Dreaded Day

This is the day I dread, year after year. This would be the day that marks the anniversary of my mother's death.

It has been 20 years now and never does it get easier. There is not a day goes by that I don't think of her in one way or another. I am now the mother of an 18 year old and a 15, almost 16 year old. Princess is right at the age I was when my mother first when in to the hospital. I couldn't imagine if I were taken from her day to day life right now,only to be gone forever 4 years from now. We never know how much time we have left, I know, although the thoughts of my life paralleling my mother's is never far from mind.

I was laying in bed last night, unable to sleep. There is much going on in my world right now that I'm struggling with and this anniversary of sorts in not helping any. My mother being here right now would be greatly welcome. Funny how you change and grow. My mother always used to talk to me about being my friend and at 15 years old that was the last thing in the world I wanted. Right now, what I wouldn't give for that opportunity.

My mother didn't live beyond her 39th birthday (died at 38). It has always been a personal concern that I suffer the same fate. I'm going to be 40 this year and I see that as a wonderful milestone. There are many factors in my mother's early death that play a role in how I live my own life. The main one is trying to live a healthy life in the physical sense. My drive to be fit and a certain weight aren't just because I'm vain. I know carrying extra weight is an opportunity for various medical conditions to present themselves. I've got enough issues with my mother's medical history alone I don't need to exacerbate the situation by living in an unhealthy manner.

I try to be the person that would most make her proud. Stand up for my children and my own convictions. Be strong in the face of adversity. Don't be afraid to speak my mind and defend the defenseless. Fight for the underdog. Work hard. Love the sunshine on a beautiful day. I never know, I just hope.

As always thinking of you.

Blob of Bubbles

15 hours

20 hours

It doesn't look like much when I'm actually putting in the 5 hours of time. When I see the before and after shots the work is obvious. I'm really on the fence with this one right now. It is a lot of work and I'm not 100% it's the kind of work I want to be committed to to get it completed.

I will be working on another piece when I next pick up my stitching, although right now, I'm not sure what that piece will be. As much as I'm questioning this piece, it was comforting to hold a piece of fabric in my hands again. It's a big change from the weights I've been busy with as of late.

Happy stitching days to you!

Baby's Got Back

Hit the gym today and was not feeling. I didn't up the best numbers and in the past this would have so annoyed me. Today was different. I was there and I attempted to get it done.

Warm Up Cardio
2.4K
18 min

Weight Training

Back
Seated Row
60lbs x 8 reps
55lbs x 10 reps
45lbs x 10 reps
First set- sloppy way too much weight
2nd set - still brutal. I've lost a lot in back strength. Kept the motion clean. Took precaution not to rock. Slow controlled . Not a good feeling here today at all.

Wide Grip Pulldown
60lbs x 10 reps
55lbs x 12 reps
45lbs x 12 reps
Not a favorite exercise of mine which must mean something right?! Have to work it!

Shoulders
Chin Bar
17.5kg x 12 reps -- too lazy to convert
22.5kg x 12 reps
27.5kg x 10 reps
The last set, half way was brutal.

Shoulder Shrugs
17.5lbs x 15 reps
15lbs x 12 reps
10lbs x 12 reps
Hmph! Too little weight I think.

Shoulder Press
30lbs x 15 reps
35lbs x 12 reps
40lbs x 10 reps
Love it! Love it! Love it! This is one of my favorite exercises. I could have done more weight here, but even with a machine I wasn't comfortable without a spotter.

Post Work Out Cardio
1.3K
10 min.

I know I should have logged more time, but the day was getting away from me. I was really looking forward to spending time with Princess so that was a big factor in my head game too.

I think in future I'm going to split my back and shoulder work out up. I love working shoulders and detest back. I want to rock out the shoulders. I could have easily worked 5-6 shoulder exercises and was struggling with 2 back exercises. It's all about learning what works, right.

I'm so happy to be back. No pun intended. I don't know that my house is overly impressed, if a house were to have feelings. I've been negligent in the cleaning of it. I'll find the balance eventually.

Happy day to you.

Lunch With Little One

I've been running all day. I'm exhausted and am looking quite forward to a little nap as soon as I hit 'post'.

