Killer Calves and the 6K

This New Balance commercial fits me to a 'T'. The first time I saw this video, I seriously watched with my slack jaw hanging down. It was as though this commercial was calling to me and only me! I love it and I hate it. Pretty much sums up my relationship with the pavement. I love it. I hate it. I love it. I hate. You get the idea. I love the feeling of the burn. I hate the feeling of the burn. I love the sound of the pounding of my feet on the gravel (my favorite sound), I love the feel of the sweat on my skin, I love the sun hitting my shoulders, I love the music pounding in my ears, I love the feeling of accomplishment at the end! I think I'm more in a love relationship with running, as much as I really do hate it. I mentally fight with myself daily about hitting the pavement. Why do I love to hate running, but love running? It drives me insane.

Mentioning insane, I've taken it upon myself, with a little help from a friend to partake in training for a 10K run. I use the word 'friend' loosely! I'm just kidding KP, you know I love you.

I have a running schedule to follow to build up to a 10K run. Today was my first day of what I believe is going to a gruelling time in my life, but something I'm extremely excited about doing. I'm scared to death, truth be told. I'm nervous about failing, letting KP down, and as much as that, I'm afraid of letting myself down too.

My run today was very spur of the moment, but something I figured if I'm thinking about it, I'd better hit the pavement before I talk myself out of it, or put off for another day what could and should be done today! My run went better than I expected, all except for the killing calves. My calves, mostly just my left one, was burning so badly I could have screamed. I pushed through and felt great, although my calf is still really tight. I feel incredible, as I knew I would, as I always do.

Life is going to get extremely busy with what I hope to become a regular running routine and baseball starting up on Sunday and I look forward to both, although I dread the hectic pace of my life come that time. I will continue to update as I progress or slip which ever be the case. Who knows where this running thing will lead me, I do know without a doubt it'll be an adventure.

Job's Tears 80 hours

I've been working away on Job's Tears, not with as much progress I would have hoped this month. I was really hoping to finish this piece this month, although I know now as the month is quickly coming to a close I'm not going to get it done. I'll keep plugging away in hopes of finishing it up in the early part of May. I got caught up in obligation stitching this month which really slowed me down. May shouldn't bring many interruptions of the stitching kind, as much as I can't say the same in regards to my everyday life.

I know there are possible changes surrounding the intended recipient of this piece, so I know I made a good decision when choosing to focus on this piece until it is completed.

Thanks so much looking and all encouragement you offer on each and every piece.

Happy stitching days to you!

Halloween Fairy - 30 hours

I've finally hit another 10 hour block on Halloween Fairy. It seems to be a long time since I've updated her which makes sense only working on this piece 1 hour per week and some weeks forgetting about her or not making time.

I think I'm going to run out of 2 colours, Dandelion Stem and Black Coffee. I'm not overly concerned because I'll just order more. I'm planning on working what I can until I run out of these two colours and then I'll put it aside while I await the 2 replacement skeins.

As much as I really like this piece I've been struggling with mistakes, the major reason I'll run out of 2 colours. I know my head was all over the place at various times while stitching her. In spite of all the mistakes (now corrected) I can't wait to see her finished, not just to put this mistake ridden piece behind me, but because I just love it!

Thank so much for looking.

Happy stitching days to you!

U.S. of A Shopping Haul

Here is a sampling of the goodies I bought when in the States the other day. I've tried most of the items already other than the V8 Smoothie and the Fibre One Muffins. I can not wait to try the muffins. I'm a muffin monster and hope these are good. I'm hoping if they're good they will eventually come to Canada, since they are a Betty Crocker product.

The Special K Protein water is amazing. It comes with an amazing price tag as well, $1.50 per bottle. That seems a bit steep to me, but once I tasted it, I no longer cared about the price. There is one bottle left and I'm keeping it for Lily to try as much as I want to inhale it, I will refrain from being a pig.

I can't say I've not been inhaling the Reese's Peanut Butter. Oh my word is that stuff ever good. Heaven in a container is the best description.

I'm really looking forward to trying the Brown Rice as well. Krista says it's good, so I took the leap and bought some. I love rice and look forward to a healthier alternative to white minute rice. I'm too lazy most days to bother with long cooking brown rice.

