See What I Got Today?

My house is finally on the market. It isn't really as ready as I would like it, but being the perfectionist I am, would it ever really be ready? I doubt it.

I signed the papers yesterday about 12 noon and had a showing last night between 6p and 7p. That was nerve wracking since I was at work and couldn't do any last minute things. Stressed out I was!

I'm so excited I can't even explain it. I love my house and with all the wonderful memories of raising my children here, I'm ready to move on. I know things will not be easy for Princess, but I'm hopeful in time she'll understand the need for change and see the reasons this was a good and positive thing.

My horoscope for today is too much!

Are you remodeling your house? Are you thinking about moving? Expect a change of some kind in your living situation today. It could be something major, like a totally new house, or something as mundane as having someone move in or move out. Whatever it is, it should be a positive and welcome change, though you might need some time to get used to it. Change is inevitable. Don't fight it; go with the flow.

Happy days to you all.

Damn Those Yankees

make me proud.

Extra bases: John Challis visited the Yankees clubhouse before the game. He is the 18-year-old from Freedom, Pa., whose battle with terminal liver cancer has become a national story. Challis, who had a single for his high school team this spring, had wanted to meet Derek Jeter. "The kid has no fear," Girardi said. "He's an amazing boy." Challis also threw out the first pitch. "You hate to see anybody going through something like that but he had a great attitude," Jeter said. ...

I love when the Yankees use their celebrity to do good for others. It warms my heart to see good come from something sad and for someone of stature bring a smile to the face of another.

Saudi Gifts and Yankee Goodies

I never know what I do to deserve such kindness, but I'm grateful for the generosity that surrounds me. Saudi Arabian gifts are too cool!

Robin sent me this most amazing candle burning lamp ever. I'm going to keep it as a candle for a bit and then may submit a request of Peter, Velda's husband to wire it for a lamp. I'm not sure. One thing I'm certain of is, it is stunningly beautiful. I can't tell you how much I love this lamp. I want to hang it in my house before I move. I think somewhere in my bedroom, with the red accents. It will look so gorgeous.

As for the New York Yankee paraphernalia there. That is so appreciated but not at all necessary. Robin, you silly girl I only post a question the board for Velda to answer. You outdid yourself. Now I'm sportin' some earrings, a mug and a key chain. Who was to know one of my key chain fobs broke just this weekend! Perfect timing, my dear. Oh, by the way, the flatfold you made for Velda is absolutely perfect. Great finishing you did!

From the bottom of my Yankee lovin' heart, I thank you!

Sail - James Patterson

Since the death of her husband, Anne Dunne and her three children have struggled in every way. In a last ditch effort to save the family, Anne plans an elaborate sailing vacation to bring everyone together once again. But only an hour out of port, everything is going wrong. The teenage daughter, Carrie, is planning to drown herself. The teenage son, Mark, is high on drugs and ten-year-old Ernie is nearly catatonic. This is the worst vacation ever.Anne manages to pull things together bit by bit, but just as they begin feeling like a family again, something catastrophic happens. Survival may be the least of their concerns.

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Book #14 - This was a quick read, as is most James Patterson novels. It was good. I wasn't all that shocked at the twists and turns, but enjoyed the book despite that fact.

Save Karyn - Karyn Bosnak

After moving to New York from Chicago for a lucrative position at a new television court show, Bosnak digs herself into a more than $20,000 hole in less than a year. With stars in her eyes, she blindly plunks down $778 on lingerie here and $387 on a cut and color there. She justifies her frivolity as "emergencies" and "investments" in herself. "I was twenty-seven years old and I wasn't going to be a spring chicken much longer. So I needed these nighties to look as sexy as I could because I needed to land a man. So they were kind of like an investment. An investment in my sex life and an investment in my future." Unable to pay her bills while employed, Bosnak's luck takes a turn for the worse when the court show is canceled. She is able to land a job at yet another TV show, but that, too, doesn't last long. When her financial situation is truly desperate, she posts a "help-needed" message on craigslist.org (an interactive classifieds page). When the site administrators remove her posting, Bosnak decides to set up her own Web site: www. savekaryn.com. With financial contributions from strangers, sales from eBay and donations of all kinds, she's able to pay all her bills in five short months. Each chapter opens with a spread of her credit card statements, outlining her month's purchases. This detail would be sufficient, but this self-absorbed book is filled with the overwhelming minutiae of Bosnak's shallow extravagance, making it hard to empathize with her during tough times or celebrate her escape from debt. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Book #13 - I've been reading Karyn's blog for quite some time now. I don't know how I stumbled upon it, but I can tell you without hesitation, I'm extremely happy it did. This blog has to be one of the best out there. It is hilarious, a touch quirky, and a lot random. I love it. You have to search for the entry 'cliquey dogs'. I laughed so hard I was almost crying. On second thought, I may have cried.

