WIP Parade

This is probably a post I should just skip right over, but that wouldn't be me. I'm much braver and more accountable than that! Albeit, a wee bit ashamed. I will not hang my head in shame! I will stand proud of what I've tried to do. What have I tried to do you ask? I've tried to single handedly take over the world via cross stitch WIP (Works In Progress)pieces. I know there are many stitchers out there worse than I, but I used to be a one at a time, one piece per year stitcher. No, honestly, I did!



There are 2 other WIP pieces not shown. One is actively being stitched on and the other is fondly remembered.

I thank you for looking and all I ask of you: Please be kind.

Painting Pink and oh so Pretty

The above picture of Princess' room prior to any work being done. I had just removed the 3 shelves from this wall. It was nasty looking to say the least. I repaired the drywall which was a hassle until I was told of wet mudding/drywalling. It worked so much better and with much less mess than dry sanding.

This the primer we used I'm not sure of the colour name, but at this point in the process I thought it was sooo pretty. The primer had been sitting for quite some time, so it had separated and this was the swirling mix of colour prior to application.

The finished product of primer on the walls. This is the same wall as the first picture. I have to say I did a mighty find job of repairing those horendous holes. The room looks so different, but of course it would. The picture doesn't really do the colour justice. If I had to try and describe the colour I would say, terra cota meets salmon. Now the next step will be to get the red paint and find the time to get it applied.
Stay tuned for future updates. Not sure when they'll happen, but rest assured Princess is eager to get the next step in the process put in motion.

Spirit of Christmas 130 hours

I'm back with another update for this piece. The end is near! The end is near! I'm excited and eager to get this piece finished, so I can move on to something else in the long list of pieces awaiting my attention.

Back To The Bedroom ~ Janet Evanovich

For months he'd thought of her as the Mystery Woman, draped in a black velvet cloak, with outrageous red curls, flawless skin, and carrying a large, odd case-- but the night David Dodd saw a helicopter drop a chunk of metal through the roof of his lovely neighbor's bedroom, he got to meet the formidable and delightful Katherine Finn at last! Rescuing damsels and fixing roofs was dangerous work, he told her, and at the very least he deserved a kiss-- didn't he? Kate couldn't argue with Dave's logic, but how could she, the driven concert musician with more commitments than hours in the day, be falling head over heels for a likeable cuddler who seemed to be drifting through life? No one had ever made her feel as cherished or desirable, and she'd never had so much fun, but even though her eccentric boarder, Elsie, assured her that where Kate was concerned Dave had plenty of ambition, could she really love a guy who was just smart, sexy, and rich?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Again, another hilarious book from Janet Evanovich. The situations are unlikely, but still so very funny. This novel was another fun one to read, a great piece of escapism not to mention 100% fluff.

The Surgeon ~ Tess Gerritsen

In her most masterful novel of medical suspense, New York Times bestselling author Tess Gerritsen creates a villain of unforgettable evil-and the one woman who can catch him before he kills again. He slips into their homes at night and walks silently into bedrooms where women lie sleeping, unaware of the horrors they soon will endure. The precision of the killer's methods suggests he is a deranged man of medicine, propelling the Boston newspapers and the frightened public to name him "The Surgeon."

The cops' only clue rests with another surgeon, the victim of a nearly identical crime. Two years ago, Dr. Catherine Cordell fought back and killed her attacker before he could complete his assault. Now she hides her fears of intimacy behind a cool and elegant exterior and well-earned reputation as a top trauma surgeon.

Cordell's careful façade is about to crack as this new killer re-creates, with chilling accuracy, the details of Cordell's own ordeal. With every new murder he seems to be taunting her, cutting ever closer, from her hospital to her home. Her only comfort comes from Thomas Moore, the detective assigned to the case. But even Moore cannot protect Cordell from a brilliant hunter who somehow understands-and savors-the secret fears of every woman he kills.

