Say Goodbye - Lisa Gardner

Come into my parlor . . .

For Kimberly Quincy, FBI Special Agent, it all starts with a pregnant hooker. The story Delilah Rose tells Kimberly about her johns is too horrifying to be true—but prostitutes are disappearing, one by one, with no explanation, and no one but Kimberly seems to care.

Said the spider to the fly . . .

As a member of the Evidence Recovery Team, dead hookers aren't exactly Kimberly's specialty. The young agent is five months pregnant—she has other things to worry about than an alleged lunatic who uses spiders to do his dirty work. But Kimberly's own mother and sister were victims of a serial killer. And now, without any bodies and with precious few clues, it's all too clear that a serial killer has found the key to the perfect murder . . . or Kimberly is chasing a crime that never happened.

Kimberly's caught in a web more lethal than any spider's, and the more she fights for answers, the more tightly she's trapped. What she doesn't know is that she's close—too close—to a psychopath who makes women's nightmares come alive, and if he has his twisted way, it won't be long before it's time for Kimberly to . . .

~~~~~~~~~
Book #33 - Sad. Gross. Tragic. Heartbreaking.

Lululemon Lovely

This would my most recent clothing acquisition! Goodness me! What have I done? My tank is solid black, no grey as shown in the picture.
I'm starting at the gym again on January 1st (not a resolution) and I thought I'd treat myself to a new piece of clothing in celebration of this new chapter, or rather returning chapter in my life.

I'm at work today, as much I was would rather be at home coming to work was okay. I was able to pick up my gym membership card. So, no excuses for me. Come January 1st I'm a full fledged gym member again.

The thoughts of going to the gym is exciting and frightening at the same time! I'm scared of failing and not reaching my success level of before. Before is in the past and I have to remember that! The now is what matters. Now is the time for me to be serious about my health and not just for a short time, but for a lifetime.

Christmas With My Cuties

Clipart stolen from from Krista

Isn't she just the cutest clipart ever?!

Last night was my Christmas with my daughters and it couldn't have been better, maybe longer, but definitely not better. Other than just not enough time with them, it was wonderful to be with them.

I will briefly touch on the reasons for the short amount of time, only to lay the groundwork for how the time turned out how it did. As you may be aware my ex-husband (LOL) lives 1.5 hours away from here. Now the Queenie is living with her dad, Princess wanted to be with her, so she is spending Christmas day at her dad's. So, he had to come down to pick her up since I've yet to offer to drive her there. In coming to town to pick up Princess, he brought Queenie with him to celebrate Christmas with me. He originally wanted to give us 20 minutes while he sat in the parking lot. If that was all I could get, it would have had to be be enough for me. As it is, I was with the girls from 4:50-6:30 or so. I was to have them back to him by 6p, but I ran late. Ooops! I wanted to have them back on time since he never plays by the rules, I wanted to set an example, but it didn't happen. In true typical fashion, I'm more disappointed in myself for not holding the bar to the height I expect in return.

So, bring on the dismantling of gifts wrapped so pretty and glittery! Due to our limited time the hugs and kisses were fast paced as the wrapping paper flew. I do believe at one point we lost the dog under the mound of discarded wrap. Too funny. This was not a Christmas of my memories, but a memory filled Christmas just the same.

The girls were so excited for us to be together. I think today, as I sit here and file my memories of last night that is what touches me most. The excitement. Life has changed so much for all of us in the last little while and to see little girl excitement again is heart warming.

I do not want to appear unappreciative of my gift from the girls, which is an uber cool Sony mp3 player for when I restart at the gym next week. I am truly the richest of people to be blessed with the love of the most amazing young women. That is worth more than any store bought bauble.

Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Blowing Bubbles In The New Year

This is going to be my focus piece for 2009. Pam and I usually always start a new piece every Boxing Day, but as of late it's been New Year's Day and for 2009, not at all.

This coming year we've decided to move away from that tradition somewhat and choose something from our WIP pile, specifically a piece that has been neglected. The decision has been made that we are going to focus on Bubbles, at least that was the way it looked the last time we talked. We both have a few pieces that we've started together so there was no shortage of pieces of choice.

My plans are simple this year - stitch. When I'm stitching the goal will be to flip between the following pieces:

1. Wildlflower Rhapsody (more than half done)
2. Enchanted Fairy (1/4 finished - relatively quick piece)
3. Halloween Fairy (need supplies - so close to finished)
4. Bubbles (a very long way from the finish line)

I have a few things I would like to start and hopefully finish this year, but that is for another time and another post. I will just enjoy the craft and post the updates as they come. No pressure this year to work a certain amount of time or this ridiculous list of pieces I want to start or finish. I want to just enjoy myself and see what I can do.

So barring any catastrophic happenings in my world, I should be able to accomplish something and if I don't no big deal. I will try to return to the days of stitching while I'm working evenings and maybe be able to find some time to stitch at home, when I finally have a home again.

Tweet Tweet!

Feeling very bird-like at the the moment.

Thanks to a conversation I recently had with Cute Boy in regards to the upcoming celebration of Christmas Day without my daughters, I've been forced to think of my life in view of how it will be when Princess is off living her own life. Cute Boy said to me, "So, you're really going to suffer the empty nest syndrome when Princess is no longer home with you".... ummmmm, ya! I hadn't ever thought of it before, but that is going to be a major challenge for me. I'm not looking forward to it one bit! I certainly hope Cute Boy's love really is unconditional, because I can imagine I'm going to be a peach to deal with at that juncture! Oh joy, I can hardly wait.

How does this relate to Christmas? I'm already dreading the moment I wake up to know I have to quash the heartache of my girls not being with me. I tell them often that Christmas spirit is in your heart. Christmas isn't about just gifts and December 25th, but about being with those you love, be it the 25th or any day thereabouts. I now have to put to practice what I preach.