Oh ya, this is really where I'm supposed to talk about the book. I loved it. It was sad in parts. I know at one point I cried. I can't remember why exactly or what happened to her, but I just remember this incredible sense of sadness for her. All in all it was a very entertaining, fun read. I feel bad saying it was fun, because this was her real life, she lived these nightmares. She reminds a little bit of my daughter at times with her positive outlook on the world, believing that good really does outweigh the bad. It is refreshing and I recommend it to anyone to read.

Karyn's spin on things is downright hilarious. She isn't afraid to poke fun at herself. She is so freaking funny, I can't even tell you. I laughed out loud more times than not. I was always reading parts to people... pubicle cubicle is a gut busting hilarious section.

I'm looking forward to picking up her next book 20 Times A Lady. I'm sure it will be just as much fun.

Freaking Foot Pain

I don't know how I did it, but I hurt my left foot really badly today when running. I had a terrible run, but nothing that indicated any kind of pain whatsoever. I mean, I had muscle pain, but most runs there will be some sort of muscle fatigue and what feels like pain. It wasn't until I was back at the house and stretching that I felt this incredible ache in my left foot. Pain is located on the outer bone that runs on the outside of my foot midway towards the back of my heel.

I'm unable to put pressure on my foot without wincing in pain and pulling up on the heel. I'm basically walking normal with my right foot and tip toeing on my left. Looking good, I am! Such a beautiful fluid gait. NOT! I've been taking pain meds and have it elevated while I was trying to sleep. 'Trying' is the imperative word there. I've not slept a wink all night. I'm too busy for an injury! Damn it!