Filled with the authentic detail that is the trademark of this doctor turned author, and peopled with rich and complex characters-from the ER to the squad room to the city morgue-here is a thriller of unprecedented depth and suspense. Exposing the shocking link between those who kill and cure, punish and protect, The Surgeon is Tess Gerritsen's most exciting accomplishment yet.

~~~~~~~~~~~

I loved this book and can't wait to get the 2nd in this series from the library. This is by far the most gruesome book I've ever read. There were times when I was sqealing and covering my mouth in horror at the ruthlessness of this sadist, sick creature. This my first read of one of Tess Gerritsen's novels and I'm completely hooked. She has a way with describing the smallest detail without losing you in the finer points of the details. It is as though you're right there living all the drama along with the characters. Great read!

Hats Off To Boston

I'm friends with an amazing woman that I've 'met' on the Cross Stitch Crazy message board. Mary is currently in the process of fighting breast cancer and in the process of treatments bought herself hats to wear as she was losing her hair. Much to my chagrin, Mary is a Boston Red Sox fan and those who don't know me, wouldn't know, so I'll tell ya, I'm a die hard Yankees fan. Can you figure out what hat Mary bought herself to wear? You guessed it?! A Boston Red Sox hat ~ imagine.

Mary posted one day about buying her Red Sox hats and I replied to her that I tip my hat to her in the graceful way she is fighting her cancer. Albeit it's a Yankee hat I tip to her. I told her I'd buy a Red Sox hat and wear it in honour of her fight and the strength she's shown. Quite some time ago, Mary sent me a little gift. Again, you guessed it! She sent me a pink Boston Red Sox hat. I had no idea what was in the envelope. When I opened it I was busting a gut laughing. It was the hat. I was in a very bad place emotionally and to see her gift to me was just what I needed. Here I was trying to be strong for her, and she is the one the lifted me up. The gift of a friend and you just never know when that gift will present itself to you. Keep your eyes open.

I told Mary I would wear 'our' hat and post a picture. It has taken me quite some time to get the photo taken, but it is here and I wear this hat with a true appreciation of your battle Mary. Anything you need, whenever you might need it... you know where to find me. Today and always I tip my hat to you! Hugs and love to ya, sweetie.

Spirit of Christmas 120 hours

I'm back with another update of Spirit of Christmas. I've been logging a lot of stitching time lately, between working, which is always good for stitching time, as well as staying pretty close to home I'm finally seeing some results for my efforts.

Girls, Giggles and Good Food

This entry is more than a few days late I've been suffering technical difficulties trying to post from home. You want to see frustration fits, you should have been on hand to see these ones. There are people that depend on this as a form of staying up on the what, the where and the why of my life.

Tuesday night was girls night! I got together with Krista and Mary. We tried to get Velda along, but that didn't work out so well. That might have been your only opportunity for the 'cool kid' pass, Dear Velda. You'll never know what you missed.

As always getting together is something to look forward to, and this time was no different. We normally go out to dinner, but in trying to financially trim line we decided to start alternating houses for our get together. This month it was Wee Krista that opened her home to us. Krista made us homemade shake and bake chicken, seasoned potatoes and yummy corn! Mary was in charge of dessert and I took care of the beverages. Translation on the beverage: Corona.

The conversation with us ran the gamut which is nothing new. It was bounced from topic to topic, relationships, kids, family, the holidays, work and one of the funnier points ~ sleeping with the neighbours. Sleeping with the neighbours was all about fighting with the boyfriend and to hell with that I'm not sleeping on the couch, I'm sleeping with the neighbours. I was killing myself laughing soooo hard. It was even funnier to place the mental image of Krista's neighbours they're all of the older generation. Now, I won't even consider my neighbours, from creepy guy a couple doors over... I'll stick with my couch, not that there is anyone to run from my bed or be running from!

I can't wait until our next get together which we're trying to plan for a trip to the states. With my crazy work schedule it will probably have to be a quick trip over one night after the girls get off work. I don't get weekends off as a rule, so this might be the only way to get it done if at all. I'm not sure the good ole U.S. of A are ready for the likes of us.... Maybe on our way home we'll be lucky to catch the eye of one really cute border patrol officer....... awww pitter patter goes my heart. How is it and why is it all things lead back to that cute boy (man)?

One For The Money ~ Janet Evanovich