I was up early to take Cute Boy to the bus which will take him to his hockey tournament in Alexandria Bay. After that job was done, I was off to the gym (will update later), then hurried home to spend the day with Princess.

Our first stop was the beauty salon where she tanned (I know bad - really bad) and I got my eyebrows done. Bleh before, beautiful after. By this time, we were both starving. Princess hadn't eaten breakfast and I'd not refuelled from my work out. We were going to hit up Starbucks, but that just didn't hold the appeal - GASP!

There is restaurant that I've wanted to try for quite some time and keep forgetting about it when out for lunch with Princess. Until today that is! Lotus-Heart-Blossoms is a vegetarian restaurant here in town. I was so excited to finally remember that I wanted to try it with Princess. I wasn't sure how much the menu items would run me, but it was reasonably priced. Total bill was $20.34. Now, neither one of us got a drink (other than water), so that saved money. It was awesome food with incredibly friendly service.

Princess was too cute. She's looking around the restaurant with the most beautiful smile on her face. Her comment is, "All these people could be vegetarians like me". I know she struggles with feeling as though she fits in with her food choices and to see her so excited was good to see. The ambiance of the restaurant is clean and fresh feeling. Princess felt like she belonged. It was a well spent $20.00.

Here is what I ordered and I'm telling you, it was amazing. I'm still full and it's been hours since we ate.

Barbequed Tofu Rice Bowl

Tofu seared in a mouth-watering barbeque sauce served with stir-fried Asian veggies, jasmine rice & toasted sesame seeds.

I can't find a pic of what Princess ordered, sorry. Her meal was:

Chicken A La King
A pastry shell filled with a delicately flavored, creamy vegetarian chicken & fresh vegetable mixture, served with a blend of whole grain & wild rice, and our Lotus-Heart-Blossoms Salad.

Princess and I will definitely be heading there again to try a different dish and I'm looking forward to our next dish choice.

Mama Moments

It has been ages since I've posted pics of my girls. Princess (right) and Queenie (left) were able to spend some time together over March break. I have this pic from creeping Queenie's facebook page. Shhhhh

There is no one in this world, now or ever that has ever captivated my heart as each of these incredible young women. That I've had the honour of mothering them, sharing in their day to day life has been and always will be a blessing to me.

My heart bursts with pride for the love and joy they bring in to my world, as well as the knowledge in knowing they are the best friend of the other. From the distance they are from each other, they are still the one the other calls when life is shit, and sometimes life is really shit!

The path of each is vastly different, although my love, respect and appreciation for each of their journey's is very much a part of my being.

Queenie has not lived at home for 2 years now, as some of you may know. Her path is not an easy one. We've had our moments of trial and tribulation, but I know she'll be okay. She is more my wild child and with that doesn't always do what I think is best for her or her future aspirations. She's turning that around lately and I'm so proud of her for doing so. She grew up too fast and is away from home much too soon. Life is is about living and learning and she's discovering that head on. She is currently living with her father, not the most desirable situation, but it is where she is right now. If it is this that turns things around for her, then I'm good with that! My time with her is too limited, but jammed packed with her wonderful spirit when we are together.

Princess is my sweet little peanut. She'd be mortified to know I've referred to her as that, I'm sure. I see her every single day for the most part and when I don't it is the saddest and strangest of days for me. I know a little of the heartache Queenie must suffer not having her little sister in her day to day life.

Princess is just that - a princess. She is a girlie girl, a diva of the gentlest kind. She has the softest heart, the most loyal streak of any person I've the fortune to know and the gift to love. I've not met a person that doesn't like her and if they don't like her, I'm certain it is jealousy of her beauty, both inside and out.

There are times when I was younger that I questioned the desire to have children. Didn't think I could do it well enough to be worthy of a child. I don't know that I'm good enough still, but with the two lovely girls I have, they have made it easier for me to succeed to this point so far.

In the off chance either one of you ever read this blog, know this:

Wherever you are, no matter how far, I am your biggest supporter, today tomorrow and forever. There has never been, nor ever will be a person in this world I love more than I love the both of you. You are all a mother could ever hope to love and more. Thank you for being you.