I have never spent Christmas Day away from the girls, as I've said, so this is going to be a year of a new kind of tradition. Cute Boy and I are going to sleep until we sleep and that is going to be cute and cuddly time. We will then take the dog out for her walk, brew coffee, have breakfast and then the day is up in the air from there. It will be different, that is for sure.

The girls and I are going to be celebrating our Christmas on Tuesday December 23rd. I'm not sure how long I will see them since Queenie is being driven down by her father and then after we are done, Princess is going to his house for Christmas. This arrangement is already becoming a hassle since he wants to be in town as little as possible, so that puts the pressure on us to do our Christmas quickly. It is heartbreaking to say the least, but I will say nothing, so as to try and keep the girls from feeling the tug. If I get 20 minutes or 2 hours, I will cherish it. The joy of giving to them and their little girl laughter and giggles will be a Christmas present in itself. I know they are no longer little girls in stature and appearance, but in my heart they will always be my little girls.

So, this momma bird is dealing with an empty nest, but a full heart. A heart filled with the love I have for my daughters and the blessings that I am able to share in their lives, be it December 25th, 23 or 21st.

12 Days Friends and Fun

First off, I must confess my sins. I'm a thief. I stole these pics from Velda's blog. I know I'm bad, but it counts for something that I admit my sins, no?


Velda's labelling is quite self explanatory. As you can see she got some really cool presents.



As did I....



And Pam did too!

This is the three of us.... gotta love the freakish expression on my damn face. At least my eyes are open. That is a first!

I look forward to this day every year and this year was no different. I've barely had time to spend with Velda since I've been full time. This full time working for a living gets in the way of life. I see Pam all the time, of course, because we do work together. Velda, not so much.

Plans are in the works for next year's gathering which has to now be on the weekend because Pam will be full time by then too and our week days will not be open as they are now. We are going to celebrate in my new house, so that promises to be fun. Not to mention different since it will be done on a weekend. I'm as excited for that as I am for the gifts.

I was out shopping today and I'm already on the lookout for presents for next year. I think half the fun is the constant awareness of presents to give to either person that isn't too expensive and personal to their style and tastes.

Thank you girls for making this such fun! This is one of my favorite things about the holidays, this gift exchange with each of you!

Enchanted Fairy - 45 hours (almost)

This is just shy of 45 hours, but close enough. I feel like I've made some good progress in this 5 hour block.

As much as I'm enjoying this piece, I'm starting to wonder what I'm going to do with it once I've finished it. I have no idea where I'm going to hang it or what part of my house it will match. How about, no where! This is becoming quite the concern with most of my pieces I've stitched. Will they match the decor of the new house?

Thanks for looking. Here's to hoping I'm not too long with another update on either this piece or Wildflower Rhapsody.

Cross Country - James Patterson

Book 14 in the Alex Cross series

When the home of Alex Cross's oldest friend, Ellie Cox, is turned into the worst murder scene Alex has ever seen, the destruction leads him to believe that he's chasing a horrible new breed of killer. As Alex and his girlfriend, Brianna Stone, become entangled in the deadly Nigerian underworld of Washington D.C., what they discover is shocking: a stunningly organized gang of lethal teenagers headed by a powerful, diabolical man--the African warlord known as the Tiger. Just when the detectives think they're closing in on the elusive murderer, the Tiger disappears into thin air. Tracking him to Africa, Alex knows that he must follow. Alone.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Book # 32 - Not my favorite Alex Cross novel. It took me 2 weeks to read this book rather than the typical 1-2 days. It was just okay. Nothing really exciting until near the very end. It was then that the story pace and interest level returned to the desired James Patterson style.

I know I'll read the future installments although the anticipation of doing so will wane some until at which time I'm blown away again by a gripping storyline. I hope I don't find myself waiting too long.

Good Grief GoodLife

I just laid out the cash to join the gym AGAIN. I'm excited and scared all at the same time. I'm looking forward to the challenge, yet still concerned about the time commitment. I know I have a crazy life and I will be struggling to juggle it all.

I want this to be the time that I make a difference in my life and with my body. I want to do this for myself on MY terms and no one else's. I will do my best with no excuses. I am not going to set myself up as being SuperWoman. I will do what I can do with my eye on the end goal with an appreciation for the journey.

I've walked this path before, once with a friend and was successful and another time with my ex-husband. The time with the ex-husband was a smashing success. The gym became our life, good, bad or otherwise. There are many happy and not so happy moments attached to my gym going history. I want this time around to be one that expunges the bad and restores my faith in my ability to do this for myself. I may not get myself to the point of my previous success, I might just surpass it. Now, wouldn't that be a hell of a tribute to me?

I have a couple weeks before I can start going to the gym since my membership isn't active until January 1st. This will give me additional time to wrap my head around what I want to do and how. I know for certain I am going to shoot to hit the gym 3-4 days per week and then build from there. The first couple weeks of January will be a jumble mess of scheduling since I am hoping to be busy with moving to the new house. YAAAAAA

My full time schedule should enable me to hit the gym more regularly and still have a life, something I need to keep peace and sanity in my world. I want to still have ample time with Princess and Cute Boy, so I'm hoping to hit the gym on the days before work when I can and then on my way home when I'm working 7a-3pm shifts. I will not take time away from those I love to pursue this time for me, but I will find the most beneficial way of finding the time I need to better balance my head and my desires for a slimmer fit body!

My food issues will be addressed in a future post.

Is Santa Hiring?

I want to apply for the position of Spare Reindeer in Training? Does anyone know where I forward my resume?

I got this most fabulous present from Cute Boy (and he says he doesn't love me) that I probably didn't deserve. It brings out my eyes, don't ya think?