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I've not been training all that much for my upcoming 10K run. With that being said, I'm not even sure I'll be able to run it now! I did run my longest run today. Very very exciting. It was a total mental run. I felt sluggish the whole time. No pain at all, but just as though it was my mind pushing me rather than my legs. I'll keep you posted on the eventual run or cancellation of said run. I really hope I can do this, one for myself and the other for Krista.

~~~~~~~~~~
Princess is back from her dad's by now, obviously. I have yet to post about it only because I've been blog blah! Sorry. Her time was good she tells me. She was due home on Sunday afternoon, but without fail she texts me on Saturday afternoon that she wont be home until Monday now because he dad wants to take her to the MuchMusic Video Awards. I don't begrudge the child the opportunity to do something really cool like that, but it is typical that he not follow through with bringing her home or picking her up at pre-determined time.

I got a text message from her on Sunday night stating they were home earlier than expected and she'd tell what happened when she sees me. 'What happened' is always a comment used when describing something involving her dad. Oh, how glad I am that I don't live his life anymore! Apparently throughout the day standing watching the shows be rehearsed, his girlfriend got in to a fight with some woman. Lo and behold he was shoving someone around too at one point... auuuughhhh!

Other than the fighting incident she didn't talk too much about her time up there. She mentioned all the animals they have: cat, dog, 4 birds, if not more, iguana and whatever else I'm not sure. It is always a problem when she comes back she wants to go on an animal buying/adopting spree. I find multiple animal ownership representative to a certain lifestyle. Not my cup of tea.

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On the animal front: Princess bought her sister and sister's boyfriend a joint birthday present. A kitten. I'm so frustrated and disappointed I can't even tell you. My aforementioned multiple animal lifestyle type of thing, I feel Queenie falls in this category I'm so sorry to say. This is a male kitten that is going to 'squirt' and really stink at one point. With little money, how is it these kids are going to be able to pay to get him fixed?

Why is it those that can least afford things such as animals and appropriate health care for these animals are the ones that own multiple pets? I just don't get it. I have Daisy and love her to bits and I struggle with the cost of vet appointments and grooming upkeep. I still have yet to get her fixed because of the cost. I couldn't imagine the cost of owning more than 1 pet and the responsibility of that care and expense. I don't know. Maybe it's just me.

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I've not been stitching at all. I'm working 2p-10p this coming week, so that is good for approximately an 1 hour per night. I can maybe get more in if I'm diligent, but usually I putter the night away and only accomplish an hour. That should be good to another update pic though. That would make me happy.

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I'm working on getting my house ready to list. I have a few minor jobs to do and then it is major cleaning time. I'm hoping to have my place on the market mid-week. It is a lot of work, but work I'm really enjoying. I'm not sure with this foot injury how productive I'm going to be tomorrow, but I'll persevere. I always do.

I look at every day right now, as one day closer to living one life and not 2 or 3. That is very exciting for me. I'm run ragged most of the time and it is because of all the pressure I put on myself to do this, do that, be here, be there. I don't know that anyone really understands or cares to understand that amount of pressure I feel most every day keeping things going in my life. The balls are many, from the house, to my finances (I'm freaking about them), to my personal time, running, trying to eat healthy, just trying to fit it all in. I'm exhausted

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Cute Boy and I met with our real estate agent Thursday night to go over the contract agreement for the building of our house. It is a lot of information, but we are learning lots. I can't wait to start looking at samples and stuff. I thought the sample looking and choosing would be quite some time yet, but apparently not. I'll keep you updated on that situation as it plays out.

I'm really looking forward to the excitement of building. I think it is going to be lots of fun. So far, the company we're dealing with has been really good. I hope that is something that continues. They will stay in contact with us throughout the process and tell us what we need to decide and when. We will book appointments to look at brick front, schedule with electricians, painters, cable installers all that. It sounds like a lot of work, but a ton of fun too.

I think I'm most looking forward to the kitchen cabinetry and flooring selection. They are the big ones for me. Cute Boy seems more about multiple outlets and wiring for the audio in the basement/rec room. I know he's more involved than that, but he mentions them alot. Such a guy thing. Gotta love 'em!

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Well, seeing it is 2:30 am and I should be sleeping, I'm going to try and do just that. I don't hold out much hope. Just thinking of laying down again, I can feel a throbbing in my foot! AUUUGGGHHH Oh well, shit happens.