Stephanie Plum is an out-of-work lingerie buyer in need of a job, any job. Her car has been repossessed, she can't make rent and she's forced to move back home with her parents. What could be worse? In desperation, she convinces her cousin Vinnie to hire her as a bounty hunter in his bail bond business. Never mind that she doesn't know what a bounty hunter does, and when she finds out it involves carrying a gun, sitting on stake outs and chasing dangerous people down dark Trenton, New Jersey alleyways, she realizes the lingerie business definitely didn't prepare her for this.

Her first shot at getting out of debt is a $10,000 bounty on Trenton vice cop, Joe Morelli, on the run for suspected murder. Joe and Stephanie go back, way back, to a hot and sweaty grappling match on the floor behind the pastry counter of the local bakery where Joe relieved a 16-year-old Stephanie of her virginity. Frankly, Stephanie's not too disturbed at the idea of putting Joe behind bars, and she seeks him out with a vengeance.

Bringing in a fugitive is a lot harder than she thought, and when she finds out a psycho is after her, the plot takes some surprising and sidesplitting turns. Her borrowed car is bombed, her Grandma Mazur, straight from the Twilight Zone, joins in the hunt, and she discovers, almost too late, that she should have put in some target practice with her new gun.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This book was probably the most fun I've had in quite some time. It was a laugh-out-loud hilarious story and can't wait to see what happens next.

Stop The Insanity

I'm supposed to be finishing pieces this year and in my own defence I'm still working towards that goal.

I have to stop thinking of pieces I can start and pieces I can start to give as gifts. This is where I get into a lot of trouble.

As you know I'm working on Spirit of Christmas. I have it at work with me tonight, as usual. Well, to make a long story short, a very sweet man that works at the hospital has been watching me work on this piece over the years and he loves it. I'm thinking I would love to stitch it again for him, or another Santa for him as a gift....just because I like him that much! Stitching this piece or any piece for him is an easy decision to make, especially a Santa piece. The wonder of this man, he plays a Santa for the paediatric patients over the holidays, with a real beard and he plays Santa really well! This man, and Pam, you know who I'm talking about is the most amazing, giving person ever.

Do you see how I get to having so many pieces on the go? The best of intentions and then I'm thinking of doing something for someone else... how do I stop the insanity? Better yet, do I bother trying to stop the insanity?

Seriously, help! I think I know what I should/will do, but this is just nuts, isn't it?

The title of my blog fits so perfectly and never better than right now... Passion, Obsession or Insanity... in this case definitely: Insanity

Ch ch ch changes....

There are changes brewing that really have nothing to do with me, but will definitely affect me. I'm not the best at dealing with change, but I'm trying to change (ha) that... insert humour to avoid the trepidation accompanying the changes. Holy, do you think I could use the word 'change' any more in one sentence?

I've already stated that the changes have nothing to do with me, but will affect me. Why does this have me so freaked out? I'm not sure, really. I've been sitting here at work for hours pondering this very question. I have many hours left of my shift so I've a lot of thinking time on my hands. Change can be a good thing, as this one can be, but for some reason it scares me to death, and the scared to death part is what really scares me, I think, more than the change itself, if that makes any sense.

I try to live my life taking each day as it comes and not borrowing trouble until I know what I'm dealing with, so with that in mind I'll meet this new and different with the same outlook. I'm a worrier by nature as much as I try not to be, so keeping things in perspective, I can do nothing about any of these changes, therefore just go with it, I guess, is my only option...

I'll do my best to keep you posted on the changes as they come in to play and how they affect those I care about, as well as how they affect me. Wow, as I read back before I hit 'publish', do I ever sound self-centered and yucky, for lack of a better word. I don't sit well with being selfish, but trying to be honest with myself and those I love, I'll leave the post as it sits.

Thanks to those that read and post and those that read, for all the support you always offer to me! You know who you are!!!!!!

Music Monday ~ Cheapest Motel

Cheapest Motel

The glasses were all plastic,
Little balls of no-name soap,
No cable on the TV,
The ice-machine was broke.
Well, I guess that's what you get,
For nineteen bucks an' some change.
But the cheapest motel in town,
Cost him everything.

They used the Bible for a coaster,
An' it never crossed their mind:
Maybe they should've opened it,
Instead of that high-dollar wine.
It was just their little secret,
A hideaway out West Main,
But the cheapest motel in town,