I will be looking at making more regular trips to the states for some foods if I continue to find things I really like. I did buy some other things I forgot to include in the pic - Bagelfuls. They are frozen bagels filled with cream cheese. They look somewhat like a Ding Dong and are toaster ready. Not at all healthy, but Princess seemed to think they look neat. I've yet to see just how small they are and for 200 calories per, not a good nutritional choice. Oh well! I also picked up some Fat-free cheese. It doesn't melt real pretty, but I like to get some dairy in with minimal points spent.

All in all I'm happy with the stuff I brought home and look forward to my next trip to the wonder grocery stores in the great USA!

Rose of Sharon - Paula Vaughan

Here is my contribution to Rose of Sharon. I stitched from the right side of the second pole to the edge that you see there now. I would have liked to do more, but elected to stop where I did since I was concerned with not being able to finish it and my issues with colour continuity played a major factor. This is being mailed off to another participant to add what she can in hopes of finishing it up.

I have to say it was nice to work on this piece although a little strange since I've stitched this piece in the past. It was like a little homecoming of sorts.

Born To Be Wild - Catherine Coulter

Here's a little something for Krista - I know you don't want to know what books I've been reading. You want juice! I have no juice, my dear! Just books right now.

Get yourself ready for Mary Lisa Beverly - a soap-opera phenom who's just won her third Daytime Emmy for her role as Sunday Cavendish on Born to Be Wild. She's fun and lovable and has lots of crazy friends, most of whom hang out at her house in the Colony, the famous gated community in Malibu. Unfortunately, there is one bad thing to poleax her champagne life - someone is trying to kill her.

You'll meet Mary Lisa's family in Goddard Bay, Oregon. She's blessed with her father, cursed with her mother, and betwixt and between with her two nutzoid sisters.

And how about guys? There aren't any hotties in L.A. of interest to Mary Lisa, but in Goddard Bay - there are District Attorney John Goddard and Chief of Police Jack Wolf. And guess what? Even in the boondocks, bad stuff can happen.

Mary Lisa's best friends, Lou Lou Bollinger and Elizabeth Fargas, become embroiled in the baffling attempts on Mary Lisa's life in L.A., with unexpected results.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Book #7 - It was good, if not cookie cutter predictable. There were a few surprises along the way, but for the most part the formula is very familiar and easy to see.

Girls Night Out - Beware!

As is always I have problems when trying to put to words the great time I have when with Mary, Krista, and this time, Princess. We all hung out together on Tuesday night and tore it up in the States. What an absolute blast I had.

There were so many laughs and so many moments that can only really be described as 'had to be there'. I'm not sure that Princess really enjoyed herself, but it was great to have her along, as much as I think she was overwhelmed by the rambunctious behaviour of her mother and 2 crazy friends. Both Mary and Krista were lucky I didn't dump them on the side of the road! I threatened the US Customs Officer upon entering the States that I would in all likelihood be leaving Krista with his country! Miss Mary amped up her nasty behaviour and was going to be left behind as well. Go Boston! My ass!!!

Go Boston seemed to be the theme of the day after crossing the border. You see, I sport really sweet 'YNKEEGRL' licence plates. Who do you think the US Custom Officer roots for? If you guessed Boston, you'd be right. Damn it! So I took some good spirited ribbing from him and then from the girls! Again, Go Boston my ass! I'll not even get started on the inner office mail I got from Krista a few days following the trip.

There wasn't a lot of money spent. We did hit the Bath and Body Works where I restrained myself and only purchased 3 bottles of hand soap. Oh the smell is heavenly. I love to pee just so I can wash my hands with this wonderful smell.

Dinner found us at Appleby's. OMG it was sooo good. I love their WW friendly menu. My dinner was just the right amount of food for a good amount of points. Included in our wonderful meal was the offer of a 'backs' (box for those of you lost there). This waitress was pretty good and her accent had us cracking up. The hotties (NOT) at the bar being offered Shirley Temples. I tell no lies. It was hilarious. Big buff, military dudes being offered Shirley Temples was too funny. Appleby's is really the place to be in Watertown on Tuesday night. There was DUDE in the parking lot with his DO rag on his head..... how about a DON'T rag. Some things just don't need to be seen. Not now, not ever. Dude thinking he's all hot in his rag waving at 4 young woman in a car. Okay, maybe we're not all young. I'll not even touch on the looks Princess was getting from men throughout the day. I was going to kick some serious American Ass. Oh the joys of being the mother of a well developed teenage daughter.

