Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Say Goodbye - Lisa Gardner

Come into my parlor . . .

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

Said the spider to the fly . . .

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

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

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

Monday, December 29, 2008

Lululemon Lovely

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

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

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

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Christmas With My Cuties

Clipart stolen from from Krista

Isn't she just the cutest clipart ever?!

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

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

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

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

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

Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Blowing Bubbles In The New Year

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

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

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

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

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

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


Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Tweet Tweet!

Feeling very bird-like at the the moment.

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

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

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

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

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

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

12 Days Friends and Fun

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


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



As did I....



And Pam did too!


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

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

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

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

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

Enchanted Fairy - 45 hours (almost)

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

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

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

Friday, December 12, 2008

Cross Country - James Patterson


Book 14 in the Alex Cross series

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

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

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

Good Grief GoodLife



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

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

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

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

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

My food issues will be addressed in a future post.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Is Santa Hiring?

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

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

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

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

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

Until next time.

Love,

Daisy

House Happy!

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

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

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

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

Saturday, December 06, 2008

Christmas Countdown - Day 5

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

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

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

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

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

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


I think I got a little distracted today! Sorry.

How do you decorate? Theme? Colour? Style?

Thursday, December 04, 2008

Christmas Countdown - Day #4

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

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

A few of my favorites, in no particular order:

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

Do you have a favorite Christmas song?

Christmas Countdown

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

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

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

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

Enchanted Fairy - 40 hours

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

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

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

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

December Yankee Stadium Distance Challenge

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

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

Christmas Countdown - Day #2

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

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

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

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

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

Monday, December 01, 2008

Christmas Countdown

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

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

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