Love, Mom

Against Medical Advice - Hal Freidman/James Patterson

Cory Friedman was an ordinary fun-loving little boy. That fateful March morning in 1989 started just like any other but later that day, he started to feel very different and the course of his life was set to change. It started with an irresistible urge to shake his head, and before long, his body became a volatile, explosive and unpredictable force. Overtaken by physical urges, tics and compulsions, the bright young boy started to feel and look like a puppet on a string. Cory had developed a rare combination of Tourette Syndrome, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Anxiety Disorder and other neurological conditions. The life he knew had been torn apart and his family was left watching him suffer. Desperate to help and hopeful of a cure, they embarked on a fifteen year plight which took them beyond breaking point.Cory was seen by thirteen doctors who in total prescribed sixty potent medicines. He was mistakenly sent to a psychiatric ward and on the brink of utter despair, he and his family decided to try a form of intervention that had never been tried in cases such as Cory's: he was sent to a wilderness survival camp in a bitter, unforgiving snowy Utah winter.

This felt like their final chance. Throughout his young life, Cory struggled to have the same childhood and adolescence as his friends. From time to time an overwhelming anger and frustration overcame him when one doctor after another and an unprecedented number of medicines continually failed him. Still, throughout it all, Cory battled against the extraordinary events that were unfolding, and would take him on one of the most terrifying personal journeys ever recorded. "Torn Apart" is a true story of one family's courage, heartbreak, sacrifice and ultimately, triumph.

Here is Cory's website.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Book #10 - This was one of the most incredible books I've ever read. The determination of this family and of Cory himself, to discover a way to live within his own personal hell and rise above the challenges, is incredible.

Sweet Thing

In an effort to brighten my mood, I'm posting a little of my favorite love. Is there a sweeter looking, sexier man ever or anywhere? I think not.

His most recent disc is being released on Tuesday March 31. I can't wait. I'd be in line for the store opening if it wasn't for the fact that I'm working 7a-3pm. I could switch shifts though and work 2-10's I can get my new CD first thing! Hmmmmm! What's a girl to do?

Enjoy!

WI Wonders

Wonders never cease.

I weighed in this morning with a loss of 2.6lbs. That brings me down to in the 120's. Just barely, at 129.8 but I don't care. I am happy with that. The number on the scale quiet nicely represented the work and effort I put forth. Both factors don't always work hand in hand, but this week they did! Yaaaaaa!!!

I'm very sore this morning and I love it so much. I didn't know how well I did with my chest weight session yesterday. It took me until about 10p to get my answer. My chest muscles are killing me. I love that feeling oh so much. There is something heart warming in the fact that I've worked to a point that I'm making a difference. Again, Yaaaaa!!! I'm sick very very sick!

Have a great day.

Chest Is The Best

Hit the gym again this morning. Drove Princess to school and off I went.

I was finally able to connect with my friend Andrew about body part pairing. His approach is this:
Tri's and Bi's
Chest
Back
Legs and Abs

I'm going to follow this and work it hard as I can while on my own.

So, without further adieu here is my work out routine from this morning. I took notes in my log book about how I felt after each set. I will share them with you. This the first time I've ever logged my feelings along with the numbers.

Cardio Warm Up
18 mins
2.3K

Chest Routine

Chest Press
35lbs x 18 reps
45lbs x 15 reps
60lbs x 10 reps
Love the look of the muscle definition in my secondary musles when doing this exercise. 60lbs was a bit much at this point, but I did it. The burn killed.

Flatbench Dumbell Bench Press
15lbs x 12 reps
12.5lbs x 12 reps
10lbs x 10 reps
Killer set. The burn was almost instant. Shit! Final set was slow and focused.

Pec Fly
30lbs x 12 reps
35lbs x 10 reps
40lbs x 6 reps --> I wanted 8
Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! There is still a lot of muscle definition there. Ya!!

Post Weight Train Cardio
26 mins
3K

Jillian Cardio - I was cleaning my machine and The Doctor's was on the television. They had Jillian Michaels on the program so I restarted the treadmill and walked an additional 10 minutes for .9KM.

Love, Sweet Love

How blessed, am I. Tigerlily, bless her heart gave me a reward. I find the timing of my reward so funny because I think my blog is becoming somewhat of a whinefest.

The rules of the award are:

"These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagate. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly written text in to the body of their award."

My blog was created as a way to clear my head of the mess of a broken heart from a failed marriage, as well as a place to share my love of cross stitch. It has become so much more. I've made so many incredible connections with people through this blog and I'm more blessed for it and for you in my life. Thank you.