Besides hitting Bath and Body Works, the main reason for our trip was to hit the 24 hour Walmart for some much needed American stores only foods. One of my favorite things ever is grocery shopping in the states. Thank you Price Is Right. There are so many foods not available in Canada that I continually see on commercials. Well now is my time to stock up. I didn't end up with as much as I had hoped, but I was trying to buy only what I could pay for in cash. Didn't happen, but I tried. I ended up with some really cool foods, this one being my most treasured right now.... Oregean Chai Tea It has been a sweet little treat for me this week. I've not been to Starbucks since Tuesday. Having this gem in my fridge is well worth a trip to the states. There are other things I bought. I've taken a pic and will post when I'm home.

The memories for this trip are many. How difficult it is to drive with tears in your eyes from laughing. It is a challenge especially when considering I hate driving in the states. The intersection lights freak me out! LOL I hate driving at night and I'm navigationally challenged beyond what is acceptable for any human being, especially one with a driver's licence.

Oh, I have to tell you about this most adorable Canada Customs Officer we had when coming back in to Canada. Never mind you know all about him already.... awwwww cute boy! Seriously though, it was weird to go through his line. I never do since it's not good for him to know people coming through. We did the drill though and since we didn't spend a lot of money and most of it was food we didn't have to go inside. Just seeing his cute little smile was the perfect end to an awesome day for me.

Krista and Mary will both be reading and I know I've not nearly done justice to the fun we had. I never do. It is too much to try and capture it in written word. You girls are too much and just the best fun!

My parting to you both - Go Boston my ass!!

Love ya,

~TT

Seven Up - Janet Evanovich

Stephanie thinks she's going after an easy FTA: a senior citizen charged with smuggling contraband cigarettes. But when she and Lula show up at his house, they get more than they bargained for - a corpse in the woodshed and an old man on the lam. Stephanie's mind is on other matters, however, because she has two proposals to consider: vice cop Joe Morelli is proposing marriage, and fellow bounty hunter Ranger is proposing a single perfect night...

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

Book #6 - This was just the kind of distraction I needed. It was typical Stephanie shenanigans and it got me through a couple days of being sick. I never read two of this series back to back because I find them so similar in format. I break them up so I don't get bored and find the predictability annoying. I'm now half way through the series!

Feeling Under The Weather

I've been feeling under the weather for the last couple days. My stomach has been so upset. I'm not constantly sick, but in waves I will have excruciating stomach pain, my body will get intensely hot and then clammy. One minute I'm down for the count and then feel not too bad for about a half hour or so to only be in agony all over again. Apparently the other night when I was sleeping I was burning up the bed, so whatever it is I have, my body is working overtime to heal me. I don't have a clue what is wrong. I seem to be turning the corner today and couldn't be happier for it.

I've been trying to eat, but nothing is working in making me feel any better. I have had my first experience with self induced vomiting (TMI, I'm sorry). I jokingly, and I know it's not funny, told Cute Boy he's got a monster on his hands now that I know how to make myself sick. I've never done this before and hope to not ever have to do it again any time soon. I would sooner bust my butt at the gym good and long to lose weight than to deal with the likes of bulimia. My heart hurts for those that are faced with this dilemma in an effort to look such a way. It takes a lot more courage or cowardice, I'm not sure to be honest. I just know I don't have what it takes!

I've been keeping life pretty simple since not feeling well. I've stitched a bit and will hopefully have a picture to post later tonight. I finished a book that I will blog about later. It was a great read for when I have limited concentration skills.

Since I'm feeling a little better today, although I'm still suffering less extreme bouts of pain and discomfort, I'm going to go out for a walk. I would love to run, but I know I don't have the energy to pull that one off. I'm hoping by tomorrow or Tuesday at the latest I'm feeling more like my energizer bunny self!

Hope all is well with you!

Yankee Pride

I've been a Yankee fan for so long, not decades mind you, but what seems like a long time. I'm such a die hard I've Yankee inked myself as well as having personalized Yankee plates on my car which have garnered me horn honks as well as the middle finger salute. I had one over zealous man scream at my car, "The Yankees suck". I've heard it all and I'm used to it.

The Yankees season, as young as the season is, has been filled with numerous trials and tribulations already. There season was tumultuous even in the off season, what with the steroid allegations against Roger Clemens, (my jury is still out on that one) to Andy Pettite having to testify on The Hill. The changing of the guard, saying good-bye to Joe Torre and bringing in Joe Girardi. I'm excited about the change. The team has been riddled with injuries, more so it seems than previous years. It is damn cold in New York! That makes muscle flexibility hard and injuries that much more prevalent.