I've had a very stressful week, all of my own making, but stressful nonetheless. You see my Mommy and Princess went shopping for Christmas goodies the other day and put the Christmas goodies on the table. Well, they know from lingering evidence of previous actions that I'm able to get on the table. I know! I know! I know! I'm a sneaky one, aren't I! So, knowing I could get on the table I did.... I ate the candies *insert maniacal giggle here* . Okay maybe not so funny after all, because those candies tasted mighty scrumptious going down, but let me tell ya about when they come up. No? You'd rather not hear that??? Okay, but you can probably imagine, eh? I yakked and yakked....all out my mouth. Nothing out my derierre. The candies were so mint flavoured you could smell it in my pee. Nice, eh! I'm a special girl with very special talents!!!!

I'm thinking with all the trouble I'm causing around here lately I'd be best to start looking out for myself and bringing in a little money before I get myself the boot. If I show a little initiative and maturity by looking for work, do you think they'll forgive my indiscrections?

Who am I kidding? They love me to the point of insanity around this joint. I don't have enough time to fit work in to my schedule. Being this cute takes up an awful lot of my time!

Until next time.

Love,

Daisy

House Happy!

I'm really trying to keep things in perspective, but let me tell ya it's a challenge!

I got home from work yesterday to Cute Boy informing me that he talked to Derek (house contact) and there is thismuch of a possibility that we could be in our house by New Years! I tried not to jump up and down and failed miserably. Once the shine wore off I realized that I want to maintain some perspective so as not to be disappointed.

Just imagine being in the house by the New Year. Ringing in the New Year in our new house. I told Cute Boy, if we're in I don't care if just sit around naked on living room floor on New Year's Eve, I want to be home for the holidays, any part of the holidays if possible. Did you read that? HOME!!! I'm going to have a home again! YAAAAAA Us!

Now, to just keep things in perspective. This may not happen, but the opportunity to dream is heavenly!

Christmas Countdown - Day 5

December 5 - (a day late again) Decorating for Christmas is another up my high-up-there favorite things to do.

This year my decorating is a little different than my normal decorating style. Our living in this condo has slimmed things down to a 4 ft. tree, one string on lights on said tree and maybe 15 bulbs. There is no beautiful gold ribbon drapped down the sides. There is an adorable little snowman decoration on the blanket box as well as my Santa cross stitch piece that I stitched about 9 years ago. Santa is only here because I didn't get him packed in time for the trailer.

There are years that it takes me 3 -4 days to decorate, but this year is was a matter of about 20 minutes to assemble the tree.

Decorating the house for Christmas gives me the feeling of warmth and comfort. I know I am very anal about alot of things and it is perceived that I'm a snob (teary eyed just thinking that), but it isn't that I want to be a snob. I love being surrounded by co-ordination and beauty.

My colours of choice for the holiday is red and gold. I do a combination of Santa (not many) and many snowmen. I have table centre pieces of red and gold plates, clear bowls with red ornaments drapped with gold beading. I miss my pretty things. I doesn't make for better holidays it just makes for a pretty glowing environment and I miss that.

I look forward to next year for our home and warmth of the house along with the decorations to make it all pretty and welcoming. That is my goal to make it pretty and for you to feel welcome when you visit (not that I have a lot of visitors).

I think I got a little distracted today! Sorry.

How do you decorate? Theme? Colour? Style?

Christmas Countdown - Day #4

December 4 - Christmas music is something that makes me so happy. The simplicity and purity is heartwarming. I own 2 Christmas music CD's, one I just bought because the other one is packed away on the storage trailer.

My love of Christmas music is relatively pure. I'm not a fan of classics being reworked by today's contemporary artists of any genre. I'm not saying I wont listen, but I very much prefer the older versions of Christmas classics.

A few of my favorites, in no particular order:

• White Christmas
• Happy Xmas (War Is Over)
• Silent Night
• Little Drummer Boy
• Home for Christmas
• It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas
• Do You Hear What I Hear?

Do you have a favorite Christmas song?

Christmas Countdown

December 3 (a day late - sorry) - Children are one of the most beautiful experiences of the Christmas preparation. There is nothing that prompts a smile from my heart more than the twinkle in a little child's eye at the sight of Santa or Christmas lights.

I tried early on with my own children to show them that Christmas isn't just about presents. I lost the battle, but I did honestly try.

Have you ever watched a little one waiting in line to see Santa or try and find that perfect gift for someone they love. Next time you're at the mall, see if you can't witness a little one putting money in the Christmas kettle. Too cute. They are so proud to be giving to someone else. The true spirit of giving and not just monetary goods or money is really what this is about for me.

Enchanted Fairy - 40 hours

Isn't this special? Another update on Enchanted Fairy. The going is slow since I don't have the greatest light in the condo from hell, but I've decided I've wasted enough time with my stitching that I'm attempting to stitch even in poor light.

I've been stitching all over the place on this one lately. One night I'll stitch downwards on the left of the dress, the following night to the right. The most recent addition is the small section of the arm you see. I love that part for some reason. I am going to try in my next rotation to fill in the holes to the right. I think I will start with the bare section in the purple just below the arm and work my way down. I say that now, but wait until you see the next WIP pic, I'll probably do something completely different.

Thanks for looking. Your awesome comments are awe inspiring and greatly appreciated!

December Yankee Stadium Distance Challenge

November Distance - 29.58KM -- Bad bad bad!
Distance To Go - 177.99KM

December
1- Off to a poor start!
2- Thank goodness
3 - for Cute
4 - Boy!
5 - .76
6 - .76
7 - .76
8 - .76
9 - .76
10 - 2.28
11 - .76
12 - .76
13 - 1.52
14 -
15 - .76
16 -
17 -
18 - .76 (10.64)
19 -
20 - .76
21 -
22 -
23 - .76
24
25 - .76
26
27
28
29
30
31 - .76 (13.8)

Christmas Countdown - Day #2

December 2 - Friends are so precious to me. No more than at this wonderful time of year. What is better than the spirit of Christmas all around you while with a friend. The gift of friendship is that best gift of all and to me, what Christmas is all about.

When you think back to the more difficult times in your life, to the most special moments and those cherished memories, there is usually always a friend attached. The wonderful gift of a friendship is what most anyone seeks in life.

I love the fact that friendships can be made and maintained through the computer now. It is one of the better things to come of the Internet. I've been blessed with many new friends because of this very blog. I will refrain from listing them for fear of omitting a name. You know who you are! I love you!

