2 Books This Week

This expensive, glossy world is where I've been headed all along. Limos and flowers; waxed eyebrows and designer clothes from Barneys. These are my people; this is where I'm meant to be."
-Becky Bloomwood

Universally beloved by readers, Sophie Kinsella's national bestseller, Confessions of a Shopaholic, introduced the irrepressible one-woman shopping phenomenon, Becky Bloomwood. Now, in this hilarious follow-up, Becky and her credit cards are headed across the Atlantic....

With her shopping excesses (somewhat) in check and her career as a TV financial guru thriving, Becky's biggest problem seems to be tearing her entrepreneur boyfriend, Luke, away from work for a romantic country weekend. And worse, figuring out how to "pack light." But packing takes on a whole new meaning when Luke announces he's moving to New York for business-and he asks Becky to go with him!

Before you can say "Prada sample sale," Becky has landed in the Big Apple, home of Park Avenue penthouses and luxury department stores.

Surely it's only a matter of time until she becomes an American TV celebrity, and she and Luke are the toast of Gotham society. Nothing can stand in their way, especially with Becky's bills miles away in London.

But then an unexpected disaster threatens her career prospects, her relationship with Luke, and her available credit line! Shopaholic Takes Manhattan-but will she have to return it?

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Book # 20 - This was complete entertaining fluff. Nothing too pressing in the thought department and that was a good thing. A very good thing.

This is what happened in the last six hours of the world as I knew it...It was a case guaranteed to spark a media feeding frenzy - a young mother, blonde and pretty, disappears without trace from her South Boston home, leaving behind her four-year-old daughter as the only witness, and her handsome, secretive husband as the prime suspect. But from the moment Detective Sergeant D. D. Warren arrives at the Joneses' snug little bungalow, she senses something off about the picture of wholesome normality the couple worked so hard to create. On the surface, Jason and Sandra Jones are like any other hardworking young couple raising a child. But just under the surface things grow murkier. With the clock ticking on the life of a missing woman and the media firestorm building, Jason Jones seems more intent on destroying evidence and isolating his daughter than on searching for his "beloved" wife. Is the perfect husband trying to hide his guilt - or just trying to hide? And will the only witness to the crime be the killer's next victim?

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Book #21 - Now this one was a thinker. I didn't realize it was a tie in with a previous novel, Say Goodbye. There were definitely some similarities, but I just didn't connect them. Very good book! If you're a fan of the suspense genre, you're going to love this book.

Not so much a light summer read. Really enjoyed the not knowing who did it until pretty much the very end.

To Be Like This...

He believes the best about people. He never jumps to conclusions, he gives people a second (third, fourth, fifth) chance, forgives quickly and encourages me to do the same. "You never know what kind of day they had," he says all the time. I really hope to adopt this attitude some day.

I found this on a blog I read, sorry I didn't link it. A wife talking about her husband. I want to be like him/this. I really do!

I'm tired and I'm tired of feeling like I do. Only I can change the way I feel or how I react to something. I just wish I had this positive outlook on life, but right now I just don't.

This could turn in to a total mental breakdown and bitch fest, but I'm not going to do that. I fear to do that now, would be a colossal step back from what I want to be. So, I'm going back to the top of this page and making this my mantra. Forgive and move forward.

All About Him

He reaches out a hand and pulls me up.

He reaches across the table with the gentlest of touches to offer support.

He will listen to the silence of my thoughts.

He will cup my face in his hands while he is sound asleep, in the dead of night to comfort me.

He expects nothing from me.

He reaches for my hand when I cry in a restaurant.

He doesn't let me lose sight of the fact that good is still in there.

He supports my decisions.

He will allow me to question my decisions, but not myself.

He will not allow me to take full responsibility.

He will fight the fight with me.

He would be the one that doesn't get enough credit by me for the every day support that I don't always know is there. But, it is!

He would be the one that holds my heart, and it's happiness.

He would be the love of my life.

30 Minute Death

The title would be courtesy of this lovely lady -

I gave it my best shot and Jillian kicked my ass and my arms and my legs.