All those things being said, the Yankees have just kept their collective nose to the grindstone and kept working away trying to turn some of the lackluster offence into something that will generate enough runs to come away with a win. For all those insane fans that think this is all about winning and losing it isn't. Okay, maybe it is, but it's not just winning and losing on the field it really is about winning and losing in life.

I could go on and on about the ups and downs of this young season, but I'll no longer bore my non-Yankee fan readers with my thoughts on that. My reason for this post is so much more than just a Yankee team brag. It really stems from the team being filled with classy individuals, such as Derek Jeter.

I honestly don't know if a classier individual exists. There is a young phenom pitcher, Joba (Justin) Chamberlain, in the Yankees organization, living his first full year in the majors this year. He comes from a challenging background and has overcome some personal odds and difficulties to be where he is today. It is documented in his dedication, hard work and the unquestionable love and support of his father, Harlan, to see his rise to this level of professional sports. Joba's father is of ill health, sometimes doing not so bad, but at other times really struggles. Just on Monday Harlan took sick and Joba is now off for a few days to be with his father. That in itself is one thing, but how it came to be that Joba got to Nebraska to be with his father is what has me singing Yankee Pride.

I read numerous blogs daily and quite a few of them pertain to The Yankees. One of my favorites is LoHud Yankees Blog written by Peter Abraham. It is the first Yankee blog I read when I'm on my google reader and never fails to keep me informed of the latest Yankee news. First thing this morning this is what I see:

*Derek Jeter arranged for a private plane to take Joba Chamberlain to Nebraska.

Some will say, oh they have so much money they can afford to do that for each other. That is not the point here. It's not about money. For me, I read that and all I saw was one human being showing they care for another. Derek Jeter is the man! I've said it before and I have no problem repeating it. I think, and this is only my opinion, but I believe, Derek Jeter is the classiest man in all professional sports.

It doesn't take much time out of your day to be compassionate to another and it may seem like a small thing to you, but to that one person it may change their entire outlook for the day. You don't have to arrange for private jets, or spend lavish amounts of money to make a difference. The message is simple - give of yourself it may make a difference to another.

Mid Month Check Up

I'm really struggling with having no camera to post pics. I would be able to post a 30 hour pic, but I not able to do so. In place of posting a WIP pic, I'll have to torture you with a mid-month update of how I'm doing in achieving my stitching goals.

So far, I've worked on the following 4 pieces.

Halloween Fairy - I've worked 3 hrs 5 minutes (goal - 3 hrs). This little beauty now has a head, both arms and legs. I'm short on a one, possibly 2 colours. I'm not sure when I'm going to be ordering the floss I need because I don't want to place an order for $4.00 and then pay ridiculous shipping fees. I'll try and wait it out and see if I *need* something else to go along with my one little floss.

Rose of Sharon (Finisher's piece) - There is an additional 6hr 55 minutes done on this piece. I was hoping to contribute 10 hours, but not sure if I will bother now. Since it is being sent on to another person, if I don't think I can finish up a section in 3 hours, I may not even start it since the colour continuity is always a concern of mine. I will try to get a pic on here of my progress. No promises though.

Special Piece - 3 hours 30 minutes contributed (goal - 10 hours). I was thinking I could add 10 hours to this piece, but this piece really isn't all that big and I know there are a lot of people signed up to contribute so I'll restrain myself and not be a hog. Probably another half hour should finish it up for me.

Job's Tears - 1 hour contributed so far (goal 8 hours). I don't think I'll have any trouble meeting the 8 hour goal on this one. I couldn't stitch much more on it last night. The lighting was terrible so I had to pack it in before I was really expecting. I have this week to stitch in the evenings and then again this weekend when I'm at work.

Bonus Goals - Summer Breeze 5 hours and Enchanted Fairy 5 hours. I haven't even thought of them yet. It is still early. I might just surprise myself and get something done on one of them. Watch, I'll pull out Summer Breeze and then be inspired to work on it longer than 5 hours. Just my luck. Soon enough it'll be in the rotation and then it will drive me crazy. Isn't that always the way.

I think that's all I have on the go stitching-wise. Back in another couple weeks with the final totals.

Happy stitching days to you.