Now, to pay tribute to my everyday friends. What can I say to you that can come anywhere near to truly touching on my gratitude and love for you. You too, know who you are. I would not be half the person I am today if not for your love and support.

The world, my world, would be such a sad place without each and every one of you!

Christmas Countdown

I love Christmas and in the spirit of that, I'm going to do a Christmas countdown, much like the way of an advent calendar. Each day I will post one thing I love about Christmas until the final day of December 25th. I'm sorry, but I lack the ability to share chocolates or little Advent gifts with you. I would if I could though.

December 1st - I love spending the holidays with my family and loved ones. My family is scattered now and that is okay. As much as we are in different places, the girls and I, I try to impress to them that Christmas is about being with the ones you love during the holiday season and not just on December 25th.

In the wonderful way that people can be, I'm blessed to be surrounded by Cute Boy's family too. They have welcomed me in a way that can only be described as 'awesome and warm'. Not to mention the single blessing of having Cute Boy in my life to share the holidays with now. That is a Christmas gift of immeasurable happiness and peace (most of the time).

I Called It! (Strong language - sorry)

I called it! I knew this would happen, but that doesn't make it any better! Princess went to her asshole father's for the weekend . This is the first time she's visited in I don't know how long. Queenie has been living there for a month (don't even get me started on that one). Princess was to be home today, but what do you know? She's not going to be home until tomorrow. I called it! I knew this would happen! Why does it seem I'm the only one concerned about this girl's school attendance? Oh, that would be because I am!

I got the phone call from FN (F-nut) about 45 minutes ago and I've been sitting here fuming ever since. It is the first time I've heard his voice in about 2 years and instantly I felt sick at the sound of it. I was TOLD Princess wouldn't be home and I commented that is was nice of him to TELL me. I got a snippy comment about the weather in response. Convenient that the weather is a concern of his now, because it never used to be. He has been know to take leisurely drives in white out conditions. Once I got the snippy comment about him not wanting to risk the girls' safety, he got dial tone in his ear!

I don't usually swear on my blog nor in type written word, but I'm so fucking sick of his bullshit. As much as I don't have contact with him, the comments that get back to me from various people (my girls included) I'm sick of it. Soon enough, both of my girls will be old enough that they will be making their own decisions (Queenie 12 weeks, Princess 3.5 years) and I'm done with his manipulation.

His goal from day one has been to 'fuck me over' (his words) and I'm so tired of the manipulation of situations and the past. He says that I live my life in a way so as to make his a nightmare. Who cares what he says, but I hate dishonesty and people that aren't accountable to their own actions. It gets old to always be on guard for what he's going to attempt to do from one situation to the next. I feel that he still controls me to a point, when I feel like I do now. I have to reign in my emotions, deal with it the best I can and move on.

I trust him about as far as I could throw him. I know, as well as I know my own name, he will be prompting Princess, as will Queenie probably be, to move there. I can't worry about that anymore. If she's going to go, she's going to go. I know the pressure put on Princess to go up there for Christmas will be huge this weekend too. I don't talk to Princess about the holidays and what I want to do. I leave the decision to her. I can celebrate Christmas with her anytime. I try not to stoop to his level of pressure and talking garbage about him in front of my girls, as much as I know he does me. My hope is that the girls will grow up and see the manipulation for what it is and see that I tried to leave the garbage of our marriage at the door and not dump on them. We'll see how well my plan works!

I'm not going to let this ruin my night. Cute Boy is at work and I'm missing him huge. I'm going to walk the dog then light candles, turn on the christmas tree lights, get in my pajamas, have a tea and stitch while watching some television. All of my favorite things!

Enchanted Fairy 35 Hours

Can you imagine? Another entry pertaining to stitching. I know there are some or one (Krista) out there that wants more substance to this blog. Enough with the books, music and stitching! I know I know! This is all I have right now, and even this is from last week, not even current stitching.

I hope to find my way back to myself and my days filled with more than working and being sick. I've been not feeling myself since Thanksgiving, so much so to the point that I've called in sick 4x since then. I've worked where I work for 9 years before ever calling in sick and now that I'm full time and have sick days, I've called in 4x. Is that a coincidence or I am just really suffering something!

I miss you all bunches and bunches. I am reading, but not always posting replies. That is nasty of me and I'm sorry.

Love and hugs,

~T

158

What is that number you ask?

Is it my weight?

Is it a monetary value?

Is it my IQ?

That would be the number of stitches I added to Enchanted Fairy this evening. It has been well over a month since I stitched, so I figured it was high time I turned this train wreck around!

I was able to add 157 stitches in 1.5 hours. After such a long time away, I feel as though I've found my way home. Lets see if I can't build on this number and add something to it tomorrow night too. Now, wouldn't that be something! I keep this up I just might have a progress picture to share by the weekend.

Music Monday

Anything Goes - Randy Houser

Normally this time of night you wouldn't find me here
I'd be reaching for a good night kiss instead of one more beer
I'd never take a second look at the blonde across the bar
Much less invite her over and let things go this far

But anything goes when everything's gone
You ain't around to give a damn whether I do right or wrong
So bring it on, anything goes when everything's gone
Another morning after a crazy night before
I'm searchin' for my blue jeans on a stranger's bedroom floor
Well, shouldn't I feel guilty well I don't feel a thing
I'd wake her up and say goodbye, but I can't recall her name

But anything goes when everything's gone
You ain't around to give a damn whether I do right or wrong
So bring it on, anything goes when everything's gone
If you'd lifted a single thread for me to hold on too
I'd have one good reason not to do the things I do

But anything goes when everything's gone
You ain't around to give a damn whether I do right or wrong
So bring it on, anything goes when everything's gone
Anything goes
Anything goes when everything's gone