Now the hard part.

Krista - You are the bomb! You have absolutely no idea of the impact you have on my day to day life. How lucky I am to have in my life and in my blog world now too!

Bethany - This is one kick ass woman. I found her via the BLBE and I'm so happy for it. Bethany, your approach and attitude to this weight battle inspires me in a way that words could not touch. You rock!

Cathey - What to say about you? I think you must hear that a lot. :) Oh, how I love you. There are so many times that I wish we lived closer. Funny thing to think and say about a person you've only ever 'met' via type written word on a computer. You are an incredible woman and I'm blessed to call you friend.

Amy - I have such a great time with Amy's blog. Her honesty and candid approach to all things is refreshing and makes for a fun blog read. What makes it even better is she's a Habs and Yankee fan - me too!

Graciela - This is another blog I found via the BLBE. She's not on my team, but I still love on her blog. I can't quite put my finger on what it is that I love most about her blog, but I love see a new entry in my google reader. Sending you great big hugs, my dear friend. Again, another to feel like a friend and to have never met.

Chiloe - I love reading about "Chiloe's" everyday life. The cross stitching pics are awesome and the pics of the kids are too cute. The wonder of the Internet is the closeness you can feel with another that is literally on the other side of the world.

Dani - You are one of my many stitching hero's. Not to mention a WW hero too. Your commitment to your health and WW is inspiring! Thank you so much for how you inspire me to be better even though you may not know it.

Velda - My dear sweet, Velda. How my life would be so different without you in. I am so glad to have you in my world, real and Internet. How our friendship has evolved and grown over the years. I wouldn't be near the person I am today without your love and support. MWAH!!!!

This award comes via Mumzy's blog. That would be Cathey's mom. How cool is that! I get a Kreativ Blogger award from a quilter. Can you imagine that? Something I would love to do, but am scared shitless to try. This just cracks me up. I'm easily amused, eh.

There will definitely be some repeats - sorry.

Cathey - Again, I love your blog. It is so fun. It is always a mystery as to what you'll entertain your readers with from day to day. The topics

Felicity - You never fail to impress me with your approach to life. I love the stitching updates. They are gorgeous. The dogs are too cute.

Chris - Your LOL pics are awesome. The music links, especially the country, are some of my favorites. Keep rockin' it out. Your blog is awesome, hon! Big hugs.

Bre - Oh, girl. Where do I begin. You are another of my very favorite people ever. You are my hero. I love your attitude and watching how you tackle life and it's many challenges. You're an incredible inspiration. I thank you for all you represent to me and for every positive comment you've made that made a difference every single time!

Kristin - I have an absolute ball reading your blog. Your curse words crack me up. I have no idea why, but they make me laugh every single time I read one. I'm juvenile, I know. I love your EM (Evil Mom) stories. They are classics, each and every one. Big hugs, hon!

Deirdre - You've been away for a bit from your blogging. I worry, but trust and hope that all is well. I love your passion for life and now training for your run. Your love of books is something that speaks to my heart. Thinking of you lots!

Helen - I may not post comments on your blog as I should, but in no way does my lack of posting indicate how I feel about your blog. You are an incredible woman with an impressive skill with cross stitch. Thank you for your blog world contribution!

Angie - You are amazing. I've been reading your blog since the day you ran your first 5K. I linked over from Amy. I not sure if I've ever commented. You are truly an incredible testament to me to never give up. I've learned so much from your blog entries and have such a blast with the various things you do. Thank you so much for the difference you make in my day to day thinking about this weight loss journey! You truly rock!

Phew! That was a lot of work. To acknowledge you all was very much worth the work though. This is just my way of saying 'Thanks'. You do not have to follow the rules. It is not my intent to keep you all busy doing this, just wanted to tip my hat to you all.

Big hugs!

Finding The Balance

I've been back to the gym twice since my 'recommit'. I couldn't be happier with how I feel already. It's wonderful. I'm thankful for the opportunity to figure this body of mine out and transform it once again to something that brings me great joy and pride.