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One very exciting thing I forgot to mention, K-Pow, Lisa, Isabelle (2 girls from ball) and myself are going to do a girl's camping weekend. We are just in the early stages of talking and planning. I can hardly wait. It will be a blast. I can already imagine the sore stomach muscles from laughing so much, not to mention the killer headache from a massive hangover. This will go a long way towards recharging my exhausted personal battery. This is something I really need and hope that we can pull it together! Such fun to be had.

Now, I'm finally off to bed.

As I say to Cute Boy, I shall say to you:

Sweet dreams,

~T xoxoxo

Wildflower Rhapsody - 25 hours

OMG what an atrocious picture. I'm sorry it is sooo grainy and for the fact that I didn't redo it. I'm just too tired to bother right now. I may replace it tomorrow.

This the first time I've touched my stitching in over a week. I knew this was going to happen when I started working full time. I'm not complaining because I really do like the routine of full-time shifts and having the weekends off. I just knew I would be so busy with every day chores that my hobby time would be minimal.

I've finished a book this week and did a little stitching, so all is not bad. I will eventually find a balance. I will, right?

Thanks for looking and happy stitching days to you!

All I Want To Do

This is representative of my day. Daiquiri, Daiquiri and another. I'm home alone today with no where to go and a few things that need to be done. I'm working my way down the list with the assistance of a few daiquiris or is it daquiria? No intervention needed.... I'm just livin' it up and enjoying my home and the beautiful summer-like day since it's not officially summer yet.

I've been listening to Sugarland's All I Want To Do all day on my Musicmatch. I love this song with it's infectious beat and summer feel. When singing along, I sound just like Jennifer Nettles in case you're wondering.

Princess won't be home now until tomorrow - grrrrr! Good for her though because she's doing something REALLY cool with her dad and his new family. Cute Boy is working and I'm not, I'm up to my own vices. I've had moments where I've not liked being alone. The social butterfly in me gets lonely, but for the most part I really am okay on my own. I like my own time, doing things to my own satisfaction, on my own clock, with no chirping in the background or comments about, what I'm doing or why!

I'm not sure what I've planned for this evening, maybe a light dinner with a little stitching or maybe some reading out on the deck. Awww the wonders of wonderful weather and nothing more pressing than which hobby to choose for entertainment!

Awwww, how I really do love my life!

Stolen Meme

Hope you don't mind Kendra

Where were you 10 years ago? June 1998...I would have clue as to where I was 10 years ago. Sorry.

Five things on your to do list for today - 1. cut the grass 2. round up garbage for pick up tomorrow 3. do a bit of laundry, not much to be done since Lily isn't home. 4. read some of my current book at bit later this afternoon/early evening. 5. stitch on Wildflower Rhapsody to hit another 5 hour spot.

Snack foods I like - vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce and peanuts.

If I were a billionaire - Pay off debt, take a trip, invest for the future and buy a piece of land in the country and have my dream home built to move to once Lily is old enough to get herself around!

Places I’ve lived - In my current location and Tofield, Alberta for 3 months

Confessions Of A Shopaholic - Sophia Kinsella

Meet Rebecca Bloomwood.

She's a journalist. She spends her working life telling others how to manage their money. She spends her leisure time...shopping.

Retail therapy is the answer to all her problems. She knows she should stop, but she can't. She tries Cutting Back, she tries Making More Money. But neither seems to work. The stories she concocts become more and more fantastic as she tries to untangle her increasingly dire financial difficulties. Her only comfort is to buy herself something - just a little something...

Can Becky ever escape from this dream world, find true love, and regain the use of her Switch card?

The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic...

The perfect pick me up for when it's all hanging in the (bank) balance.

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

Book # 12 - I really struggled with this book in the beginning and middle, almost to the point that I quit reading. Pam encouraged me to keep going and I'm glad she did. I ended up quite enjoying it in the end and now look forward to reading the next book.

I think, truth be told, there was a lot of myself in the book. I hated the rationalizing the character would do to convince herself to buy something. I do this and it is something I'm working on changing. I am an emotional spender.... little bits or big bits of money. Regardless of the emotion, happy or sad, I can convince myself it's okay to shop. As I said, I'm working on changing this behaviour and I'm not doing all bad with the changes. I have no choice really, so I'd best make the best of this new outlook! Oh, the challenges of being an adult and all that....

If I were more financially sound I may still have had the same reaction, because it would have annoyed me to see such a frivolous approach to money and then to see myself in it..... aughhhhh!

Going Going Gone!

This would be where I tell you, Cute Boy's house sold yesterday!

I couldn't be happier. The closing date on his house is mid-August, at which point he'll be moving in with me, Princess and the dog.