I know it's not nice to say mean words about people, especially those you've never met. The thoughts and words coming out of my mouth during this 30 minute torture test would have sent shivers down a sailor's spine. I was not a nice girl.

Shortly after my workout I had a quick shower. Let me tell ya, washing my hair was nothing short of heavenly - NOT! My arms were screaming 20 minutes after the work out so I can just imagine the joy I'll be living through tomorrow!

All in all, Jillian I love ya! You kicked my ass and I loved it. I look forward to our becoming fast friends, although you and I may have 60 Day Shred relationship, as in us getting together every other day, because every day would see me dead and not able to enjoy me beautifully shredded body!

You are the bomb girl! Thank you!

Challenge of the 15 Week Kind

The ever awesome Amy is hosting a challenge.

I'm really excited about this challenge. Amy is an incredible inspiration with her passion for fitness and great meals she shares with her readers.

My home gym is set up with free weights, a universal, flat bench, an awesome treadmill and the always lovely Jillian Michaels.

I so want to, and will, rock this challenge.

Stay tuned for details.

I Have A Date

I have a date at the spa tomorrow afternoon. I'm soooo excited. Cute Boy bought me a spa gift card 2 Christmases' past and I'm just finally getting around to using it. I think at times he doesn't think I really want to use it or appreciate it. I do! I really do!

I was going to use it for both Princess and I, but we couldn't find anything that worked for us, so I've been holding on to it. I was going to get my nails done for the wedding we went to a bit ago, but the spa doesn't do artificial.

I've been holding on to my gift card for a time when I don't have somewhere to be, anything to do but nothing. I have nothing much planned for this weekend other than my spa.

My choice of treatment:
European Deep Cleansing Facial
This is primarily a deep cleansing facial. Great to get if you are unsure of your skins specific concerns and want to really purify and exfoliate the skin. This facial includes brow wax, cleansing, toning, exfoliation under steaming, extractions, face, neck and decollette massage and finishes with customized mask to treat your skins concerns. Treatment time is 1 hr 15 min.

A Down Moment

Well what do you know?! Following Weight Watcher and getting in lots of water really does work on moving the scale in a downward fashion!

I saw a loss of 3lbs this week. I'm happy with that. I would be excited if I wasn't losing and gaining the same 5lbs. This is going to change. I'm going to build on this week's loss and lose more again. I'm tired of the see saw of my weight.

There are many factors I think are instrumental in my success for this week. I've been eating Green Monster's like they are going out of style. All that spinach does a body good. I feel incredible amounts of energy since GM's have become a mainstay in my diet. It's awesome. That is a win win for me, not to mention I'm using up all the old fruits and veggies in the fridge. I have celery in the fridge that is getting a lot long in the tooth and I'm chopping it up in there too. I'm a thinker, eh!?

I just bought a keg of protein powder today and Krista and I are going to split it. I'm really looking forward to seeing if it changes the flavour any.

~*~*~*~*~
Princess is gone to her Dad's. Queenie and her friend came down to pick her up which was sweet. I haven't seen Queenie since early May. That is a long time, too long a time for me not to see her.

Princess has been given explicit instruction to call me or my friend Pam if for any reason she needs/wants to come home earlier than planned. This is always the parting comment from me though.

That's all I got. Nothing much going on today other than a good WI and me missing my girls like crazy.

Lack of Moral Compass

This is a total rant post. To those that read (you know who you are, and I love you with all my heart), that this might offend. Please know, this is my place and I need to get it out of my head!

Princess is going to her dad's this Thursday until next Tuesday or Wednesday. She is going up for a dress fitting and some wedding preparation events. I don't want her to go and I have numerous reasons for these feelings.

I worry about her and the influences she will be subjected to when there. I know I'm not with her every day of her life or every minute of her day. I do like to think I'm a positive influence and live a life to lead her in a positive direction. I know I've never seen her father in his element, nor do I want to, but the things I've heard are not pretty. I'm not gullible enough to believe everything I've heard. Even taking a liberal approach to exaggeration of stories, I don't like the things I hear about the life lived.

