Always A Thief - Kay Hooper

In a deadly game of skill and deception...A master thief is just the first wild card…The priceless, rarely displayed Bannister collection is about to be exhibited and the show's director, Morgan West, can't ignore her growing uneasiness. She's certain she hasn't seen the last of the infamous cat burglar Quinn. But she never expected him to turn up at her apartment one dark night in desperate need of her help help she can't refuse. The mysterious master thief is playing a dangerous game, and it's a game that just might get him killed.

With Morgan's help, Quinn sets a trap intended to catch someone far more elusive…and more deadly…than a thief. But an unseen threat shadows him in the fog-shrouded San Francisco night, an unknown adversary more cunning than any he has yet encountered. Now, just when the stakes are higher than even Quinn can imagine, no one can be trusted and everything is at risk.

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Book #17 - This was a lighthearted thriller. Not much on suspense, more on filler. I'm not really able to sustain any level of concentration at the moment, so this book was the right book at the right time.

Post It

A reader of this blog needs to keep an eye out for the mail carrier! Don't get too excited yet, since it will be a few days before a special package finds it way to your neck of the woods.

Goal Failure Although I'll Not Give Up

This is not going to be pretty, but here goes:

1. Drink 64 oz water daily - done Friday and Saturday. Not Sunday
2. Measure my foods. No more eyeballing it. - Done
3. 3 fruit or veggies daily. I should be getting a minimum of 5! - Done Friday and Saturday. Not Sunday
4. Only 1 Tim Horton's French Vanilla Iced Coffee per day, if at all. - 1 Friday. None Saturday. 3 Sunday. So, none on Monday. Is that fair?
5. Run at least every other day starting with my new running week of Monday. I'll update that on my Yankee Stadium Distance challenge - Can't wait until Tuesday. Ran Saturday!
6. Forgive myself for my lazy approach to my body. It breaks my heart, but I can not continue to mentally beat myself up anymore. It is detrimental to my emotional well being. - Doing okay so far!
7. Track my WW journal - Sunday was ridiculous, but I'm tracking!

I'm not overly surprised with how this weekend is playing out. I struggle when in the company of Cute Boy and I know this. I think things will be different when we're living together, but right now the food choices are the greatest at his house where I don't have control over my food choices. Thank goodness for the Caesar salad that could be counted as a vegetable.

Wildflower Rhapsody - 30 hours

I've been neglecting my stitching in a major way this past month. Last night I tried to rectify the situation with showing a little love. Sorry for the creases, I am too lazy to iron them out.

I brought myself to another 5 hour block on this piece. I love the way it is coming together. The colours are gorgeous, albeit a little tedious always switching colours unfortunately.

Here's to hoping the next update is not months in coming.

As always, thanks for looking!

Public Humiliation

Okay, Velda! You've challenged me! Never one to back down from a challenge, I'm laying myself out for public inspection. My weigh in this morning has knocked my world off it's axis and I'm disgusted!

This is not going to be pretty, but here goes:

1. Drink 64 oz water daily

2. Measure my foods. No more eyeballing it.

3. 3 fruit or veggies daily. I should be getting a minimum of 5!

4. Only 1 Tim Horton's French Vanilla Iced Coffee per day, if at all.

5. Run at least every other day starting with my new running week of Monday. I'll update that on my Yankee Stadium Distance challenge

6. Forgive myself for my lazy approach to my body. It breaks my heart, but I can not continue to mentally beat myself up anymore. It is detrimental to my emotional well being.

7. Track my WW journal.

No more, 'oh, I ate bad, I'm not counting anymore' attitude.

For now, that is all I have.

Thanks, V! Love ya, hon.

My Life In A Nutshell

There is so much going on in my life right now that I find I'm scatter brained when it comes to trying to compose a blog entry. I've not been posting, but trust me it is not for lack of trying. I couldn't count the number of times I've started an entry to find myself with a mental block and hitting the delete button. Sorry!

Here goes. Now, that being said where do I begin.

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Things with the girls are interesting to say the least. I still never see Queenie. This life of hers is a major stresser for me, but I'm just letting her do her thing. Against my better judgement most days, but it's not for me to decide any longer.

Princess on the other hand had me hopping a bit ago. She had herself a major lapse in judgement (I'm being overly kind) and didn't like that I took the hard line with her. She quickly decided she wanted to visit her dad for a while. She is leaving to go to her dad's on the 28th of July until sometime towards the middle to end of August. She has since decided she regrets this rash decision of running to her dad's but it is a learning experience for her, at least I think so anyway.