My house is not yet listed, nor is it ready. I'm hoping to have it market ready by the first week of July. There isn't a lot to be done, but the perfectionist in me will be freaking out until the day the sign is installed.

My real estate agent is confident in my house selling fast. Watch it sit for ages! Yikes. The challenge will be trying to co-ordinate the closing of my house to the completion of the one we're having built. It promises to be interesting. Cute Boy and I are already talking about the fact that we may have to rent a house/cottage or apartment for a few months. Now this all depends on my closing date, of course.

Cute Boy and I will be meeting with the money guy sometime next week, we'll also be signing the contract with the builders and what comes after that, who is to know!

I'm feeling somewhat overwhelmed at all the unknowns. I'm excited for the melding of our two lives, and anxious on so many other levels.

I'll keep you posted on what is to come and all the fun involved.

Fashion Meme

Chiloe is bad!

Foundation - No. I used to use for a very short time a Mary Kay product. I loved it, but so did Lily.

Mascara - If I'm going 'out' and I'm doing more than eyeline and lip shine.

Day Cream - No. I really don't put anything on my face.

Favourite Make-up Product - A good shiny lip gloss

Perfume -No. I layer body lotion with body spray - Vanilla and sometimes strawberry and I've really being daring I'm combine the two scents.

Nails - Garbage. I will do artifical acryllic when not in ball season. If in ball season, because I have a special event to attend.

Hands - Lotion them when I remember or when I notice them feeling like crap.

Feet - Lotion them alot in the summer. Right now they look terrible with my running blister and my flip flop tan marks.

3 Products to bring on a deserted island - Body Lotion, Lipgloss and Deoderant

Woman I admire for their beauty - Jennifer Aniston. She comes off as such a natural beauty.

Women with the best sense of style -Don't know on this one

My ultimate dream - Please Cathey, don't hurt me - a breast augmentation.

How do I define womanhood - Classic, womanly in a way without trying. Having the desire to be your best you in the best and worst of situations. Confidence and the ability to know you're sexy in whatever skin that carries you.

Favourite fashion publication - No preference.

I'm not tagging you, but if you want to play along, have fun.

Breathe In Breath Out - Repeat

Today is a day I dread more than these simple words could imply.

Princess is going to her dad's today. His girlfriend/fiancee (whatever) has her college graduation ceremony tomorrow and Princess wants to attend. Normally, her going to her dad's would be a good, or should be a good thing. Not in this case. I never want to imply that her dad does things to hurt her, but he does and says things to undermine me. He has gotten very good at it and I don't like the affect it has on her.

Since the school year is almost complete, Princess will be leaving school early today to be picked up and travel the 1.5 hours to her dad's. She's not even there yet and the pressure has begun. It started out with, 'can we pick you up on Monday'? The child is 14 y.o. in her first year of high school and you want her to cut her last full week of school and before review of the semester's workload in preparation of a final exam in a class that she is on the cusp of failing. Seriously? Priorities and responsibilities mean nothing to the man child.

I know Princess is stressed out about going away and her reasons are many. She has been working a lot to get some hours before she has 5 days off. She has barely seen her sister because of all the hours she's working. Her and I have had no time together and she's worried about leaving the dog. She has been packing and choosing outfits for the past week. The wonders of an anal retentive perfectionist are enough to drive her insane, not to mention drive those around her (me) crazy!

Add all this stuff to the fact that her dad is already putting pressure on her and she's not even walked out the door yet. It makes me want to scream holy terror! Her dad called last night to clarify some things. During this conversation he tells her to pack her bed and dresser because him and the girlfriend want her to move up there with them. Oh the obscenities I could start hurling on to this page, but I'll keep this PG! Asshole! Okay, so I lied a little bit.

Princess and I talked about these and other comments last night when laying in bed (she's been sleeping with me the last 3 nights - long hilarious story there) and her point of view is, this is her home. She is already struggling with the thoughts of being gone from this afternoon to Sunday. I'm thankful she is mature enough (although at times, too much so) and wont fall prey to her dad's manipulation tactics, unlike her older more susceptible sister. Some of his manipulation tactics have included, the bribes of her living with him and the offer of a tongue piercing. Thankfully Princess has a very sound sense of who she is and doesn't easily fall prey to manipulations even those plied at the hands of her dad.

I know at times I struggle with the responsibilities of being a single mother and balancing the mother part of my life, a 24 hour a day job, with those needs of a woman and a girlfriend. That being said, is it Sunday yet and my baby is home?

Thanks for being here whether you comment or not. I need to get the chatter out of my head.

12:10p ETA: Princess just called and her dad is now not getting here to pick her up until some time around 1:30p after lobbying to pick her up as soon as he could possibly get her. His reasoning (read: excuse) is that the bell technician wasn't there in time for them to get from there to here by the time they agreed.