Lovin' Life

I have no photos to show, well I have photos to show just no way to show them without a camera, so sadly you'll have to settle for reading about me gushing on about how happy I feel right now, without visuals as a distraction.

I booked off this weekend because I was going to Ottawa to see Def Leppard, REO Speedwagon and Styx in concert with a bunch of friends. It didn't happen because the concert has been postponed due to sickness. A little disappointed, but what do you do? Make other plans and wait for a make-up date I guess, which is exactly what I did.

I headed over to Cute Boy's yesterday morning after puttering around here at the house. We had nothing much to do since we figured we'd be in Ottawa, so we just bombed around town while he shopped for some things. It wasn't the most exciting thing in the world, but it was the most amazing day. Today, as I look back on yesterday, I feel so fulfilled.

The Yankees played ball, which I watched while Cute Boy prepared dinner. Can you say, spoiled much? It was heavenly. Dinner wasn't the most healthy thing I've ever eaten, but it was good! The couple of beer while watching the Yankees and then the Habs winning last night had the makings of a perfect day! As disappointed as we both were to not be going to the concert, the day we spent together was perfect in every way.

I'm home now, while he's at work. I'll be watching tonight's Habs game solo, which won't be as fun. Not to mention Princess works tonight. She has never worked on a Sunday night. It will seriously mess up our Sunday night routine, but what to do. The girl is mature enough and responsible enough to have a part time job, who I am but the one to support her. I'll miss her though!

I'm hopefully going for a walk tonight before the 7pm hockey game. I have to get some activity points in and offset some crazy eating and then it's home to my pajamas, stitching and hopefully a 3-0 lead over Boston! Go Habs Go! Don't anyone tell Cute Boy I've become a Habs fan. He'll take too much pride in thinking he converted me! I'm really more a Sidney Crosby fan, so we'll see what happens then! LOL

Happy stitching days to you all!

I'm A Big Girl Now

I'm in the midst of a fabulous day.

Some days you just plug away and pretty much go through the motions of living. Today I'm really living and having a great time doing so.

My day was supposed to be about hanging out with Pam, stitching and watching a movie. The day would not play out as planned, but we were able to hang and have a blast just the same.

Our travels were filled with laughter and fun, first stop Starbucks. I know that may surprise some, but I'm nothing if not predictable. I have to admit for the first time, I forgot to read my cup message. Digging in the public garbage can of Rona for a cup message is just not conducive to looking cool and dignified, so this one got away! LOL At Rona, and the plethora of other store's Pam and I stopped in to today, I spent thousands of dollars. Thankfully it was all in my head. I found some beautiful hardwood at Rona, that would be wonderful for the house that Cute Boy and I will hopefully be building.

I had a grown up moment today. It really started yesterday, but grew to it's full potential today. I think I'm growing up some. I want to learn about wine and become a wine drinker. Real wine, not pop-like wine, if you know what I mean. Wine drinking, socially, I mean seems sophisticated and neat to me. I have no clue, but I love the liquor store and shopping there is one of my favorite places to spend money. I'm not much of a drinker, more a tea totaller really, but I'm off to attempt something new. Any advise you have is greatly appreciated.

Pam and I did a little sneaky today. We bought Velda a birthday present. Pam vetoed the idea of giving it to her earlier. Party pooper! :) We did buy her a little journal book that we dropped off to her this afternoon. We got to visit her for about 5 minutes. Not long enough, but a short time is better than no time at all.

The grown up is signing off now. Happy days to you all.

WOOHOO It's Monday!

This will be, or should be, a quick post today.

Princess is coming home today. She should be here before I have to leave for work at about 2:20p. I'm going to head to the gym this morning rather than do it on my way to work, so I can see her before I have to work today.

I know it's only been a couple days that she's been gone, but I'm just not used to not seeing her pretty much every day. We have communicated every day, but I've not heard her voice since Friday. She has a cel phone, but I don't have long distance activated on it (long ugly story, and not something she has done), but we've been texting all weekend.

Sometimes I think my attachment to her is unhealthy. I do a lot of thinking about it, but I've come to the conclusion that I just really like her. She is my daughter, so I love her because I know no different, but I really truly like her as a person. It is an incredible feeling to know that I like her as I do and that I don't have to be anyone other than me when I'm with her. She is just a super kid.

I'm drinking up my tea and hitting the gym so I can be home for when she gets here!

Have a great day!

Smell That?