I'm going to miss her like nobody's business, but I think it is going to be good for her. As much as she was overwhelmed with her situation and mad at me when she made this decision, she sees now, her best place, and most appreciated place is with me. Even when I'm mad at her, or disappointed in her, as was the case, her best place of support is to be home. There are a whole plethora of emotions she is dealing with in regards to going to her dad's and for that, I feel for her. I try to look at this situation as a character builder for her. We'll see if I'm right or not. I know she's apprehensive now, because he sees a crack in her commitment to be home and he is going to put the full court press on her to move there with him.

I'll do my best to update her situation as it unfolds. You'd think I was giving you a play by play of a daytime drama!

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Things with work are the same. The full time position that will be/should be mine was posted last Wednesday, with a closing date of tomorrow at 1:30p. It's pretty much just the dotting the i's and crossing the t's and the position will be mine. I've been working in a full time capacity for the last 3 months and with the retirement of a full time co-worker, I'll be full time next.

As much as it is a good thing after being part time now for 9 years, I'm of mixed emotions about being full time full time. It is a cut in pay, but not really. Right now I'm paid in lieu of benefits and holidays, but if I don't work I don't get paid. When I'm officially full time I'll have 4 full weeks of holidays paid. It is what you work towards and to finally realize the end is near it is somewhat draining and scary. The loss of in lieu on my pay is equivalent to about 300-400 per pay at a full time work week. I don't always work full time, but since I have been for 3 months, it is similar to a pay cut.

I really am very happy and relieved to finally be at the of my part time career, as much as it may not sound that way. It is just a mental adjustment.

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I've not been stitching at all. I miss it greatly, I really do. As much as I miss it I can not for the life of me find the desire to pick up a needle! I could have stitched so much my last week of work 6p-2am, but I just had nothing in the tank as far as drive for dragging out my stash. So very sad. I'm hoping to at least make a more concerted effort tomorrow night. I' promise to try!

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Things with the house are just! I've been selling things in my home...my sectional couch, my lawn mower, barbecue. My kitchen table is currently for sale and a few other things. It is strange to see things go, but there is no need, nor room for things to be kept at this point in the game.

Cute Boy and I are trying to find temporary accommodations for 4 months for when my house closes and our house is built. We are looking at a 2 bedroom condo this coming weekend. It will be a tight fit when Cute Boy's girls come for the weekends, but things will get figured out. The rent on this place will be considerably cheaper than we are both paying in a mortgage payment, so the extra money will be helpful in cleaning up our debt or purchasing appliances for the new house. This house building is expensive business!

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My fitness and eating are atrocious at the moment. I'm at the point where I'm starting to obsess about my weight and poor eating habits. I'm annoyed as hell at myself that I've let myself go to the point that I'm now 10lbs over my comfortable weight. I hate looking in the mirror. I feet terrible beyond anything that I've ever felt before. I'm at a loss right now about what I should do!

I'm trying to get back to my running and I will eventually. I just want to hit the street and lose myself in my thoughts and not look at running as means to an end (losing weight and leaning down), but as a way to give myself a much deserved break from the everyday demands of my life. I think that is not too much to do for myself. Now doing it is a completely other story all together.
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I think that is all I have for today! It is a long one, I know. Sorry about that. I should know better than to be away for so long next time.

Thanks for getting through it all, if you did. You rock!

Time To Start Packing

I am now the proud owner of a SOLD sign on my FOR SALE sign. I've had an offer on my house since last Tuesday. I didn't post about it until I had all my ducks in a row.

The offer was a clean offer. The only conditions on the offer were financing, inspection and insurance, with a closing date of September 5th. My birthday! The only concern for me was the inspection, since financing was already a done deal, according to the buyer's agent. It is usually put in an offer just to safe guard for a way out in case something doesn't go according to their plan.

The funny thing about this particular couple buying my house, I was in the house when the arrived for the showing. They showed up 40 minutes early! I was just taking laundry down to the laundry room, Daisy was running around, the radio was still on. My arms were full of books to be returned to the library and I walk to the front door and an agent walking down the street to my house with this young couple in tow. The dirty laundry was thrown in to my purse (thank goodness my purse is big) and the dog was leashed up and out the door we headed with arms weighted down with about 40lbs of library books. Daisy was great she stood on the front landing barking at them. I felt like an idiot, although they were so early, but I jokingly said, to enjoy the welcoming from my mouthy pooch. They just laughed and said they understand, they have a dog too.