~~~~~~~~~~~
My new favorite song for right now, anyway. There is something so poignant in the lyrics it pains my wee heart.

Divorced, Desperate and Delicious - Christie Craig

When her dog Fabio brings home a stray, an on-the-run detective named Chase Kelly, eccentric photographer Lacy Maguire uses this opportunity to recover from her broken heart with the help of this very sexy man.

~~~~~~~~~~
Book #31 - I knocked this one off in a single day. It was just what I needed after the guts of gore my previous read and for my current state of mind. Cute works as a description. Better than most fluff offerings.

Blindsighted - Karin Slaughter

The sleepy town of Heartsdale, Georgia, is jolted into panic when Sara Linton, paediatrician and medical examiner, finds Sibyl Adams dead in the local diner. As well as being viciously raped, Sibyl has been cut: two deep knife wounds form a lethal cross over her stomach. But it's only once Sara starts to perform the post-mortem that the full extent of the killer's brutality becomes clear. Police chief Jeffrey Tolliver - Sara's ex-husband - is in charge of the investigation, and when a second victim is found, crucified, only a few days later, both Jeffrey and Sara have to face the fact that Sibyl's murder wasn't a one-off attack. What they're dealing with is a seasoned sexual predator. A violent serial killer ...

~~~~~~~~~~~
Book # 30 - OMG! This has to be one of the more disturbing books I've ever read. I was gagging and sputtering at parts. I will be definitely looking to read the rest in the series. My mind must be more demented than I realize.

Kitchen Krazy of the Good Kind

This is the table that Cute Boy and I bought today for the new house. Pam and I went shopping on Wednesday afternoon and found this beautiful table set. Cute Boy and I went back today to look at it. I only wanted him to see it, see if he liked it or not. It is more than he was wanting to pay, but we walked away with it anyway. Leon's was having a tax free weekend on Ashley Furniture, so it was an opportunity to save 13%.

After finishing up with the kitchen sales lady we headed to the Appliance section where we decided on a new fridge, stove, microwave and and dishwasher. The fridge and dishwasher were on for such an incredible price Cute Boy felt it was worth it to put a downpayment on them and hold them for when we buy our home. Between just the fridge and dishwasher alone we saved about $900.00! WOOHOO for us.

The appliances are all black and soooo pretty! Now, the only large appliances left to buy would be the washer and dryer. We have the item numbers for the pair we want, but chose not to buy them today! I'm good with that.

I'm so excited with what we have bought so far. Today was a fun day, albeit an expensive one.

Tailspin - Catherine Coulter

FBI Special Agent Jackson Crowne is flying his Cessna over the Appalachians, with a very important passenger: renowned psychiatrist Dr. Timothy MacLean; their destination is Washington, D.C. Upon their arrival, the FBI will protect the doctor - and ascertain just who wants him dead.

But they don't make it.

In San Francisco, married FBI Special Agents Dillon Savich and Lacey Sherlock take an early morning phone call from their supervisor, Jimmy Maitland. Maitland received a Mayday from Jackson in the mountains near Parlow, Kentucky, and sends Savich and Sherlock to see what's happened.