This finding balance is a new thing for me. I've been told by another person, I'm all or nothing. It really hit home with me, so I'm trying to work through that and be okay with taking time for things in life that don't all revolve around the gym. Putting myself to the test already. I wanted to go to the gym this morning before work, but Cute Boy had plans for us to do some running around. It's nothing that he couldn't have done without me, but instead I just sucked it up and went along. I didn't go to the gym today and I'm okay.

I have extra incentive to hit the gym now. Very good friends are getting married soon and I want to make sure I look the best I can in the little time I have to prepare. I know, I'm vain. Being that the wedding is in June I'll be wearing a sleeveless something, so I have to work the arms and shoulders, not to mention the cardio so the dress or outfit will flow and not bulge. I'm so excited. I love weddings. I always cry!

I'm not having the best of days. Actually, I'm having an absolute terrible day. Princess made an off handed offensive comment this morning that broke my heart. This, after Cute Boy and I had a snippy comment throwing conversation that annoyed me to no end. I know part and parcel the issues stem from the fact that I'm PMS'g. Period is due in about 6 days and that just puts me off my game. I would be annoyed or upset by the comments made by both Cute Boy and Princess regardless, but this time of month just makes all the more difficult for me to deal with.

I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to hitting the gym tomorrow. Gym time for me is a major stress reliever and it hasn't taken me long to have that realization hit home and hit home hard.

Well Well Well

I hit the gym again this morning before coming to work. All things considered I didn't do too bad with forgetting vs. remembering things that I need to get in a work out and then get ready for work. The only thing I forgot is a towel. I had to use my body wrap type thingy to dry off. Krista, you know the thing I'm talking about. It's not the best towel ever, although better than nothing.

Cardio Warm Up
18 minutes
2.3KM
Thoughts - I took it to the height of 5.6 in speed. That would be the highest in my return. It was very cool

Weight Training
Triceps
Arm Extensions
25lbs x 15 reps
25lbs x 13 reps
30lbs x 8 reps

Rope Pulldowns
30lbs x 12 reps
35lbs x 10 reps
40lbs x 8 reps

Biceps
Single Arm Curls
10lbs x 10 reps
10lbs x 8 reps
10lbs x 5 reps

Straight Bar Curls
40lbs x 13 reps
35lbs x 12 reps
30lbs x 10 reps

Thoughts - I walked up to the weight room and had a bit of a panic moment. I was like a fish out of water. I, for a split second, contemplating going back to my locker and just going back down to the bank of cardio machines. I got annoyed with the flight pattern of not working out, so I said, "To hell with it and get it done". It wasn't the most effective work out and I prefer to do 3 different exercises, 3 sets each exercise. I just couldn't come up with anything else. It will eventually come together in my head and body. I know it will. I need to trust the process.

Post Weight Train Cardio
26 minutes
3.1KM
Thoughts - This one I just plugged along and didn't push too hard. I was about to shut down my work out early when I caught the bug from the girl on the treadmill beside me. She was a little work horse, so I used her as my push to work through until the end of my work out. I know I've been the inspiration to others in the past and now I used another in the same way. It was great.

Funny thing is, my arms were killing me from the weight training before my final run. I could really feel the muscle fatigue when I was pumping my arms while running. It was making me laugh a little bit. Truth be told though, it hurt like hell.

I'm now at work until about 10pm and I'm going to enjoy the break, the physical break anyway. The mental stress of this job is whole other story for another time!

Opinions Needed

I've just changed the background to my blog. See, V sometimes I'm a big girl too :) I'm so proud of myself because I didn't break it.

I'm not 100% if I like it or not. I think it's too much. I still have the old code and can change it back. What do y'all think? Please, be honest.

So...

My day went something like this:

• Slept in until about 9am. That is was awesome.
• Drove Princess to work and then......
• Headed to the gym
• Ran 40 minutes (just shy of 5K)
• Felt incredible
• Didn't weight train (that didn't feel so incredible)
• Stopped at the butcher on my way home
• Took the dog for a walk (1.1K)
• Had an incredible dinner
• Watched the Habs lose their hockey game tonight (barely hanging on to a play off spot)
• Now getting ready for bed
• Contemplating the gym again in the morning while Cute Boy is out getting the winter tires taken off his car.

So, I did make it to the gym today, as you can see from my list above. It felt great to be back there again. When I'm there I wonder why it is I'm not more committed.