3 hours after the showing I had an offer. That was a surreal moment if ever. Since the offer was simple, I countered back with another price and the only chattels included are my curtains and lights. They accepted my increased counter offer, so that is good! The hot tub is not included in the offer, so I'm in the process of selling that as we speak.

Mentioning selling things, I'm actually in the process of selling my sectional couch from the rec room and my kitchen table. I've already sold my crock pot, my patio set, barbecue and lawn mower. I will be selling my fridge, stove, washer and dryer. Cute Boy and I, as much as we don't want to create and carry a huge debt load are going to buy a front loading washer and dryer set when we're in the new house.

The major dilemma that faces us right now is the finding of another house to live in from the first of September until the middle to end of December at the latest. Cute Boy has a line on a place, but we're not 100% on it yet. We have an appointment set up for Sunday morning. Our agent is working on that end of things too and we could have rented his parent's place for the duration, but there is a dog allergy. Miss Daisy doesn't aggravate allergies because she has hair not fur, but it still will not work for us.

Things are definetely moving forward and I for one, couldn't be happier! I'm one day and one step closer to living one life not three! Thanks for being here for me throughout this first part of my journey.

Stitching Desire

My stitching desire is stirring. I've had no desire to stitch as of late. That would be until I saw this lovely little gem. I want this and I want to stitch it now!

I'm excited to thinking about this piece and the growth, the colours, the feel of the fabric. I will try and be patient, but that may not be the case because I can feel my resolve weakening already.

Husbands and Other Lovers - Jane Elizabeth Varley

Husbands And Other Lovers" is the gripping story of the two Agnew brothers - and the women who love them. James Agnew, a brilliant City lawyer, is married to Susannah. They have the perfect life - on the surface. A Surrey house, two successful careers and a lifestyle to be envied. But behind closed doors their marriage is a battleground as Susannah fights the effects of her husband's drinking, hiding it from those closest to her, and struggling with the painful memories it raises about her own past. But when James' life takes a dramatic turn, will Susannah stand by her husband - or her lover? James' younger brother Robert is the founder of one of London's top PR agencies and a millionaire at thirty-eight. Robert weaves a web of lies and fantasies to entrap the women in his life - and to ensure that they are never free from his control. Tabitha, his ex-wife, must fight for her freedom - and her daughter. Jasmine, his ex-girlfriend, faces losing everything that is precious to her. And what of Natasha, his beautiful but vulnerable new girlfriend! Will she fall under his spell to become just another victim?

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Book #16 - I know you're probably wondering how I can post that I just finished another book in the span of 24 hours. I didn't just start this book, I've actually been reading it for quite some time. It had to be put aside when a book from the library would come in, as does quite often.

I really enjoyed this book. One of the characters in this book, is one of the most diabolical characters I've ever encountered! He was infuriating and disgusting! There were times I was so frustrated and disturbed by his actions I could feel my stomach muscles tightening.

My Running Goals

I've been thinking a lot about what I'm going to work towards in regards to my running goals over the next little bit. I know I should not be concerned right now with my goals, but relaxing after the injuries pre-race of Sunday past and the stiffness I'm still feeling in my legs. My legs are still stiff and that is sad, but here I am lining up for another torture test all on my own... no help, just me!

All that said, I very seldom rest and if I do, it's not for long. So, I got to thinking. Don't be scared, its okay I didn't hurt myself with the taxing effect of thinking on my lazy brain. I'm thinking I'm going to do 2 more runs this year and then that is it until next year's Resolution Run.

I'm going to do the Terry Fox Run on September 14. The only thing that may hinder this particular race is whether or not I'm working part time or full time hours. If I'm working part time hours, I'll probably have to skip the race since I'll be working on the Sunday of the race.


The second race I want to do this year is the CIBC Run For The Cure. This race isn't until October 5th. I'm not sure who I'll be running this one with, but I'm running it. I'm really looking forward to it and I'm not passing the opportunity by this year. The possibility is strong that I will be working full time at this point, with weekends off again, so I have no reason not to participate.

I am a mother of 2 wonderful young girls, not to mention some incredible woman I know that have survived breast cancer. If I can do something to contribute to the fundraising efforts to find a cure or advancements in treatment, it's something I must do! I have immense issues with not participating in this year's Relay for Life and I don't want to have those same regrets with this year's Terry Fox Run or The Run for the Cure, so this is my public declaration of commitment!

I will be registering of the Run For the Cure soon. Keep your eyes open for when I let you know. I'm not much of a fundraiser (I hate asking for money), so if you'd be so kind to offer a few dollars it will go a long way to making a difference.