Cost him everything.

He went from home in the suburbs,
To an apartment in town.
From bein' met at the door by two little kids,
To a stray dog he'd found.
He paid the price for pleasure,
Now he can't afford the pain.
An' the cheapest motel in town,
Cost him everything.

They thought no-one would find 'em,
But it isn't hard to spot,
A brand-new black Mercedes-Benz,
In that gravel parkin' lot.
He fooled his wife till one night,
She saw something he couldn't explain,
An' the cheapest motel in town,
Cost him everything.

He went from home in the suburbs,
To an apartment in town.
From bein' met at the door by two little kids,
To a stray dog he'd found.
He paid the price for pleasure,
Now he can't afford the pain.
Yeah, the cheapest motel in town,
Cost him everything;
It cost him everything;
Cost him everything.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is a song I liked the first time I heard it! Nothing more than that, just really like this one.

Reading Challenge

Gee thanks, Pam. I've been really struggling with balancing my hobbies and in discussing this with Pam one day, she issued this challenge: 100 books in 1 year!

Can I do it? I'm not sure, but I'm always up for a challenge, therefor I'm throwing my hat in the ring, so to speak.

Here are my books read so far:

1. Judge and Jury ~ James Patterson
2. Charlotte's Web ~ E.B. White
3. Cross ~ James Patterson
4. Suzanne's Diary To Nicholas ~ James Patterson
5. One For The Money ~ Janet Evanovich
6. The Surgeon ~ Tess Gerritsen
7. Back To The Bedroom ~ Janet Evanovich
8. Point Blank ~ Catherine Coulter
9. The Apprentice ~ Tess Gerritsen
10. Bait ~ Karen Robards
11. Hide ~ Lisa Gardner
12. Gone ~ Lisa Gardner
13. Firefly Beaches ~ Luanne Rice
14. Step On A Crack ~ James Patterson
15. The Innocent Man ~ John Grisham
16. Two for the Dough ~ Janet Evanovich
17. Three To Get Deadly ~ Janet Evanovich
18. The Sinner ~ Tess Gerritsen
19. Sisters ~ Danielle Steel
20. Blood Test ~ Jonathan Kellerman
21. Four To Score ~ Janet Evanovich
22. The Alibi Man ~ Tami Hoag
23. The Other Woman ~ Joy Fielding
24. Body Double ~ Tess Gerritsen
25. Paint Me Rainbows ~ Fern Michaels
26. The 6th Target - James Patterson
27. Double Take - Catherine Coulter
28. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - J.K. Rowlings
29. The Quickie - James Patterson
30. The Burnt House - Faye Kellerman
31. Sheer Abandon - Penny Vincenzi
32. Drop Dead Beautiful - Jackie Collins
33. Vanish - Tess Gerritsen
34. High Five - Janet Evanovich
35. Hot Six - Janet Evanovich
36. Metro Girl - Janet Evanovich
37. You've Been Warned - James Patterson
38. Double Cross - James Patterson

Balancing Act: Not Doing a Very Good Job Of It

Full-time. Will it ever come? I love my job and I hate my job. My job affords me a wonderful life and for that I'm thankful. I really do, for the most part, love what I do. I love the job, but hate the hours.

I spent the morning with Cute Boy and his girls. It was a fun morning... colouring hair! Hair!!! Me and hair! What a sight that was... Cute Boy's girls got to see one of the dorky sides of me... my freakish phobia of hair. It was fun to colour L's hair though since colouring hair is something I've never done on someone else ever before. I had to leave for work (grrrr), before it was dry so I didn't get to see the end result. I'm praying it turned out okay. If not, I hope L's a forgiving sort or her mother can fix her up right as rain. Leaving Cute Boy and the girls early this afternoon is just one of another reasons I'm in a slump with my job right now.

There is really nothing specific that prompts this feeling today. Nothing other than the fact that I would love nothing more than to be curled up on the couch, preferably Cute Boy's couch watching the football game today. If I could schedule my work hours around the things I want to do, I'd be a much happier girl, but who wouldn't, right?

I miss my own girls like crazy lately. I've been getting it from some about not being with them enough and I honestly don't see it that way. There are times when, yes, I'm not as available to them as I should be, but how much of my life should I not live because they don't want to come along...is it my fault others want to spend time with me while my girls would rather spend time with others and not me. I try not to hold it against them, I just don't know how to balance my life with them and find time to spend with Cute Boy. Not all things lead back to Cute Boy, but right now in this thought they do... we've been dating for 4.5 months and my girls will still not meet his daughters. It is now getting to the point where I'm getting uncomfortable with them not meeting Cute Boy's daughters. I'm sick of fighting it so I quit asking them to meet his daughters. They are the ones missing out on meeting new people and a whole lot of fun! The struggle is that I'm fearful of Cute Boy's daughters being hurt because of my daughters not being giving in meeting new people. I think both sets of girls could offer alot to the other, but my girls will not budge... GRRRRR Time is what I've given them and I'm okay with that, but this, in my opinion is bordering ridiculous.