I said to myself that I wasn't going to over do it, but I did a bit. I switched up the intensity, not true HIIT, although somewhat. I had the highest speed at 5.6 which I'm impressed with after so much time off. I felt like a million bucks when I left. I really wish that feeling could be bottled up and taken when self doubt sets in.

One day is all it takes to turn things around. I want this to be the day. This will be my day!

I didn't weight train and I feel bad for that. I will get back there too. I'm really struggling with knowing that I'm doing it right (I know I am) and doing the weight training alone. I have a friend that I'm going to talk with about training with me. I used to work out with him when my ex-husband and I would go to the gym. This friend and I still communicate, so it's not that big a stretch to ask him for his guidance. He is extremely weight training knowledgeable and that is what I need. Not to mention a committed partner that will get me through the tough spots. We'll see how it works out.

All in all, I'm in a great frame of mind. It's been a while and I'm quite enjoying it. Looking forward to tomorrow.

I Heart The Habs

Here's a little clue as to what I'm doing tonight.

Cute Boy and I are heading to Ottawa after work today to catch my first ever Habs game. Cute Boy has obviously been a few times prior to this. Not me though! First time to see the Habs and I'm so excited I can't wait. My only regret is that the game is in Ottawa rather than right in Montreal.

A prettier boy, I've never seen. Okay, that statement and using the word 'boy' makes what I'm about to say seem even worse. I heart Carey Price. I am old enough to be his mother, albeit a very young mother, but still young enough to be his mother.

It was touch and go, with the Habs recent history as to whether or not we'd see Carey between the pipes. Things have changed in recent weeks and it is going to be Carey we see. I was watching Sportsnet last night and the report was that Price would be in the net on Thursday in Ottawa. I'm only a wee bit embarrassed to admit I squealed at the news. Just a little squeal though.

I threw this picture in just because I think it's cool!

I'm A Fraud

I've been doing some thinking these last couple days. Primarily since I've had my big weight loss. What else is new. I'm always thinking about something. It's a bad habit of mine. I need to learn to relax a little.

I've been WANTING to go for a run since the weather has been improving. I've had my running gear in a pile waiting for me to don the outfit and hit the street. I've yet to do it. I know just get it done already. I've now moved the pile of clothing to a part of the my room I don't have to see it glaring at me and be attacked by the guilts every time I see it out of the corner of my eye. Shameful, I'm tellin' ya!

My eating has been atrocious this week. I've been counting, but my numbers are high. I'm following WW, but am I really? I'm eating within my points, but am I eating what I should be eating? I'd have to say - UMMMM NO! I'm eating things that are not high on the staying power of keeping me full and satisfied. Fruits yes, which are better than not, but the diet is not high on vegetables.

So, the question begs to be asked. When am I going to take myself seriously here and do something good for me? I need to make me a priority, but I need to find balance when I do. I'm an all or nothing kinda girl and I can't do that this time around. I've been beating myself up mentally about why I've not been making time for the gym and I think that might be it. If I don't do it all all the time, then why bother so I just don't do anything. I just don't know what I'm thinking right now or how to fix things. Could it be that I think more than I actually do and then in turn just do nothing? How about going to the gym just once and see what happens then.

I have myself a bit of challenge in regards to being surrounded by high carb foods. I have a boyfriend that does not view food the way I do, as an adventure. Try new things, try to keep it clean and healthy. He is a very picky eater, very very picky. It is a major challenge eating dinner together. I'm more flexible and eat more variety, so I'm always adapting to his eating rather than not. I have a daughter that is a vegetarian and a very poor eating vegetarian. She is just as picky as the boyfriend, but no meat, obviously. I could literally be cooking 3 different meals at dinner time - boyfriend's meal, with his likes and dislikes considered, daughter's meal and then something that is healthy for me. It is just too much and I'm food exhausted. So, what usually happens I just give in and eat the crap that he eats with something a little healthier for a side dish. It's just not enough healthy eating and then lack of gym is making for a crazy me.

Now, is time for less thinking and starting Friday hitting the gym 1 day per week. I will still be walking the dog daily, so that will get me an activity point each walk. I think I can manage that much!

I don't want to be a fraud anymore. I want to run. I want to work out. I want to be healthy. I want to be happy with the steps I'm taking to be healthier. I want to be okay with where I'm heading.