Now, my question is this: Do you think that is too much fundraising is such a short period of time?

Daddy's Girls - Tasmina Perry

Serena, Cate, Camilla and Venetia have grown up in a world where money can buy you anything. But as the old saying goes, it can't buy you love, and it certainly didn't buy them their father's. Oswald Balcon revelled in belittling his daughters, often bullying them to tears. Even in their later years he still seemed to despise them. But why did he appear to hate them so much? And did his constant sniping and backstabbing push one of them into committing the most heinous crime of all? Did one of Oswald Balcon's daughters finally snap and kill him? Set in the glittering arenas of show business, glossy magazines, interior design, law and politics these four women play out their lives constantly under the watchful eye of the public. But only they know what happens behind closed doors locked away from the paparazzi. And as tragedy and danger stalks every one of them, the scene is set for a stunning and totally unexpected climax. Here, glamorous locations, sexy and sensational characters and an explosive plot keep you guessing until the final finger-scorching page.

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Book #15 - WOW! I loved this book. I wanted to do nothing but read this book and that is pretty much what I did. I can't wait to get the next one. I've already been on the library site and don't see it listed there. As much as I no longer buy books, but rent them from the library, I enjoyed this first book so much I would buy the second offering by this author in a heartbeat.

I highly recommend this book to anyone! You'll not be disappointed. Enjoy!

Showings

Showing #6 - Sunday afternoon's showing was the second showing by the agent with the special needs client. I've heard nothing so I guess that would be a no.

Showing #7 - Today between 1:30-2:30p. Who is to know what will come of it. Keep your fingers crossed.

I'm just on my way over to Walmart to pick up some cleaning supplies. I need to wash the windows, something I absolutely despise. I will sweep when I get home and vacuum the rec room.

Oh, news of a different nature in regards to houses. The neighbour attached to me is selling now too! He told me on Friday night that him and his wife are going to list their house. I just about choked! Part of the reason is that he is ex-military and has 1 more free move that he can use within the next year. Since I'm moving they are concerned with the quality of their new neighbours and they have 5 people living in an 1100 square foot semi. It would be a little crowded to say the least.

I talked to one half of my agent last night and she said it could/should be a good thing. If he prices higher than mine it will look better for me. She also believes my house is in good enough shape to withstand the pressure of a house in close proximity to mine being for sale. I feel a little less like someone punched me in the gut, but not much!

That's about all I have to share today!

Wolfe Island Classic 10KM

The commitment shot! There is something so incredibly invigorating when presented with your race kit. I'm like a little kid at Christmas waiting to see my number. I love the feeling. Our race kits were comprised of our bibs, hair elastics, a granola breakfast bar, a percentage off coupon for pictures taken throughout the race. Very cool!

Here's one of the watering stations set up along the running route. What is important to note here, is this is done by the residents of the island, not by the race coordinators.

It was touching to see the support offered by the residents of the island. Families would be set up on the side of the road offering water cups, clapping, cheering and words of encouragement. It brought a tear to my eye a couple times to see the support and to feel the appreciation. I know I'm a loser!

This would be my ever-wonderful K-Pow about the 8K mark, I think it was. Again, I can't tell you enough what she means to me! It is way too difficult to put it to words. Through my aches, pains and overall fear of failure, you were right there! Every step of the way you cheered me on, pushed when I needed it even though I sure as hell didn't want it! Thank you, my dear friend! This is OUR thing! :)

My 8K moment - WOOHOO Over half way. That was important to me!

Here is my moment of utter accomplishment and relief. I DID IT!!!! Since K-Pow finished ahead of me, she was able to get a shot of my moment! Thank you, sweetie. So fitting, the song playing on my mp3 player at the moment of crossing - Fighter. I love it! It was a mental fight for me at various points throughout this run and leading up to it. I was so worried about my foot and then my left hip (sciatic pre-cursor), but there was no way I was going to let this opportunity pass me by! I'm so glad I pushed through the mental torture I'm so good at and got it done. I don't yet know my official time, but I do know it is my personal best based on K-Pow's finish time that was about 1 minute ahead of mine! My finish time was 1:05:37 Pace - 6:34

My brush with greatness! Oh, how I love Don Cherry. I accosted the poor man as he was coming out of church. I felt bad for that, but Don being Don, he just smiled and graciously gave of his time to let K-Pow and I get a couple of pics with him.