23 Years Ago Today

This marks the anniversary of my mother's admittance to hospital, to never really ever get out again. I was 15 years old at this point in time and to not know that I would never live with my mother again, is more than I think I could bare. I was mature for my age, even then, but I think to know then what I know now, I'm glad I was oblivious to all that was to come. Sometimes leaving your life in the hands of others and the unknown isn't always a bad thing.

I say she never really got out again, but she did but for such a short time it wouldn't even be classed as a single day. My mother was discharged from hospital late morning/early afternoon and was re-admitted late that evening. My mother had difficulty in walking after being hospital and bed bound for over 2 months. The doctor's believed her atrophy was attributed to lack of movement in her lower extremities. It wasn't until later that night when her bowels and bladder gave out that she returned to hospital to never again leave for more than a day visit to spend time with her (our) family.

It took years to finally diagnose my mother's condition, which is now known to be Lupus. It wasn't until we lived with the diagnosis of MS, and many others before it was discovered to be Lupus, that is sometimes commonly referred to as The Disease of a Thousand Faces. No kidding. As a young woman, my mother was diagnosed with Raynaud's disease and Sclermoderma and then eventually Rhuematoid Arthritis, to name a few. In the subsequent months, she went blind (on my 16th birthday - the poor thing, broke her heart), and lost all ability to move any of her extremities. I can't count the number of times she coded. I know she was losing her fight to keep up the fight, but I think because of me, wouldn't sign a DNR. There were many setbacks along the way and she would bounce back. Her ability to recover was one thing, but never would she rebound to a point beyond her last recovery, so all we were left to do was watch the decline of her life. It was a long road and a very difficult and emotionally draining road for my mother. My heart hurts at the thoughts of what she endured.

How is it that I can be relieved to know my mother has passed and I'll never have the opportunity to talk with her in a physical sense ever again? Yesterday would have been my mother's 58th Birthday and today marks the 23rd anniversary of her passing. Strange how things like that work out.

I was going to link to the ailments, but I found there were way too many to do - sorry.

Chattering and Nattering

It seems as though it's been a while since I've just chattered on about things.

Nothing much going on really. Life is just plugging away.

I'm working full time days now with weekends off. That is pretty exciting although I must admit I'm really struggling with getting things done. I find the 2 days off go so quickly and nothing much gets accomplished. It has been 9 years since I last had any semblance of normalcy to my life. It is an adjustment to say the least.

I'm in a very weird mood today. I'm feeling very stretched again, living two lives. Running between the time in my personal life to the time in my home life, still my personal life, but you know what I mean. I'm stretched to my limit and the pull and responsibility of juggling both is starting to get to me again. I haven't felt like this in a long time, but last night and into today it is right front and center. Blah! Go away yucky feelings and leave me alone.

There is an open house at Cute Boy's house today 2-4p. I hope it goes well. I'm really eager to get things moving in a forward direction so we can get on with our lives together as opposed to these two separate lives, sometimes together! I did a bunch of work at his place yesterday, as did he. It looks great! I really hope there is some interest today! Keep your fingers crossed, okay?

Things with Princess are going well. She is working quite a lot which she likes, for the money. She is a good little worker. I am so incredibly proud of her. She is coming in to her first summer of working and she's not looking forward to the expectations and demands, which I can't say I blame her. She is concerned about missing out on the fun of summer if she's working most weekends. I can completely sympathize with her. I wish I could be the kind of parent that could completely support all her wants and whims and she didn't have to work. I know that isn't the smart way, that she needs to learn responsibility and the value of a dollar.

She is going to her Dad's on Wednesday and staying until Sunday. She's looking forward to going, although I'm a nervous wreck about it all. It is never that he hurts her, or Queenie for that matter, it's just the concern of her being gone for so many days, her emotional well-being, her sense of being valued that I worry most about. Nothing major though! The nasty talking about me has subsided some, but I never trust that it will last. I'm not naive enough to think it will, I just pray for her sake he keeps the personal pot shots to a minimum. It's such an emotional drain on her and it breaks my heart to see her dealing with such unnecessary emotional stress.

I'm off now to clean my house, which you would really consider as 'Rounding Up The Bunnies'. I just sent Pam an e-mail telling her that the big bunnies in the corner look nice enough, until you reach to touch them and they take off your fingers. I'm going to have to name them soon, if I don't seriously send them packing!