It really is spring! I just got home from work and on my way to my car I could smell a skunk. I was so happy I was grinning from ear to ear. I love the smell of skunk and I know when I smell one this time of year, in my books, it is officially spring. I'm so excited right now, you have no idea.

That is about all the excitement in my world today - a skunk smell.

I worked this weekend, which is nothing new. I stitched a bit, not near as much as I normally do, but I made a dent on the contribution I want to do with the Paula Vaughan piece I'm working on. I have another couple hours to contribute then I'm mailing it on to the next finisher.

I cleaned up my stitching list today. I still have 11 pieces on my WIP list. I'm slowly making progress on my UFO piece, Halloween Fairy. I should have a pic to share in another couple weeks. I had to do some frogging of her wing. I should have known better than to stitch while my house was under renovation. I will need to place an on-line order for floss because I definitely don't have enough to finish her up. Not a good thing, on-line shopping when I'm trying to cut my spending!

I didn't go to the gym today. I was a lazy bum this morning and hung out at Cute Boy's rather than getting up, coming home and heading to the gym. I did take my dog for a walk though. So she is happy I didn't go to the gym. I don't usually walk her because she doesn't 'need' it with living in the house and running crazy around the backyard. Cute Boy made me feel guilty about not walking her though, saying she may not need it, but was sure she'd like it. Okay, point made. Dog walked! I will try and make this part of my every day. One of the reasons I wanted a small dog after having a Rottweiler, is because I didn't have to walk her, not to mention the social responsibility of a larger dog is much greater than a small dog. People were so afraid of my Rottie, but it really is the Shih Tzu that is more temperamental than the Rottie every dreamed of being! Hmmmm

Anyway, I'm just chattering to chatter with nothing really much to say, other than I smelled a skunk! I love it!!!

Happy days to you!

Feeling Funky and a Fabulous Friend!

It is amazing the difference in perspective from this morning to the afternoon.

My day has vastly improved since my post earlier in the day. It could have much to do with Velda! I've never met a more amazing person in my life and to have the honour to call her friend is really my blessing. I have to say I didn't cry and that in itself is amazing. Our time wasn't as full of as much laughter as some visits, but I walked away from my impromptu visit with a full belly of coke, chocolate and french onion soup along with a new perspective.

I love the freedom I have within this friendship. I'm far from perfect, as much as I may lead you to believe otherwise. I'm free to share my faults and imperfections without judgement and in turn I walk away with a greater sense of myself. The scope of conversation covers most everything and anything.

I didn't realize Velda was posting on her blog about me coming over. That would be my first mistake! Knowing Velda as I do, how did I know see this coming??? In that, I would like to thank each of you that posted to Velda's blog sending me hugs. I got them too, because I was still there when she was reading her comments.

After leaving Velda's today I headed to the gym. What an experience that was! Not an especially good one either. The good thing is I ran intervals for about a half hour and gained 2 AP. WOOHOO!!

The not-so-good part of the gym today was that a high school gym class was there. I'm all for young people working out, I really am, but a gym filled with giggling, screaming teenage girls is not conducive to a good work out. I have a couple teenagers of my own, so I know all about this that and the next thing with teenage girls. They were going on about hot guys weight training. This men would be old enough to be your father for goodness sakes. Imagine the nightmare of trying to get ready for work with these kids milling around. No fun! No thanks!

I have a major rant about my gym. This place is starting to drive me nuts. I know they have financial issues. It's not a big secret around town that the gym is struggling to make payments to their creditors.

My last 2 visits to the gym have presented me with no paper cleaning products. That is disgusting at any time, but this time of year... oh gross! Today there was one hair dryer that worked and it was a hot commodity with all those mini princesses preening pretty. The shower that didn't work yesterday was fixed today. I just don't understand the financial issues here. I feel very taken when at this gym. It has some great features and then when I'm faced with stuff like I mentioned, I get so annoyed. Do I really care there is little flowers sitting in a dish beside the sinks? No, I don't. I care about being able to wipe down my machine after sweating like a mad woman all over it. I want to go to the gym to become healthier not pick up some fugal infection! I shall now step down from my soap box! :)

Thank you to each and everyone of you that posted a kind comment in response to my earlier post, as well as the kind comments on Velda's. A little kindness goes a long way.

Feeling Funky

I'm just a bundle of emotions lately and I'm trying desperately to pull myself out of it. I feel powerless on so many levels it's not even funny.