Oh, on a more positive thought and a wee question for you... do you know how hard it is to sleep when you're smiling? And no, it's not a dirty minded question, but a true honest to goodness happening.

Spirit Of Christmas 110 Hours

Ta Da! Another update of Spirit of Christmas. I'm really loving this piece, but very much dreading the garland wreath. A co-worker of mine (Annie Fannie Fo Fannie) was saying last night how beautiful the garland looks. It really got me to thinking. Yes, it is beautiful. It is like that sometimes with stitching, the more stunning a piece the more colour changes and time intensive it is and in the end, worth every minute and colour change.

My motto for my stitching is evolving to something along the lines of it's not how fast you finish but the journey and the fun you had along the way.

As much as I love this piece and the sister piece of it, Gift of Peace I really have no idea why I stitched them or what I'm going to do with them when I'm finished. I guess that just shows its about the journey not the finish.

100 Favorite Songs (almost) 100th Post

I've been informed by some people in the know that when you're posting your 100th blog entry you're to do a list of 100 whatevers.... I thought I'd be able to do this easily. No, I couldn't do it with ease, but I gave it some effort.

1. The Dance ~ Garth Brooks
2. Benny and the Jets ~ Elton John
3. Ain’t Going Down Til the Sun Comes Up ~ Garth Brooks
4. Stealing Kisses ~ Faith Hill
5. It Ain’t Over ~ Chris Daughtery
6. Eyes of an Angel ~ Hinder
7. In a New York Minute ~ Don Henley
8. Once Bitten Twice Shy ~ Great White
9. Warm Safe Place ~ Aaron Pritchett
10. Don’t ~ Shania Twain
11. Seasons In The Sun ~ Terry Jacks
12. My Boyfriend’s Back ~ The Angels
13. Jesse’s Girl ~ Rick Springfield
14. It's Still Rock and Roll To Me ~ Billy Joel
15. She Let Herself Go ~ George Strait
16. Shameless ~ Garth Brooks
17. New York State of Mind ~ Billy Joel
18. Over and Over ~ Nelly and Tim McGraw
19. Love Hurts ~ Nazareth
20. Me and My Girl ~ Theory of a Deadman
21. Comin’ Home ~ Kiss
22. Dancing Queen ~ Abba
23. One Good Friend ~ George Canyon
24. I Don’t Want You To Go ~ Carolyn Dawn Johnson
25. Imagine ~ Elton John
26. Hard Woman ~ Mick Jagger
27. Closing Time ~ Semisonic
28. Superman (It’s Not Easy) ~ Five for Fighting
29. Tu Compania ~ Keith Urban
30. Hey Jude ~ The Beatles
31. Paradise By The Dashboard Lights ~ Meatloaf
32. Wonderwall ~ Oasis
33. He Stopped Loving Her Today ~ George Jones
34. Thunderstruck ~ AC/DC
35. Right Now ~ Van Halen
36. When Love and Hate Collide ~ Def Leppard
37. Cowboy ~ Kid Rock
38. Runaround Sue ~ Dion
39. Hard Habit To Break ~ Chicago
40. Can’t Fight This Feeling ~ REO Speedwagon
41. Piano Man ~ Billy Joel
42. Don't Make Me ~ Blake Shelton
43. Wanted Dead or Alive ~ Bon Jovi
44. Problem Girl ~ Rob Thomas
45. Beth ~ Kiss
46. For Crying Out Loud ~ Meatloaf
47. Brown Sugar ~ Rolling Stones
48. The Day Before You ~ Rascal Flatts
49. Break It To Them Gently ~ Burton Cummings
50. She Didn't Have Time ~ Terri Clarke
51. Findin' A Good Man ~ Danielle Peck
52. Goodbye Time ~ Blake Shelton
53. Saturday in the Park ~ Chicago
54. My Life ~ Billy Joel
55. Four Letter Word ~ Def Leppard
56. Honeymoon In Beirut ~ Rick Springfield
57. Taking Back My Brave ~ Carolyn Dawn Johnson
58. Sweet Home Alabama ~ Lynard Skynard
59. Bright Lights ~ Matchbox 20
60. Open Arms ~ Journey
61. New Orleans is Sinking ~ The Tragically Hip
62. Against All Odds ~ Phil Collins
63. Hot Child in the City ~ Nick Gilde
64. Wind Beneath My Wings ~ Bette Midler
65. Must Be Doing Something Right ~ Billy Currington
66. My Name ~ George Canyon
67. Fast Car ~ The Wilkinson's
68. Lonely Boy ~ Andrew Gold
69. Landing in London ~ 3 Doors Down
70. Centerfold ~ J. Geils Band
71. Jukebox Hero ~ Foreigner
72. I Want You To Want Me ~ Cheap Trick
73. Figured You Out ~ Nickleback
74. Control ~ Puddle of Mudd
75.
76.
77.
78.
79.
80.
81.
82.
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84.
85.
86.
87.
88.
89.
90.
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93.
94.
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100.

Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas ~ James Patterson

James Patterson has written a love story!—a powerfully moving and suspenseful novel about families, loss, new love, and hope.

Katie Wilkinson has found her perfect man at last. He's a writer, a house painter, an original thinker—everything she's imagined she wanted in a partner. But one day, without explanation, he disappears from her life, leaving behind only a diary for her to read.

This diary is a love letter written by a new mother named Suzanne for her baby son, Nicholas. In it she pours out her heart about how she and the boy's father met, about her hopes for marriage and family, and about the unparalleled joy that having a baby has brought into her life. As Katie reads this touching document, it becomes clear that the lover who has just left her is the husband and father in this young family. She reads on, filled with terror and hope, as she struggles to understand what has happened and whether her new love has a prayer of surviving.