Oh, I almost forgot and this is the biggest news of all. I ran 10K today. I know there are many out there that do this and can do this with one hand tied behind their back, but this is my longest run to date! I ran with K-Pow and I did the entire thing 10/1's which is another huge for me! I'm so proud of myself. I couldn't have done it without Krista, and I know it. I probably could have covered the distance, but to do the entire 10:1's I would have wimped out! The humidity was killer, but I felt awesome at the end of it. That's what it's all about. Right?!

Okay, enough dawdling I'm really off to clean the house now!

Passionate Much?

Apparently not! LOL

Your Passion is Pink!

You're the type of woman that would never get described as passionate... Oh but you can be passionate at times - you just don't let it show. Your passion most shows through in your sweet and optimistic attitude. And chances are, most people are very passionate about you!

What Type of Passionate Woman Are You?

Somewhat Negative Me

You Are a Little Negative...

You can be negative from time to time, but you rarely go overboard. You have a realistic view of the world, and most people appreciate your honest insights. Like everyone else, you have your darker moods. But when you're feeling super negative, you keep your feelings to yourself.

Are You Too Negative?

The Hills

Brought to you in total Beverly Hills fashion - NOT!

I just got back, yes back at 6:30am, from running 6K along with 3 up and down (love the down part) of Fort Henry hill. I have been dreading this day for what seems like forever now. I must say it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I envisioned the wrong hill, so the hill wasn't as killer as I anticipated. Don't get me wrong, I'm not overly excited at the prospect of doing this 4x, 5x and 6x up in one session, but it must be done. I don't necessarily believe that to be true, although I'm told it to be.

The day is overcast and dreary, a perfect reason to cuddle back in to bed. Not for me though, no not today. I'm about to jump in the shower and then head to Walmart to pick up a few things and then head to Cute Boy's house to get things ready for his open house on Sunday. I'm not the world's most talented decorator, but I am offering my services to him to help him clean things up. I don't do clutter at all, rather I try really hard not to do clutter so I'm going to rid his house of some. I am loading his top cupboard stuff into a plastic bin and then prettying it up with a plant from my counter, a bird house (so cute) and a couple baskets. I hope it looks nice when I'm done. There is a shelf type cupboard without a door front, that I'm going to put cookbooks on, so it looks homey-like. Does that make sense?

I work at 2pm today! It is hump day -yaaaa!!! After work K-Pow and I are going downtown to catch Theory of A Deadman in concert. I can hardly wait. Seriously, as I sit here thinking about it, my mouth waters a little bit. Tyler Connelly is the cutest little critter, with all his tattoos and bad boy rocker image.

Anyway, I think that's all I have for today.

Have a great day and happy stitching to those fortune enough to put needle to thread today.

Little Tidbits

Took this from Velda -- take it for yourself if you want it, I love reading obscure things about other people - makes me seem a little less strange...(shhhh I heard that!)

What is in the back of your car?
a blanket

What color is your toothbrush?
blue

Name one person that made you smile today?
Pam

What were you doing at 8 am this morning?
getting out of bed

What were you doing 45 minutes ago?
working

What is your favorite candy bar?
Reese Peanut Butter Cups

Have you ever been to a strip club?
Yes, and on the stage. Oh, KP how I love this memoryI

What is the last thing you said aloud?
Your welcome

What is the best ice cream flavor?
tiger tail

What was the last thing you had to drink?
Foo foo coffee

What are you wearing right now?
black dress pants, black sandals, a black, white and hot pink top

What was the last thing you ate?
toasted english muffin with melted havarti cheese

Have you bought any new clothing items this week?
strangely enough, no. - last week

When was the last time you ran?
Saturday morning, should have ran today and yesterday

The last sporting event you watched?
The Yankee ball game on Sunday

What is your favorite flavor of popcorn?
Butter caramel

Who is the last person you sent a comment/message on my space?
I don't do myspace

Ever go camping?
Yes.

Do you take vitamins daily?
No

Do you go to church every Sunday?
No

Do you have a tan?
No, but I wish I did.

Do you like Chinese food over pizza?
oh that's a toughie....I LOVE both

Do you drink your soda with a straw?
absolutely not

What did your last text message say?
It's been so long, I don't remember

Are you some-one's best friend?
I am and it is an honour

What are you doing tomorrow?
running hills, working and going to see Theory of A Deadman in concert

Look to your left, what do you see?
Pam

What color is your watch?
Silver, but it is broken. I was looking at buying a new one today - funny

What do you think of when you think of Australia?
traveling there and Keith Urban!

Do you use chap stick?
Sometimes

What is your birthstone?
sapphire

What is your favorite number?
2

Do you have a dog?
Yes

Last person you talked to on the phone?
A doctor

Have you met anyone famous?
No

Any plans today?
working and nothing else

How many states have you lived in?
None, I live in Canada

Did you go to college?
yes and dropped out... stupid move!

Do you dye your hair?
I have and I've highlighted too.

Biggest annoyance in your life right now?
My job and the uncertainty

Last song listened to?
Son of the Preacher Man is playing right now