Agent Crowne is able to bring his plane down in a narrow valley and haul the unconscious Dr. MacLean from the burning wreckage before it explodes. Their crash is witnessed by Rachael Abbott, a young woman on the run after the mysterious death of her father. When Savich and Sherlock arrive on the scene, they find Jackson and Rachael in the Parlow clinic and Dr. MacLean comatose in the local hospital, prognosis unknown. What they do know frightens them: Dr. MacLean was recently diagnosed with frontal lobe dementia, and in the months prior to the crash his behavior had become erratic and alarmingly uninhibited, his ability to maintain doctor-patient confidentiality badly compromised. With a patient list made up of Washington movers and shakers, MacLean's role as a keeper of secrets is jeopardized as well. Is there someone out there so desperate that they'd kill the doctor for what he knows? It is up to Jackson, Savich, and Sherlock to find out - no matter the cost.

~~~~~~~~~~
Book #29 - It took me forever to finish this book. It was a combination of being busy and, sadly, the story being typical, so I struggled at times. I get tired of the perfect life, even considering the problems in the lives of the character, the perfect guy for the perfect girl - always happily ever after once the current problem is solved.

Snowman Sweetness

Have you very seen a cuter snowman decoration? I bought this a couple weeks ago when I was shopping in the states. I thought it was the cutest little thing.

I put away my Halloween decorations this morning and replaced the candle on the blanket box with this little critter. I may not like my current living arrangement, but I'll definitely be surrounded by cute little Christmas decorations. It was a small smile this morningl and I loved it!

November Yankee Stadium Distance Challenge

October's Distance - 42.55KM
Distance Remaining - 207.57

November
1 - 1.52
2 - .76
3 - 2.46
4 - .76
5 - 1.52
6 - 1.52
7 - .1.52 (10.06)
8 - 1.52
9 - .76
10 - 1.52 (12.86)
11 - 1.52
12 - .76
13 - .76
14 - 1.52
15 - .76
16 - 2.28
17 - 1.52
18 - .76
19 - .76
20 - .76 (24.26)
21 - .76
22 -
23 -
24 - .76
25 - .76
26 -
27 - .76
28 - .76
29 - .76
30 - .76

Housing Update

Here is the most recent pic of the house. It really is supposed to be of the house NOT the car. Nice car though eh! :) From this angle and distance you can't really see what I would love for you to see, the front door. It is much prettier than you can see from this distance.

Things are moving along. The electrician has been in and started running wires. The plumber is supposed to be in sometime soon.

There was a trip this weekend that saw me in Ottawa picking up cabinetry knobs. A couple hundred dollars later and that is one more thing taken care of.

I was holding out on posting this since it is my 500th post. I was hoping I would have my specialtly floss from the Cross Stitch Cupboard in Ottawa, but sadly that didn't happen. Cute Boy and I opted to spend time with his awesome neice instead, so it was for a great reason not to backtrack further in to Ottawa.

Anyway, I'm out of here for another little bit.

Love ya!

Kitchen Craziness

We have a new kitchen layout (similar to our most recent layout) and the biggest news - WE HAVE A NEW KITCHEN COMPANY. Yes, I was yelling there. I'm soooo excited I can't even begin to tell you!

The estimate came in today and it is a savings of $3000+. There are a couple changes and that is okay. If Cute Boy and I decide to upgrade which I'm not sure we will, it will be an additional $1000. Neither of us had a problem with the price that this second kitchen company came in at, even if it was the same amount as Crazy Kitchen Lady, we would be going with this new company.

Things are what they are in regards to the price of some things and then there are certain things we can't fathom paying the price. Our house was originally drawn up with a fireplace in the plans, but we've decided to let that one go by the wayside. I'm a little sad to thing there will not be a fireplace, but not sad enough that I'm going to push for the extra expense and the decorating issues with the limited space we'll have in the upper level of the house.

As much as I'm excited about this house, there are things that are not turning out quite how I planned, nor as Cute Boy planned either. The misrepresentation on the lot size really screwed us over and most any negative issue we're dealing with can be attributed to the lot size issue. It upsets us both a great deal, but once we signed off we were faced with no option of recourse, so it's forage ahead and deal with things to the best of your ability.

I hate looking at this house already in the context of when we sell it, although that is exactly how we are both looking at it. I will be looking at our financial issues with this house in 3 distinct categories:

1. Pay off any remaining debt
2. Save for a new lot/house
3. Save money to pay down the current mortgage

We met with the electrician today at the house. It was our first time inside and OMG is some parts of it ever small! I'm sad to admit I feel that way. On a positive note though, our windows and doors are installed. The black front door is incredible!! I love love love it! I will be heading back out on Thursday to get another picture. It is holy wow beautiful. That is one fight I'm glad I fought! I didn't get a 'good for you fighting for that one' from Cute Boy though. LOL I know he likes it, so I'm good with that!

I think that is all I have for now. Thanks for hanging in with the housing hell!

The Keepsake - Tess Gerritsen

For untold years, the perfectly preserved mummy had lain forgotten in the dusty basement of Boston's Crispin Museum. Now its sudden rediscovery by museum staff is both a major coup and an attention-grabbing mystery. Dubbed 'Madam X,' the mummy to all appearances, an ancient Egyptian artifact' seems a ghoulish godsend for the financially struggling institution. But medical examiner Maura Isles soon discovers a macabre message hidden within the corpse' horrifying proof that this centuries-old relic is instead a modern-day murder victim.

To Maura and Boston homicide detective Jane Rizzoli, the forensic evidence is unmistakable, its implications terrifying. And when the grisly remains of yet another woman are found in the hidden recesses of the museum, it becomes chillingly clear that a maniac is at large and is now taunting them.

Archaeologist Josephine Pulcillo's blood runs cold when the killer's cryptic missives are discovered, and her darkest dread becomes real when the carefully preserved corpse of yet a third victim is left in her car like a gruesome offering or perhaps a ghastly promise of what's to come.

The twisted killer's familiarity with post-mortem rituals suggests to Maura and Jane that he may have scientific expertise in common with Josephine. Only Josephine knows that her stalker shares a knowledge even more personally terrifying: details of a dark secret she had thought forever buried.

Now Maura must summon her own dusty knowledge of ancient death traditions to unravel his twisted endgame. And when Josephine vanishes, Maura and Jane have precious little time to derail the Archaeology Killer before he adds another chilling piece to his monstrous collection.

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

Book #28 - I loved it! It was a gross read by times, but a very entertaining. I got a little bogged down (no pun intended to those that read and understand the play on words there), with the scientific content pertaining to Archaeological issues.

House Shopping Saga - Sit Down It's A Long One

Yesterday was a house filled day. A day after and my head is still reeling.

I'm working 6p-2am all this week, so it was an opportunity for Cute Boy and I to get something figured out with the house. It is fast approaching crunch time with us and our decisions and then it is up to the builders to bring it all together.

Yesterday went like this:
1. Money guy meeting
2. Bathroom decisions. Tubs, sinks, vanities, faucets, toilets and faucets
3. Fireplace shop - 2nd visit
4. Home/Lunch
5. Kitchen Part 1 and Kitchen Part 2

So, yesterday, I'm up at 8:30a after getting to bed at 2am. Thank the heavens for co-workers that relieve you a little early. We had a meeting with the money guy. I really like him, but I'm still somewhat worried and confused with the amount of money we'll be borrowing and how much of my current debt load I will be able to dump on the mortgage. This concerns me greatly and it is a mess of my own making! No one to blame but ME!!!!!