Knit Two - Kate Jacobs

KNIT TWO returns to the Manhattan knitting store, 'Walker & Daughter', five years after the death of the store's owner, Georgia Walker. Georgia's daughter Dakota is now an eighteen-year-old freshman at NYU, running the knitting store part-time with the help of the members of the Friday Night Knitting Club. Drawn together by their love for Dakota and the sense of family the club provides, each knitter is struggling with new challenges: for Catherine, finding love after divorce, for Darwin, newborn twins, for Lucie, being both a single mom and caregiver for her elderly mother, and for seventysomething Anita, marriage to her sweetheart Marty over the objections of her grown children. As Kate Jacobs returns to the world of 'Walker & Daughter', she's once again keyed into many of the stresses and joys of being a mother, wife, daughter and friend. Every woman who picks up this book will see themselves in its characters - the very thing that made The Friday Night Knitting Club such a huge word-of-mouth success. A true love letter to the power of women's friendships, and, of course, knitting, KNIT TWO is entertainment with a heart.

~~~~~~~~~~

Book #9 - This was fun. A little too perfect though.

-4.8

That is NOT the temperature outside. That is MY weight loss for this past week! I'm sooooo blown away I can't even tell you.

My body doesn't feel any different, but I'm telling you my mindset certainly does. I've been on plan this entire week. I ate all my veggies, measured everything AND got in all my waters and then some. I actually earned myself some activity points too. Only 5, but that is better than none, right?! I walked the dog 5x this week. She is happy that I'm starting to move more because she moving more too. It's a win win situation.

I don't know what I'm going to next and maybe I don't need to worry about WHAT I'm going to do as long as I'm doing something. Even something as simple as walking the dog.

I'm now 3.4lbs outside of the 120's. To be even 129 something I'll be happy. It's been a long time since I've felt like what I'm doing is making a difference. This is new for me and so exciting.

That's all! Happy days to you.

Run For Your Life - James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge

The second book in the Michael Bennett series

A calculating killer who calls himself The Teacher is taking on New York City, killing the powerful and the arrogant. His message is clear: remember your manners or suffer the consequences! For some, it seems that the rich are finally getting what they deserve. For New York's elite, it is a call to terror.

Only one man can tackle such a high-profile case: Detective Mike Bennett. The pressure is enough for anyone, but Mike also has to care for his 10 children-all of whom have come down with virulent flu at once!

Discovering a secret pattern in The Teacher's lessons, Detective Bennett realizes he has just hours to save New York from the greatest disaster in its history. From the #1 bestselling author comes BE AFRAID, the continuation of his newest, electrifying series.

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Book #8 - Not only was it quick but fun too.

Next book - Knit Two - Kate Jacobs

Framed Love

The picture comes no where near to doing this piece justice. I corrected the colours on the pic and it has the frame looking the same colour as my bedding, which so not the way the frame looks. It is something that should be seen to be truly appreciated. I'm open for showings and visits whenever you're able.

It is gorgeous though. I can't believe I've finally finished it in it's entirety. Stitched, framed and soon to-be hung. Cute Boy will have to make himself available to me so I can get this on the wall sooner rather than later.

I'm going to hang it on the wall that faces the bottom of the bed. There is a spot right between the door to the en suite bathroom and walk-in closet that this fits perfectly. There is a 3 piece collection of candles on wrought iron stands that are right below where this will hang. When it is on the wall I will take another pic and share.

Thanks for all the encouragement over the year that I stitched this piece and your patience while I doddled in getting it framed.

The Associate - John Grisham

If you thought Mitch McDeere was in trouble in The Firm, wait until you meet Kyle McAvoy, THE ASSOCIATE

Kyle McAvoy grew up in his father's small-town law office in York, Pennsylvania. He excelled in college, was elected editor-in-chief of The Yale Law Journal, and his future has limitless potential.

But Kyle has a secret, a dark one, an episode from college that he has tried to forget. The secret, though, falls into the hands of the wrong people, and Kyle is forced to take a job he doesn't want - even though it's a job most law students can only dream about.Three months after leaving Yale, Kyle becomes an associate at the largest law firm in the world, where, in addition to practicing law, he is expected to lie, steal, and take part in a scheme that could send him to prison, if not get him killed.