Can you say the alphabet backwards?
No

Do you have a maid service clean your house?
No, but will when Cute Boy and I move in together

Are you jealous of anyone?
I have my moments

Is anyone jealous of you?
Why?

Do you love anyone?
Yes

Do any of your friends have children?
Yes

Do you eat healthy?
I have my moments

What do you usually do during the day?
Run, housework and work.

Do you hate anyone that you know right now?
Sadly, yes.

Do you use the word 'hello' daily?
yes

What color is your car?
Red

Do you like cats?
Yes

Have you ever been to Six Flags?
No

How did you get your worst scar?
being a silly little girl I was sliding on a wet surface hanging on to a crystal towel bar hung on the back of the shower/tub.

Sometimes!

Sometimes I wonder how it is that I get along in life on my own. Seriously, I do. I do some of the most ridiculous stupid things and it is frustrating as hell.

I've been going through some times with a certain financial nightmare and I totally made a mess. I got paperwork from a payment office giving me information and I, in my panicked "OMG" state of mind didn't read the document properly and filed it away. I should know myself better by now and know to go back once the adrenaline rush has worn off and take a minute to absorb the information. Stop with the sweaty palms, fear and overall sense of doom.

It has just been lately that I've figured something might not be right with the situation, so I went in search of my paperwork. Lo and behold it wasn't and I would have been okay had I taken the time to read and not panic. I've filled out the paperwork this morning and will be faxing it to the office in question once I get to work this afternoon.

Damn it there are times when I need a swift kick in the ass!!!!!

It will be ages before I find out what is going to happen and when I do, I'll let you know. Good bad or otherwise, I'll open the envelope, take a deep breath and read it. Read first, panic later!

Wish me luck!

Love ya.

June Yankee Distance Challenge

May Distance 53.2KM
June's Goal - 60-70KM
Distance To Go - 357.4KM

4 - 6K (hills 3) - awesome
8 - 10K - longest run to date all 10:1's
16 - 6K - burning calves, but my own fault since it's been a week since I've run!
21 - 10.7K - 1h 15m 34s - all mental. This was probably my most difficult run to date. Thank God for K-Pow or I would have quit somewhere near the first step.

The thing I'm most stoked about in regards to my May total is that is all running. I didn't bike at all. I will sometimes bike (at the gym) to increase my distance numbers. Not this month. Since I'm trying to prepare for the 10K race in July I figured I would be best served to focus on the running and only running.

I didn't run near as much as I could have or should have this past month. I'm a little disappointed about that, to be honest. I was dealing with the mother of all blisters, not an excuse but more a nasty reality. I think I'm finally over that little problem. My work schedule was really bad a couple days with really quick flips from shift to shift, factoring in ball games and now my working full time. The lazy days of part time work are now behind for a bit, if not forever.

I'm not losing weight with this running thing which upsets me greatly. I do see an incredible difference in my ability to push through a run as opposed to how I was when I first started. It is so much a mental game, this running. I love it! I feel incredible and inspired to be running, knowing that I've always envied those that were able to run and now I can too. I'm not great by any means, but I do try. I can wimp out at times and be a brat... still dreading those damn hills!

I have to seriously increase my distances this month (scary and scared). It is imperative that I run more 8K's and get in my first 10 and 13K. Holy yikes, even typing the numbers freaks me out. I will figure it out and of course, let you know how it goes.

Happy running to those of you that do and all others, you don't know what you're missing! ;)

Wildflower Rhapsody - 20 hours

Ta-da! Another installment in my ongoing love affair with Wildflower Rhapsody.

I'm stitching this with no rhyme or rhythm. I want to see it come to life, so I'm all over the pattern, not finishing or filling in as I would normally do. The colour changes are insane, but that is typical Paula Vaughan. It is those very colour changes that draw me to her patterns in the first place, especially since I get bored quickly with solid one colour pieces.

It will probably be next weekend before I will be back with another update, and that may only be a 5 hour addition and not the normal 10. If I bore you with updates I apologize.

As always, thanks for looking and for all your comments.

Happy stitching days to you!

May Successes and June Stitching Goals

Wow! What a stitching month May turned out to be, much to my surprise.

I stitched on the following pieces:

1. Jobs Tears - 12h 20m - finished
2. Halloween Fairy - 5h 10m
3. Enchanted Fairy - 7h 30m
4. Bubbles - 8h 10m
5. Wildflower Rhapsody - 13h 25m

The final total for May is 46h 35m. WOOHOO Not only was it a good total, but I was even able to have a finish in the mix. That is super exciting. My list is getting smaller! I will have to consider ever having more than one piece on the go once I get this current list cleaned up.

As for what I want to accomplish in June, who knows. I may just continue to work solely on Wildflower Rhapsody and see how close to the finish I can get. I think that is a great plan... work on this piece and this piece alone. That will get me another finish and then I can figure out what piece to knock off the list next. Oh, so exciting!

Happy stitching days to you!