~~~~~~~~~~~~
Finished this one late last night. It had a bit of shock ending. Okay, more than a shock ending, so much so I squealed a bit with hand slapped over my mouth. I just didn't see the end coming which was rather nice. I didn't let myself think ahead, but let the book unfold as it would. I recommend it to anyone that loves a feel good love story.

James Patterson's ~ CROSS

Alex Cross was a rising star in the Washington, DC, Police Department when an unknown shooter gunned down his wife, Maria, in front of him. Alex's need for vengeance was placed on hold as he faced another huge challenge-raising his children without their mother.

THE MOST TERRIFYING CROSS EVER.Years later Alex is making a bold move in his life. He has left the FBI and set up practice as a psychologist once again. His life with Nana Mama, Damon, Jannie, and little Alex finally feels like it's in order. He even has a chance at a new love.

Then Cross's former partner, John Sampson, calls in a favor. He is tracking a serial rapist in Georgetown, one whose brutal modus operandi includes threatening his victims with terrifying photos. Cross and Sampson need the testimonies of these women to stop the predator, but the rape victims refuse to reveal anything about their attacker.

THE MOST EMOTIONAL CROSS EVER.When the case triggers a connection to Maria's death, Alex may have a chance to catch his wife's murderer after all these years. Is this a chance for justice at long last? Or the culminating scene in his own deadly obsession?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The return of Alex Cross is always an exciting happening. This book was incredible as expected with any James Patterson novel, especially the Cross series. The conclusion of the case was good, although the ending was not at all what I expected. It is going to be a very long wait for the next installment!

Spirit of Christmas 100 hours

I've been putting a lot of time into this piece and the time committed is finally starting to pay off. My goal is to have him finished by the end of January. I'm not sure if I will be able to accomplish my goal, but I'll not go down without a fight. I'm really very pleased with how much I've accomplished so far and if I can find some time to put needle to thread today I might make another good dent in him.

This piece is my oldest WIP dating back to July 2004 so it's about time to get him put to bed.

YNKEEGRL Plates

I picked up my new car yesterday and ordered my new plates. It was the best day of all days for the most part!!!!!!

Picking up my car was too cool and so very exciting. I just love this car and the best part is when I got it there were only 9KM on it as opposed to the 223,000 I traded in with the Grand Prix. Driving in my new car is just the smoothest, quietest ride ever and the red colour doesn't hurt much either.

Ordering my personalized plates was an experience. I got the plates I most wanted YNKEEGRL. The woman working the counter was so cute when she was entering my personalized plates. She assumed, as most people do, that I am an American living in Canada. When I told her it was for the New York Yankees she told me I was too cute and must be a real hardcore fan. When I told her about my Yankee tattoo she was even more impressed or maybe she just thought I was crazier than she originally thought. The turnaround time for personalized plates is 4-6 weeks, but since the Christmas rush is over I can hope to expect them in 3-5 weeks.

There are many things for which I can thank you Cute Boy, and the gift of my personalized plates is one of them. The generosity and thoughtfullness of my gift is more than I expected and sooo very much appreciated. Materialistic gifts are great and I appreciate every one given, but know it is the simple things you do that mean more to me than you'll ever know. The greatest gift you've ever given me is the gift of YOU!

Personalized Plate Ideas

Today is the big day. I'm getting my new car today and couldn't be more excited. Cute Boy, the sweetie he is, bought me a gift certificate for personalized plates for Christmas. Now that the car has been bought it's time to figure out what to get on my plates.

Being the huge Yankee fan that I am, it will definetely be something pertaining to the Yankees. Here are some ideas Cute Boy and I came up with yesterday:

YNKEEGRL
YANKSGRL
YNKEEFAN
NYYNKEES
YNKEEFN2

I have to go the Ministry of Transportation after I pick up my car. I'm not sure which plate name will be available, but hopefully with the options I have something will be available. I'll let you know which plate I end up getting.