With an unforgettable cast of characters and villains - from Baxter Tate, a drug-addled trust fund kid and possible rapist, to Dale, a pretty but seemingly quiet former math teacher who shares Kyle's 'cubicle' at the law firm, to two of the most powerful and fiercely competitive defense contractors in the country - and featuring all the twists and turns that have made John Grisham the most popular storyteller in the world, THE ASSOCIATE is vintage Grisham.

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Book #7 - I really enjoyed this book, and yes, it was very much like The Firm, which I loved. I had a hard time putting the book down once I could finally find the time to read it.

I have to say, as much as I loved it, I found the ending to be anti-climatic which was disappointing, but overall I loved it. If you're a suspense novel reader, I highly recommend it.

March Madness to Yankee Stadium

February Distance - 22.1K
Remaining Distance - 100.3K

The month of April is the month that this damn personal challenge is put to bed!
7 - 2.36
8 - 1.4
10 - 1.1
12 - 1.1
15 - 1.1
16 - 1.3
17 - 1.1
18 - 1.1
21 - 6 (walked the dog and hit the treadmill at the gym)
22 - 1.1
23 - 5.4
26 - 5.8
28 - 3.7 (32.5)

P.O.W.E.R.

Last night's Biggest Loser was awesome!

Can I tell you much I lust after Jillian's arms. I lovvvvvve them. I could just watch her day in and day out move her arms. That definition from shoulder to biceps is drool worthy. Okay, how creepy is that? Totally losing my way here. This post is really about more than my lustful ways for Jillian's arms.

I knew I was going to have a tough time with this week's episode because I'm a stone's throw from TOM.... always make for an emotional time for me. The little glimpse in the introduction piece of Helen on the treadmill running had me in tears. Full fledged tears coursing down my face tears. I could see my 'before' self in her. Her running pace and facial expression was so me. It just broke my heart to know that was me at another time!

My goodness I am getting side tracked today.

The purpose of my post is how moving I found the piece with Sugar Ray Leonard. I had an eye opening moment with his P.O.W.E.R. comment.

P - Prepare
O - Overcome
W - Win
E - Every
R - Round

Bring on the waterworks again! There is something that struck a chord with me. It is a good approach to any and every battle faced. The concept is simple, but not something I'd have come up with on my own.

I'm off to P.O.W.E.R it up!

Phew!

I'm glad that is over - my chest infection that is. After feeling like crap for a week, I finally broke down and went to the doctor's last Wednesday. I was at work and not feeling any better, so I 'cheated' and went down to Emerg. Went back to work until the emerg doc was ready to see me (and still laid in emerg for 1.5 hours). After seeing the doctor and getting a prescription, I headed back up to work to finish off my shift.

The prescribed medicine worked well and is still in my system for another couple days yet. My only concern was the side affects. Of course, of the one I most didn't want to suffer I did and that kept me home from work Thursday and Friday. I've been such a bad employee lately. I didn't call in sick for work in 9 years, and now, in the last 6 months, I've missed 6 days of sick time! Nasty. I'm working towards a new personal record now, 9+ years again without a sick day. I'm on 2 day of my quest.

All other things in my life are just plugging along. I'm not doing anything physical to better my body, but my eating is much much better. My struggle is getting physical and then meshing the 2 worlds, food and physical activity.

Oh, on another front. I finally got around to filling my sleeping pill prescription. I've had it in my possession for quite some time, but didn't feel I needed it so didn't fill it. The reason I felt I didn't need it was because Cute Boy and I switched sides of the bed when we moved in to the new house and I'm back on 'my' side of the bed. He seems to be able to sleep well no matter what side he's on, and snores a lot less on his 'off' side of the bed. So, my being back on my side and him being on the other is a win win. He snores less and I sleep better being on my natural side of the bed - until lately. The last few days I've really struggled with my sleeping. I used half a sleeping pill last night and for the most part, slept like a baby. I was a little sluggish getting out of bed this morning, but I knew I would be. I didn't get enough sleep and optimum use of even half a pill is 7.5-8 hours per night and I never get that much.

Don't have much else to prattle on about, but didn't want to be too much longer with touching base for fear you'd all think the world swallowed me whole. I'm still here.

Happy days to you all!