The next stop is Bathworks where we pick out our tubs, shower stall for the downstairs bathroom and the faucets, toilets and kitchen sinks. What a time this was. It was a relatively easy time to be honest. No control issues on the part of either Cute Boy or myself. It was all good. I learned a lot more about toilets and the way the work than I would have ever dreamed. Once explained by an expert, it all makes sense.

Cute Boy and I were able to scoop a black granite vanity for our en suite for $375.00 with the sink already built in. It was a clearance item. As soon as I saw it I loved it. We both compromised really well to get what we wanted out of our bathrooms and shower areas. We also found a black granite counter top for the main bathroom and the basement bathroom is going to have the same counter top as our kitchen counter.

The thing I find really funny about the bathroom decisions, is this is the one area I had some sort of idea in my head about what I wanted as far as colour. I wanted whites so that I could decorate in any way I wanted around the white and I wasn't committed to any one specific thing. Didn't turn out anything like I expected in my head. Funny how that happened. The only room with a mental picture and I'm no where near it.

The estimate came back on everything we ordered and we're only approximately $900 over budget. That was a good place to be. Everything is in stock even the over sized shower stall for the downstairs bathroom, so there will be no order delays. Smooth sailing so far.

Our next stop is the fireplace store, our second visit here. We decided on a fireplace, but the problem is deciding on a mantle set up. There was one there in the shop that we could have bought at a discount, floor model last one, but the colour isn't right. We bartered with the company to sand it down and re stain it for a fee, but they can't. That option is out. Cute Boy and I are back to our original thoughts of a very dark mantle with ceramic tiling around the fireplace. There is a set up in the store and it looks 100% better than I just described.

We go to lunch at Harvey's in the Home Depot so we can do some looking at things there. Too much to do and not enough time to do it. Nothing much decided there, so somewhat a waste of time.

We head home and Cute Boy gets a call from Derek, our contact with the building company. Awesome guy!!! You know the conversation is not going to go well when the Derek asks Cute Boy if he's sitting down. You would think he'd have seen so much he'd not be shocked by things like quotes - until now.

You see we've been having a hellish time with the custom kitchen company contact (owner's wife). Nice enough lady, not extremely helpful nor all that knowledgeable. Didn't garner a lot of confidence from either Cute Boy or myself. We tried to maintain a positive outlook, but at times it was near to impossible. Anyway, back to the point here.

Our kitchen estimate came in yesterday at 2x plus the amount we have in our allowance for our kitchen. I couldn't believe it. There are upgrades in the kitchen, I'll give you that, but $8000 worth of grades? I think not! This woman has to have been smoking a little too much funny stuff, I'm telling ya. I know the following things are upgrades - wine rack in the island, tandem (slow closing drawers) inserts, a shelf above the kitchen sink and shelves down the one side. She never mentioned the cabinetry finish we chose is an upgrade, not the height of the island.... nothing. She is absolutely clueless. There is no way we are using this company.

As soon as we got home from Home Depot, I was on the phone to another kitchen place that Derek recommended and within 15 minutes Cute Boy and I were in their shop with our drawings. It was a completely different feel and experience. I told the salesman we're looking for the recycling/garbage pull out track for under the counter and he says, "Oh, this?", and pulls out the drawer in front of me. The other woman had me searching Internet sites and measuring garbage cans/bins to see what size it was we were using. I could go on and on about the melodrama of this first kitchen place compared to the ease of this second place, but I'll not. I hope that this new kitchen estimate comes in under $15,000. I'm not sure what it'll be, but anything has to be better than the original quote. Keep your fingers crossed, will ya?

The gentleman at the second kitchen design shop had hoped to have our drawings done by the weekend, but since it was 3:30-4pm Thursday, that Cute Boy and I dropped them off, I don't expect them until sometime Monday.

Monday morning we have a meeting with the plumber and the electrician to discuss plug positions and outlet connections. Oh fun!

Things are really moving along and I'm feeling much better - thankfully! It is getting a little bit exciting and that is really saying something considering the fiasco of the kitchen.

I'll keep you posted on how kitchen place #2 comes in with their quote.

You're a trooper if you've made it through all this!

Week 6 - Flashing and Shingling

Here is the current state of our house. Things are really starting to move forward. The weather has been cooperative, other than Tuesday of this week. We now have a full roof and the back part is more shingle covered than the front. Pretty much what you see there is the flashing.

Cute Boy took the picture and in his little boy mind he just had to get a good shot of the port-a-potty. Seriously? It amazes me how a man can be a complete grown up one minute and in the very next be that of a 5 year old. It was a hilarious moment though. I must admit.

Next week's job list includes windows and siding. That will super exciting, eh!

Enchanted Fairy - 30 hours

At the start of this rotation - 25 hours


And, after. Currently sitting at 30 hours.

I thought I had a mistake up where the brighter colours meet the Ecru, now I'm not so sure. I counted from a spot I knew was correct and filled in and up to find the mistake. Have yet to find it and things are lining up properly. I'm going to concentrate on filling in the blank spots my next rotation.

I'm so excited to be posting WIP pics again. I'm putting these 6p-2am shifts to good use this week! Yaaaaaaa.

As always, thanks for looking.

The Mercedes Coffin - Faye Kellerman

Book 17 in the Peter Decker and Rina Lazarus series

A novel by
Faye Kellerman

Billionaire genius Genoa Greeves never got over the shocking death of her favorite teacher, Bennett "Dr. Ben" Alston Little, murdered execution-style and stuffed into the trunk of his Mercedes-Benz. No arrests were ever made, no killer charged for the brutal crime. Fifteen years later, the high-tech CEO reads about another execution-style murder; this time the victim is a Hollywood music producer named Primo Ekerling. There is no obvious connection, but the case is eerily similar to Little's and Genoa feels the time is right to close Dr. Ben's case once and for all - offering the L.A.P.D. a substantial financial "incentive" if justice is finally served for Little.

Lieutenant Peter Decker resents having to commit valuable manpower to a fifteen-year-old open case simply because a rich woman says "Jump!" Still, the recent murder of Primo Ekerling does bear a disturbing resemblance to Little's case, even though two thug suspects are currently behind bars for the Ekerling murder. Decker can't help but wonder about a connection. His first phone calls are to the two primary investigators in the Little case, retired detectives Calvin Vitton and Arnie Lamar. Lamar is cooperative, but Vitton is not only reluctant to talk, he winds up dead of a suspicious suicide twelve hours later. Plunging into this long-buried murder, Decker discovers that even though the two slayings are separated by a decade and a half, there is still plenty of greed, lust, and evil to connect the dots.

Decker's team of top investigators not only includes his favorite homicide detectives, Scott Oliver and Marge Dunn, but also his newly minted Hollywood detective daughter, Cindy Kutiel, whose help proves to be invaluable. His wife, Rina Lazarus, continues to be his backbone of support, offering a cool, rational outlook despite her growing concern for her husband's welfare and safety. Rina's worries and fears begin to build at a fevered pitch as past and present collide with a vengeance, catapulting an unsuspecting Peter Decker closer and closer to the edge of an infinite dark abyss.

A relentlessly gripping tale spun by a master, Faye Kellerman's The Mercedes Coffin races through a dangerous urban world of fleeting fame and false dreams, making heart-pumping hairpin turns at each step of a terrifying journey, where truth and justice are fine lines between life and death.