Monday Music ~ She's Everything

She's a yellow pair of running shoes
A holey pair of jeans
She looks great in cheap sunglasses
She looks great in anything
She's I want a piece of chocolate
Take me to a movie
She's I can't find a thing to wear
Now and then she's moody

She's a Saturn with a sunroof
With her brown hair a-blowing
She's a soft place to land
And a good feeling knowing
She's a warm conversation
That I wouldn't miss for nothing
She's a fighter when she's mad
And she's a lover when she's loving

And she's everything I ever wanted
And everything I need
I talk about her, I go on and on and on
'Cause she's everything to me

She's a Saturday out on the town
And a church girl on Sunday
She's a cross around her neck
And a cuss word 'cause its Monday
She's a bubble bath and candles
Baby come and kiss me
She's a one glass of wine
And she's feeling kinda tipsy

She's the giver I wish I could be
And the stealer of the covers
She's a picture in my wallet
Of my unborn children's mother
She's the hand that I'm holding
When I'm on my knees and praying
She's the answer to my prayer
And she's the song that I'm playing

She's the voice I love to hear
Someday when I'm ninety
She's that wooden rocking chair
I want rocking right beside me
Everyday that passes
I only love her more
Yeah, she's the one
That I'd lay down my own life for
~~~~~~~~~~~
Awww to be loved and appreciated in such a complete way. There are no hidden messages in my song choice today, just a song that touches my heart, which is how I live my life most of the time... by my emotions and heart. The all or nothing love depicted in the lyrics is a beautiful testament to how one can love another.

Spirit of Christmas chattering

I finished up the 5 hours I wanted to do on my stocking the other day, so I'm on to Spirit of Christmas today. I was able to log 3 hours 45 minutes today alone and could'nt be more stoked about it! I have another hour and a bit to get to a 10 hour interval and then comes the photos... oh, lucky you.

I've been having computer problems for the last little bit... long story and very annoying. I'll not rehash it here, but I have someone coming to the house tonight to fix the problem (hopefully). I'm getting this year underway in a big way... new car, fixing the computer! Woohoo for me lol Now to get that damn front door fixed and I might actually feel like I've accomplished something.

Nothing much else to update today. Life is in a quiet lull right now. Good bad or otherwise that is where I am for today.

Revving Red Camry Coming Home

Look at my newest acquisition! Leave me unsupervised for any period of time and I can get myself into a world of trouble.

I just got off the phone with Dave (Cute Boy's brother-in-law) and the deal is a go. I'm now the proud lease owner of this adorable little gem.

Princess and I went in to see Dave yesterday, after much feet dragging on my part to put the wheels in motion to buy/lease a new vehicle. I decided to lease because the payments better fit my needs right now, as much as I'm not a huge fan of leasing. I know there are many pros and cons to leasing, and right now leasing works for me. My payments are more managable and that is what I need right now and the buyout is one that I'm comfortable with now and hopefully will be at the end of the lease period.

It has been many years since I've owned a new vehicle and never have I done it on my own, so this is a major scary and exciting step for me. I don't get to pick it up until Monday. What a long weekend it is going to be waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting...... a little impatient, eh?

I had the best time buying this car. Dealing with Dave was just sooo easy. I guess when a deal to buy a car starts out with a hug and ends with a hug good things will happen! The deal was put together and presented to Bruce, the operations manager, who knows Cute Boy from when he worked for Toyota. Bruce was supposed to take my car for a test drive, instead came in and handed my keys to me and said, if you're attatched to Cute Boy I don't need to drive your car and handed me back my keys. My car trade-in value was only $3.00, if you can imagine, but being 'family' according to Dave, I got $1000 off the price of the vehicle! Buying this car from Toyota was like being treated like 'family', not only by Dave, but by everyone I dealt with from beginning to end. When Bruce was leaving the office the first time, he took Princess' hat and propped it up on her head which in itself is hilarious because Princess is anal about her hair. She took the hat down at one point, Bruce, walking by the office, came back in and put it up again. It was this kind of friendliness that put me at ease in buying my car.

I had to deal with Laurie, a lady working in the finance department. She was too cute. We got to talking about things other than just buying and financing a car. Laurie was telling me about her grandson that is our city's New Year's baby. We also got to talking about The Relay for Life which she participated in for 2006, as well as a fundraiser for the Lung Association The Amazing Pace which is now something I want to look into doing. This whole car buying experience was just like being in the company of family.

