room so listening to it on occasion did help to pass the time away.
Glad I had my cell as a communication device for family & friends plus the insurance adjudicator & restoration person were able to contact me quickly.
Eating wasn't a priority for me during the time that I was flat in bed, but still needed something for the medication. At supper time Diedrich brought up a bowl of food for me. I did eat a little bit, but not everything.
Later that evening I did venture downstairs into the living room, but for a very short time.
When I went back into the bedroom I was ready for the night and didn't have a problem falling asleep.
So during these 2 days of being in bed I slept alot, PRAYED in between during my waking time and was really hoping I'd be up on my feet soon.
I was also able to contact Ruby during these last 2 days so that she knew what was going on.
So with being in bed a lot I also didn't know how the weather had been except through what Diedrich & Judy had said & the phone calls from the adjudicator & restoration man. The weather had really taken a toll on the apartment and they were trying to secure it so that the tenants could go in safely to view the damage. So here we were on day 5 already after the fire and no one had been able to go into the apartment with the exception of maybe a few in the least damaged area which was at the west end of the apartment.
In closing this post I would like to share a bible verse that I probably thought about during the time I was flat in bed. Romans 8:26 "LIKEWISE THE SPIRIT ALSO HELPETH OR INFIRMITIES: FOR WE KNOW NOT WHAT WE SHOULD PRAY FOR AS WE OUGHT; BUT THE SPIRIT ITSELF MAKETH INTERCESSION FOR US WITH GROANINGS WHICH CANNOT BE UTTERED." Then there is also a promise in the same chapter verse 28 "AND WE KNOW THAT ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD TO THEM THAT LOVE GOD, TO THEM WHO ARE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE." King James Version.
The day started off cloudy with very little sunshine and the weather forecast wasn't promising much sunshine. Regardless of the weather we still had a restful sleep during the night.
I had started making a list of my belongings and little did I know how long my list was going to be.
We had an appointment to see an apartment at noon and we had a few options as to which suite we would like. The only thing was that they weren't immediate possession and the one was only temporary. Plus others were looking too and I didn't have first option.
After looking at the apartment we get something from Tim Horton's. Tim Horton's sure became a regular stop for us. We also check with a friend to see if we could use her computer for a little bit.
Since it was a holiday there wasn't much we could do so we headed back to Roland. It had started raining quite a bit while we were in Morden.
The next time the adjudicator called he commented on how calm I had been on saturday. I told him that I had my moments. Again he kept me informed on things before & after we were allowed into the apartment.
We didn't see the inside of the apartment on Victoria Day.
After supper I took Ruby to her friends house close to Morden. She needed to stay somewhere in or close to Morden so that she could continue going to school. As I talk to her friends mother the offer was given to me that I could stay there for the night as well. I declined because I really felt more comfortable staying with family. The next morning I was very glad I had made that decision.
The rest of the evening was a relaxing time with watching a movie. Bedtime came before midnight since I needed to work in the morning.
DAY FIVE----May 25th (tuesday)
As a rule I was able to sleep right through the night before getting up for the day. That night I needed to get up to use the bathroom and the minute I sat up the room was spinning (I was feeling dizzy). I immedialely laid down and the dizziness subsided. I tried getting up several times, but each time the dizzy spell was so severe I couldn't even focus on the doorway. Finally I managed with great difficulty to get myself to the bathroom and then back to bed. As I flop myself back on the bed the dizziness subsides, plus it was better to lay on my right side. I was hoping it would go away by 7 so I could get myself ready for work, but if it didn't I would have to call in sick. The dizziness didn't go away and so I called in sick.
Then when Judy came into the bedroom to pick her daughter up from the crib I told her that I wasn't going to work & why. Judy asked if she should take me to the clinic or hospital. I told her I would try to sleep it off first. I did sleep on and off almost all day, but it really didn't take the dizziness away. I guess my body was reacting to the stress & turmoil of the fire. After a few hours I asked Judy for some water & crackers and stayed in bed all day. I literally couldn't function and making any attempts in getting up just resulted in being dizzy.
(Since the bedroom was on the second floor I didn't hear much noise from the grandchildren at all. I'm glad they were too young to realize what was going on. Plus the cat was my companion that day, which was kind of soothing to a point.)