~~~~~~~~~~
Book #27 - I found there were too many characters to keep it all straight. I'm going to switch up my authors for a bit. Things in this series are getting a bit too pat and perfect. I'm a sucker for a series so I know I'll be back. I'm a little disappointed in this one, is all.

The Wedding - Nicholas Sparks

The Wedding

(The second book in the Calhoun Family Saga series)

A novel by
Nicholas Sparks

After more than 20 years of marriage, Wilson Lewis, son-in-law of Allie and Noah Calhoun (of The Notebook) is forced to admit that the romance has gone out of his marriage. Desperate to win back his wife Jane's heart, he must figure out how to make her fall in love with him.again. Despite the shining example of Allie and Noah's marriage, Wilson is himself a man unable to easily express his emotions. A successful tax attorney, he has provided well for his family, but now, with his daughter's upcoming wedding and an impending empty nest, he is forced to face the fact that he and Jane have grown apart and he wonders if she even loves him anymore. Wilson is sure of one thing-his love for his wife has only deepened and intensified over the years. Now, with the memories of his in-laws' magnificent fifty- year love affair as his guide, Wilson struggles to find his own way back into the heart of the woman he adores.

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

Book # 26 - This was just want I expected and needed. I think it's what I needed. I could be wrong. Do men like this really exist? I wonder.

There was one point in this book that I was sobbing. I don't mean just tears rolling down my cheeks, but all out sobbing.

Wonderful heart lifting love story.

Wildflower Rhapsody - 60 hours

Checking in with another WIP update. As Cathey said after my last WIP update - She stitches!

I was able to hit another 5 hour block yesterday while sipping tea and doing more strenuous than pushing remote control buttons for television flicking. I would have liked to stitch longer, but the lighting in this condo is so poor I run out of good light rather quickly. It seems as though so many things are working against me.

I am working 6p-2a this coming week and that is a good stitching week, so I'm hoping I can get some progress on both pieces. I'm not holding my breath, so please don't you either.

I focused on the right side of the design this rotation. My goal for the next rotation is fill in the space to the right of the water jug.

Thanks so much for looking.

Word Verification

I've had to re-instate Word Verification due to the fact that spam commenters have inhabited my comment section again. It is annoying to live in an internet troll infested time. I hope this stops the stupidity.

Sorry.

Raising The Roof

Front view



Side view

As you can see, the house now has a portion of the roof. Things are moving along quite well at the moment. Lets hope the weather continues to cooperate with our builders.

I was home from work sick today, but still had some running around to do. Cute Boy and I figured it would be quick enough to pick out doors and knobs. Quick wasn't even the word. We were in and out in about 10 minutes. The doors are 6 panel Colonial with brushed black knobs. I'm really happy to say knobs, because Cute Boy and I were in disagreement about door hardware. He wanted levers, but I'm such a clutz that my large opening sleeves get caught on the levers and I end up wrenching my shoulder out or falling on my arse. Not fun! We decided on an upgrade of 5 3/4" base trim. It was the easiest decision yet.

I knew the house was an elevated bungalow, but I wasn't expecting 7 front steps. It was a bit of a shock, but one that I'm warming up to now. I've said to Cute Boy that is the opportunity for 7 Fall Mums! Oh, just imagine the colour! I can hardly wait.

I'm not sure what's up next in regards to this house, but hopefully today is the start of a positive stretch and not a stop over for more stress. Today was a very good day! Yaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!