All in all I'm scared and excited.... I'm more excited than anything right now. Bring on the weekend and lets get to Monday already.

Emotions Of All Kinds

What a day I've had so far. It hasn't been a bad day, but I'm feeling very forlorn. I'm not sure what's up or why I'm feeling so blah. Well, I probably do, but haven't the cajones to out myself would be better stated.

I get like this sometimes and I know it's the way I'm wired, and let me tell ya it drives me crazy! My head races with words that wont come and thoughts I try to rein in but without fail the thoughts win out each and every time. I think I'm best to get back to busy work and keep my mind occupied.... maybe some stitching time would be the best way to chase away the thoughts, the apprehension, fear and forboding.

I look at life with such a sweetness right now and to be having these moments of 'what for' is something I could easily do without. I know these thoughts and feelings will pass, and that is all fine and good, but the issues that are bringing them will remain until I take the figuritive bull by the horns and make some decisions and stand up for what I want and what I know I deserve!!!!

Happiness is fleeting so never let it pass you by!

4:40pm ETA: I'm feeling better. I did keep my body and my mind busy, maybe not busy as I would have really like to do although what I did, take down Christmas decorations, kept me occupied to get over the mini-funk! Thank goodness sometimes for a life that never stops so I'm able to ALWAYS find something to do, as much as I long for quiet time just for me.

Charlotte's Web

An affectionate, sometimes bashful pig named Wilbur befriends a spider named Charlotte, who lives in the rafters above his pen. A prancing, playful bloke, Wilbur is devastated when he learns of the destiny that befalls all those of porcine persuasion. Determined to save her friend, Charlotte spins a web that reads "Some Pig," convincing the farmer and surrounding community that Wilbur is no ordinary animal and should be saved. In this story of friendship, hardship, and the passing on into time, E.B. White reminds us to open our eyes to the wonder and miracle often found in the simplest of things.

I never read this book as a child (gasp) and since I want to see the movie I wanted to read the book beforehand. I really enjoyed the sweetness of the friendship between Charlotte and Wilbur, but it was the illustrations that really tugged at my heartstrings.

Monday Music

It has been firmly established that I love music, so I've decided to do a weekly, if not more frequent, a posting pertaing to a song I love or one that fits something I feel or with which I'm dealing.

I Don't Want You To Go ~ Carolyn Dawn Johnson
Monday mornin' is such a rush
Here it is again sneakin' up on us
Uh-huh-huh yeah
This is the part you know I don't like
We say goodbye and then we kiss goodnight
Uh-huh-huh yeah
I know it's one o'clock
And we said you'd be gone by ten
I swore that I'd get in

I know I should get some sleep
I'm at the beginnin' of another long week
But I don't want you to go
No I don't want you to go
I guess another minute wouldn't do no harm
Why not spend it in each other's arms
Cause I don't want you to go
No I don't want you to go

We always say just one more kiss
But it always seems to never end like this
Uh-huh-huh yeah
A few dozen then a couple more
Before we know it it's after four
Uh-huh-huh yeah
I know tomorrow my best friend will be my coffee cup
Cause here we go again
Watchin' the sun come up

Yeah, I know I should get some sleep
I'm at the beginnin' of another long week
But I don't want you to go
No I don't want you to go
I guess another minute wouldn't do no harm
Why not spend it in each other's arms
Cause I don't want you to go
No baby, I don't want you to go

2007 Rotation Wishes

Since this blog started as a result of wanting somewhere to share my stitching and whatever random thoughts that pop in to my head I figured I'd best post my 2007 Rotation Schedule. Now, knowing me as some of you do, and know me well, it is with apprehension that I post this current rotation. I'm not the best at sticking to any one piece for very long, hence the reason I've now 15 pieces on the go right now!

So for now, here's how it looks:

January ~ Spirit of Christmas
February ~ The Bride
March ~ Summer Breeze
April ~ Job's Tears
May ~ Hydrangea Harvest
June ~ Be Warm Be Welcome
July ~ Bubbles
August ~ Fairy Elf
September ~ Halloween Fairy
October ~ TW Treetop Sampler
November ~ Middy
December ~ Angel Proclamation

Giggles Girl, Dear Santa nor my stocking have a place in the rotation, so it might be with that in mind I play around with things a bit. We'll see how it works out. I do say though I'll be very lax in how harshly I adhere to this, because even as I was typing out the list of pieces I was thinking how much I can't wait to get to 'insert piece'....

I'll do my best to post pics at every 10 hour interval.