During the course of the day the adjudicator calls and says no one is allowed into the apartment yet because of the rainy & windy conditions. The conditions made it unsafe for people to enter the apartment. I also told him how I was feeling and said I wasn't going anywhere. Another call was from the lead person of the restoration crew and he also confirmed the state of the apartment (not safe to enter). [I will explain more on this in another post.] They both said take care and rest, just do what's needed in order to get better.
I also text my sister Anne (our family nurse) and told her how I was feeling. Anna suggested some medication that a doctor would perscribe.
Around supper time Diedrich comes up to check on me and asked how I was feeling. There wasn't much change from the morning so he said if it didn't improve in a few hours then one of them would take me to the hospital. Judy was hosting a tupperware party that evening and I would have liked to participate, but it wasn't possible.
My son Phillip & a few of his friends came to their house later that evening as well. Phillip jokingly said "mom don't worry." I told him "I'm not". It must have been around 11 or later when Judy took me to the hospital. The waiting time wasn't too long at the hospital. I explained the situation to the doctor and he checked my ears. He said it was an inner ear imbalance and perscribed some medication. It was exactly the medication my sister had mentioned. I really don't know if it was an inner ear problem and if it was did the stress bring it on. (My view on it was that I crashed due to the stress). They also gave me a pill of some kind at the hospital that was suppose to help with the dizziness until I had my perscription filled.
Judy drove the car up close to the entrance so I didn't have to walk very far. (I wonder if some people would have thought that I was drunk with the way I was walking. Believe me I wasn't). Glad that there were very few patients at the hospital. During the drive to and from the hospital I kept my eyes closed and even when the car took a turn it made me feel dizzy.
Once we're back at the house I went straight to bed. I had no problem sleeping even with the amount of sleep that I had during the day. My prayer that night was that the Lord would make me feel better, so I could function again.
DAY SIX ----- May 26th (wednesday)
Morning comes and I still don't feel the best. The dizziness is still around so I call into work again and I tell Sara (office gal) that I won't be coming to work. The doctor had said it could take a few days for it to clear up so its best that I take the rest of the week off. (It meant they had to fill in my shifts with someone else, which was a bit of a challenge, but they made due). I had no intentions in taking the whole week off, but God knew best. He was working things out at the moment even though I didn't see it.
After breakfast Judy takes me intoWinkler to the pharmacy so I can get my medication. The medication had a possibility of some side effects, but thankfully it didn't bother me.
Once we're back at the house again I eat something as I take the medication. It meant timing my eating with the medication. I go back to bed and practically sleep the day away. The fact that I could hardly function was something I had never experienced in my life. (I don't want to experience it again either if at all possible).
I also called Helen and told her I wouldn't be at Bible Study that evening.
I did have a radio in my room so listening to it on occasion did help to pass the time away.
Glad I had my cell as a communication device for family & friends plus the insurance adjudicator & restoration person were able to contact me quickly.
Eating wasn't a priority for me during the time that I was flat in bed, but still needed something for the medication. At supper time Diedrich brought up a bowl of food for me. I did eat a little bit, but not everything.
Later that evening I did venture downstairs into the living room, but for a very short time.
When I went back into the bedroom I was ready for the night and didn't have a problem falling asleep.
So during these 2 days of being in bed I slept alot, PRAYED in between during my waking time and was really hoping I'd be up on my feet soon.
I was also able to contact Ruby during these last 2 days so that she knew what was going on.
So with being in bed a lot I also didn't know how the weather had been except through what Diedrich & Judy had said & the phone calls from the adjudicator & restoration man. The weather had really taken a toll on the apartment and they were trying to secure it so that the tenants could go in safely to view the damage. So here we were on day 5 already after the fire and no one had been able to go into the apartment with the exception of maybe a few in the least damaged area which was at the west end of the apartment.
In closing this post I would like to share a bible verse that I probably thought about during the time I was flat in bed. Romans 8:26 "LIKEWISE THE SPIRIT ALSO HELPETH OR INFIRMITIES: FOR WE KNOW NOT WHAT WE SHOULD PRAY FOR AS WE OUGHT; BUT THE SPIRIT ITSELF MAKETH INTERCESSION FOR US WITH GROANINGS WHICH CANNOT BE UTTERED." Then there is also a promise in the same chapter verse 28 "AND WE KNOW THAT ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD TO THEM THAT LOVE GOD, TO THEM WHO ARE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE." King James Version.
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