I used my spare set of keys all week. It was a busy week so I didn't want to take time to search for the set I had lost. During the day I was totally engaged within the classroom. My classes are full of young energetic men who are working hard to achieve their goals. I am kept busy with one-to-one tutorials, marking, planning, record-keeping, and report writing. The days absolutely fly by. ( I am so looking forward to two shutdown days, tomorrow and Tuesday, for some catchup time!!) After hours I was preoccupied with organizing photos, books and card for Evlyn's retirement party on Friday night as well as tickets for a celtic concert in Bearberry next weekend.
When I got on the road to work on Friday morning I realized I had left my purse at home. I had remembered my lunch, extra clothing, shoes, jewelry, books, card, Barb's poem, and tickets......BUT I forgot my purse!! It was too late for me to go back home for my purse.
We began Ev's retirement party with a buffet dinner at The Flames. Judy and Barb paid me for their Bearberry tickets so I had money for my meal. After dinner we headed to Pat's for the rest of our festivities. We began the evening with a staff recitation of Ode to Evlyn written by the multi-talented, humorous, and creative Barb. Barb then presented Evlyn with the staff gift, a copy of the first edition, unabridged Dorothy Parker and an album of staff photos dating back to when Ev first began working for Excalibur seventeen years ago. Ev was then presented with a basket of mostly recycled books organized by Judy. Ev was visibly touched by the staff performance and her gifts. She thanked us all in a most eloquent and gracious manner. Then it was time for dessert. Pat had ordered a beautiful cake in the shape of a book from the local Co-op store. She had also prepared a refreshing punch, coffee, and had Diet Coke for Ev.
In my usual form, I was last to leave. I had one last coffee for the road. Ev had forgotten her Diet Coke so I offered to drop it off on my way home. I did this, spoke briefly with Ev, then took off for home. Heading west of Innisfail I noticed the flashing lights of a police car in my rearview mirror. I pulled over. It turns out that I had been speeding in town, 78 km/h in a 50 km/h zone. I must have been totally 'zoned out' as I don't recall speeding. I am usually very careful with my speed in residential areas. I was rather embarrassed. It is about twenty years since I last had a speeding ticket! Fortunately the very pleasant police officer did not give me a ticket for not having my driver's license. (It was at home in my purse!!) He advised me not to forget it again. I told him that I would try but that remembering was an issue for me. He wished me better luck.
Helge checked out the cost of a new set of keys. It would be $130.00. I didn't need this expense on top of my $166.00 speeding ticket. Thus I began another search for my keys yesterday. I got excited when I saw my red bib apron, as I realized that I had probably been wearing it while I was scurrying around cleaning last Sunday. I checked the pocket. Sure enough, my keys were there. Whew!
Moral of Story: It is okay to be busy but don't compromise your rest. One's head is so much clearer when one has had enough rest!!