This the likes of what surrounded us. The beauty of the island is second to none.

I must say to the good folks of Wolfe Island - Thank you! You're too kind and I'm blessed to have shared in the beauty of your home for just a short while! From the bottom of my heart, you touched me. I know I can be an emotional sap at times, and today is no different, but it really made a world of difference for me that you gave of your morning to support a bunch of runners that clog up your roadways and in turn throw our water cups on your grass..... I felt terrible about that! Thank you!

Showings And More

No sooner did I hit enter button on my blog entry of yesterday, and my agent called with another showing.

Showing # 4 - This showing was being done by the agent, no client. The agent is looking at houses on behalf of her special needs client. I'm not sure what the needs are, but she wanted to see if my house could convert for her client. I'm never made aware of the impressions of the people walking through the house, so if the house is suitable or not, I don't know.

Princess didn't go too far since the agent told mine it was okay for people to be home. The agent did tell Princess that she liked the house, how bright and open it is. Good to hear. The house may not be right for this client, but maybe one of her other clients.

Showing # 5 - Is this morning 9:45-10:45am. Princess is not happy. She has to get up early and leave the house. This makes for a very snippy Princess! I went to bed shortly after getting the message last night because I didn't want to be around a grumpy Princess.

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I'm working 6-2's this coming week. I should be able to have some stitching to share in that time. I would certainly hope I do anyway! Seeing this really is supposed to be a stitching blog and lately is has been saga after saga.

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I weighed in today! Why in the hell do I bother? I've felt like crap these last couple days. I don't mean physically like crap in terms of being sick, but not liking my body crap. I knew it was going to be a terrible WI. It was! BLEH! Oh hell who cares anymore.

I've not run all week and I have a 10K to do in 2 days. I'll be doing it, albeit I'm not sure how the heck I'm going to do mentally. As worried as I am, I'm really looking forward to it. The challenge, the sense of accomplishment at the end is an awesome feeling. That feeling in itself should be enough to push me through my issues. Oh, I have issues alright.

Happy days to you all!

Housing Pimp

My house has been officially on the market for 1 week today and in that week I've had 3 showings.

I'm finding I feel like a virgin on her wedding night with this whole house thing. I get anxious and the pressure of having things 'just so' is insane. It's how I'm wired. I wish I wasn't such a high strung critter, but I am. Princess has yet to hurt me, so all is good.

Showing #1 - Within hours of listing -- Didn't expect it to happen that quick. Princess was getting ready for work when the request came in. She was running around trying to get ready for work and overall straighten up. The house was already fine, but it needed to be as close to perfect as she could get it. She's a chip off the old block. Daisy was picked up and babysat by Cute Boy.

Showing #2 - Monday afternoon - Again Princess was the one home since I was at work. This kid is incredible. Princess was just brushing her teeth when the agent and potential buyers showed up at the door. When I got the panic toned phone call from her, I couldn't help but bust a gut laughing at her. She's out walking the dog trying to waste time until she thinks it's safe to return.

Showing #3 - Last night right in the middle of dinner hour. - Off we go, Princess and Daisy in tow to the local conservation area for a long walk. What a wonderful way to spend an hour. Princess in the elements. Not a common happening anymore.

I have to say the one thing I love about this house business is having the house so clean all the time. I used to be driven to keep an exceptionally clean house, but in recent years I've not taken the time to do so as of late.

Keep your fingers crossed for a successful showing sooner rather than later.

July Yankee Stadium Distance Challenge

June's Distance - 32.7
Distance To Go - 324.7
July's Goal - To figure out what the hell is causing me so much pain on my left side.

July
1- 4KM - piercing hip pain. This run was cut short, as much as I want to tackle this and make progress towards being able to do this coming weekend's 10K. (4K)
Walked the dog - .48K
2- 5KM - walked the dog
6- 10KM
18 - 1.1KM
19 - 3K - shit that was humid!
26 - 3K - another hot one
29 - 1.1K - walk around the work block; 2.6KM
30 - 1.8K - walked to work from shuttle park




I'm in such a mental funk right now and I feel like a failure in not being able to overcome these aches and pains. I hate not being able to do something when I put my mind to it. I'm afraid I'm losing my fire and passion for pushing myself to succeed! I'll figure it out eventually to determine if it's time to give up or find another gear.

Oh, Canada!

Happy Birthday, Canada.

To all my Canadian Friends, may your Canada Day be filled with the love of friends and family. Remember to think of the wonderful service men and woman that sacrificed and still sacrifice for this wonderful country of ours.