I've had some small amount of success on the WW front. I weighed in this morning ( I no longer pay for the program) and found myself with a loss of 2.6lbs. I'm over the moon about that. I've been attempting to eat better and hit the gym, although in my book 1 visit to the gym doesn't really count. Something worked out though! I'll take it. I'm finally below 130 again, and this is my lowest weight of the year at 129.6. Anywhere below 125 is good for me, although the results of this 125 won't be as spectacular as my previous 125, since I've little to no muscle tone! A girl can't have it all!

If I could just be content with the WW front of my life and not have to deal with everything else, I'd be good to go. I'm freaking out financially to the point that I'm a nervous wreck about most everything, all day long. I've made a mess as of late and I've no one to blame but myself. There has been a drastic incline with incoming money since child support is no longer being paid. I've had to cash out important nest egg investments to deal with debt created by another person that I'm unlikely to see a return from. I've had to rethink my entire financial outlook and I'm scared shitless. Lesson learned on that one!

The timing of all my financial worries couldn't come at a worse time with Cute Boy and I looking at building a house as soon as his sells. I don't have the kind of equity in my home that he does, so my scrambling to contribute dollar for dollar is going to be a major challenge. All this equates to a very stressed out me. Cute Boy and I also just received the quote for building from the contractor. Holy Hannah! It was considerably higher than we expected even with the extras we want included in the house. It is scary business.

This doesn't add to my stresses at all, I'm telling you just to be chatty. Princess (possibly Queenie and her boyfriend) are going to visit the father this weekend. It came about very suddenly. Lily is somewhat excited, somewhat annoyed for many reasons. This poor kid! She has to work this evening until 8, but will probably be off sooner, so her father is picking her up after work and taking her to his house about an hour or so out of town. He tells her she'll not get to see his girlfriend at all since the girlfriend works on Saturday, so he wants her to stay until Monday. He and I do not speak since he still believes he can talk down to me and bully me with his words, so very sadly for Princess this message came to me from her. I'm not overly impressed with the Monday return date, but see no other option since Princess sees so little of her father. He told Princess if she couldn't stay until Monday there was no point coming to get her on Friday since she works until 8pm (keep in mind he doesn't work), and that the turn around time would be too much to bring her home again from late Friday night to Sunday afternoon! Oh, the litany of curse words that could fly from my mouth right now, the list is long and not pretty.

One of the major reasons Princess is upset is because he originally said no to her request, and not just the 'no', but the reason for it. He hasn't seen either of the girls since the first weekend in January, and didn't see them at all over the Christmas holiday, before January it was August of 2007. So, his reasons for saying no was the drive time from Friday night to Sunday afternoon and that bringing her home she wouldn't see the girlfriend, as I stated earlier. Princess really likes the girlfriend, but she isn't going to see her, she was wanting to see her father. He is so wrapped up in the girlfriend and doesn't make his daughters feel special, so she was thinking it would enable her to spend some time with just him. Apparently, and sadly, that means more to Princess than him. I know that, as does Princess, but to hear her say it is more than my heart wants to contend with.

I think that is all I have going on. I'm going to putter around the house a bit this morning then head to the gym before work at 3pm. Sounds like an exciting day, eh? Oh well, it will give me some activity points and something to do, since nothing much is going on around here.

March - April Stitching Goals

Phew! That was a lot of work, finishing up Love with a Capital L. I did it though and now that the glow is wearing off a bit, I'm absolutely ecstatic! I keep looking at it amazed that I finished it.

March saw the completion of 2 pieces. That is incredible! I'm on a roll now ladies! Who knows what else I can do with 2 finishes in 1 month. I could actually put the stitching world on it's ear with another finish this year. Wouldn't that be something! LOL

I logged a total of 36 hours and 5 minutes for the month of March. I'm always happy when I exceed the 1 per day average. I really should have been a statistician!

I worked on the following pieces:

1. A special piece for a friend
2. Paula Vaughan's Rose of Sharon (Finish It 3 piece)
3. Love with a Capital L.

It is now time to start thinking of my next finish or what I hope to be my next finish. With that thought I'll list my goals for the month of April. Since I do the bulk of my stitching at work on the weekends, and I'm off the 2nd weekend of April I will account for that down time when setting goals for myself.

April Goals
Halloween Fairy - 3 hours
Job's Tears - 8 hours
Rose of Sharon - 10 hours
'Special piece' - 10 hours
Bonus Goals
Summer Breeze - 5 hours
Enchanted Fairy - 5 hours

If I can reach my goals I should be very near to the finish line on Job's Tears. That would be awesome and so very exciting. Of course, I'll keep you posted. I added the bonus goals in the hopes of having a lot of time to dedicate to my stitching this month. I mentioned in a previous post I would like to finish a focus piece and then work my rotation 5 hours on each WIP. This a small step towards that goal.

So, I should close this out and get my work finished, or better yet started, since I am at work , so I can put needle to thread and get those goals accomplished!

Happy stitching days to you!

April Yankee Stadium Distance Challenge

March

Distance Remaining - 485.2KM

April
1 - 3.9KM running intervals; 4.3KM biking
4 - 3.2KM running intervals
5 - 3.8KM running intervals; 2.7KM biking
*7- 1.5KM running intervals; 5.2KM biking
8 - 2.8KM running intervals; 2.8KM eliptical; 5.7KM biking
11 - 1.6KM running; 5.8KM biking
14 - 2.7K running 3/1's on the street - OMG it was awesome, but killer. Starting over is hard as hell! 4.6K walk with KP
15 - 3.4K running on the street
20 - 9.1 K walk with KP
29 - 6K run/walk (9 days off. Healed the sick stomach and killer blister) I feel ready to make it back to the street consistently.
30 - 5.5K run/walk

* I was running really well, when a lady came up to me because she forgot her watch on the machine. I paused the machine, but in getting her watch, hit the automatic stop button. I couldn't get back in to the swing of it. I'm such a fligthy at times. Oh well, I was doing great and I can do it again!

I'm setting some personal distance goals for myself this month. It has been ages since I've set out some goals for what I want to do as far as my fitness. It used to be a driving force in my life and to see it fall so low on the priority list is heartbreaking. All I really think about is the failed commitment to myself when I let my health and physical well being be put on the back burner. If I don't look after myself, no one else is going to do it for me, nor should they.

Goals
Running/Walking - 50KM
Biking - 85KM

I know I can probably hit higher numbers, but I'm trying to take the approach that this is the very first time for me to do this. When I first started running, something I never thought I would like, let known, come to love, I did it by running, what I now know to be called intervals. I would walk for 2 minutes and run at a very low pace for 2 minutes, and then walk for 1 minute and then run for 2 minutes. I built on those numbers so that I was running 45 minutes with a 2 minute warm up and a 3-5 minute cool down. I want that again. When I originally did this, it was this time of year, getting ready for my baseball season. Now is as good a time as any to get on the road to a healthier me! I owe it to myself! Am I convincing anyone, or just really trying to convince myself? No matter. As long as I do it.

April Totals - 74.6KM (410.6)

Love With A Capital L

Love With A Capital L

February 25, 2007 - March 31, 2008

216 hours 25 minutes

I put the final stitches in this last night. I was so relieved to finally have it completed. Lily says to me, I would have thought you'd show more excitement! LOL I was more relieved it seemed than excited.

I should apologize for the picture quality. I didn't have time to mess around and get a good pic. I had to take Alyssa's camera to her since I've been borrowing it for months, and I was just about to walk out the door when I finished this and snapped the shot.

As happy as I am to have it finished, it is weird to not be focused on it any longer. I was sitting looking at it last night and thinking how strange it will be to no longer be working on it. Funny how you push to get something finished and then as soon as you have completed it, you miss it. The one thing I will not miss is the frogging! There were more frogging in this piece than any other piece I've ever worked on. I'm not sure why, but it was annoying as all get out. I had to keep reminding myself how beautiful it would be once I was finished, so just work through the frogging and try not to get discouraged. I probably added an additional 15-20 hours to the total because of mistakes. Oh well, it's done now.

I have to thank a few people in helping me get this finished. Velda, for the floss and Pam for the floss along with many others that offered to send my their remaining skeins of 321. I used 1o skeins of DMC floss to complete the pattern minus to large 'L'. I know it used more floss than I would have due to the frogging, but I never imagined I'd used 10 skeins. I'm surprised to say, I still love red!

I'm going to put this away for a bit before I look towards framing it. I just can't justify the money right now, but I will not let it languish in my closet with numerous other pieces waiting to be framed. I will not.

Thank you to everyone that leaves a comment. I truly appreciate them. I thank you for seeing me through this piece. It has been quite the journey and your kind comments over the past year have inspired me and encouraged me to keep plugging away.

Happy stitching days to you!