She is being asked to pay the final amount owing on her bridesmaid dress ($50.00) . I have major issues with this. Both my girls are being asked to pay this amount. Queenie is also asked to pay for the remaining balance and she just doesn't have the money. She is on her own, no longer living with her dad and her hours at work just aren't enough to support these costs. Maybe I'm making issue where there need not be one, but you asked these girls to be in your wedding, I would think you'd be responsible enough and considerate of the fact that you asked for their presence you would pay what needs to be paid. Is it just me being bitchy, do you think?

This is one that really bothers me: She is attending a Jack and Jill on Saturday night and has been requested to bring a present. It is tradition with the fiancee's family that you bring a sexual gag gift (approx. $10.00 in value) and to just put money in a card. It is my belief that the money in a card is to pay for the remaining debts for the wedding. That just seems tacky to me. Again, is it just me?

I'm concerned with the thought of her being at an adult themed party. It's inappropriate and worrying. The gag gift theme is going to be a nightmare and the exposure to the likes of that nastiness is not something subjected to a 15 y.o.. What the hell is up with that?

Princess is a little apprehensive and uncomfortable buying a sexual gag gift for her dad. Do you blame her? How could you ask your 15 y.o. daughter to buy such a thing?

I am paying for Princess' train ticket to her dad's and she must be paying for the train ticket home. I can't see him paying for her since he doesn't work and is always crying financial hardship. Princess is concerned about money since her hours at work have been cut back lately.

$50.00 for dress
$35.00 train ticket home
$10.00 gag gift
$20.00 jack and jill gift
115.00 bottom line

How is it that you can ask this of your child(ren)? I'm really struggling and I want to just about lose my mind. I'm so frustrated. I'm trying to put things in perspective, but this is a tough one. It seems as though it's one thing or another with this manchild.

Factor all these things in to the picture and add to it that I will miss her terribly, makes for a sad me. A concerned me. A pissed off me. I just want to whisk her away and take all this stupidity and irresponsibility out of her life for a bit longer.

Cardio Crisis

Today's cardio will be brought to you in installments. I just set out to do a half hour interval run on the treadmill. The result: Me - 0 Treadmill - 1. I could only slug out 12 minutes. I will get on that damn thing (that didn't take long, eh) at another point today and combine my totals! I just did another 10 minutes. I will be back for another 10 minutes later today

I just don't have it today. I need to cardio and weight train my way to working out of a points deficit from last night's dinner with Cute Boy's youngest daughter's 14th birthday dinner. It was a blast, by the way.

I scoured the menu while at work yesterday and found the lowest point foods for me to enjoy. It was Greek Feta Cheese salad. One of my favorite foods and I was a happy clam to know it was only 4 points. I bypassed the cornbread (6pts), as much as I love it. I opted to lean out my dinner since I knew there was DQ Ice Cream Cake involved, and at 14 points per slice - insane! I had some, but not a full piece. I was only being festive and had a sliver of a piece. I'm not particularly fond of ice cream cakes. I want REAL cake! :)

All in all I'm in good points shape. I'm only 13 points in the hole and that is okay with me. I will get where I need to be and where I'm comfortable with my body and the work that is put in to this transformation.

I will be back with further treadmill updates today.

Up Up and Away

I've hit a new low or high depending on how you look at it.

My weigh in this morning is not pretty, nor is my mood. I know this is mine and all mine. I need to get my head out of my ass and get serious about my body, my weight and after this morning's WI, my health. I am 3lbs from my highest weight ever and if I could I'd be back in bed with the pillows over my head in denial. That will accomplish nothing though.

Are as tired of hearing (reading) about this damn ridiculous battle, as I am of living it. I'm the only person that can make the changes and make myself important enough to walk away from the table. Stop with the beer because it's sunny and summer-like. Stop with the excuses and the bullshit. This stops today.

I have a birthday dinner tonight for Cute Boy's youngest daughter's 14th birthday. It is Montana's where we're going for dinner and then home for ice cream cake. Not a big fan of ice cream cake, thankfully. It will still be a challenge. I can do this (I think)! I'm really beginning to wonder.

I'm not making excuses! I'm done with that. I am hoping this coming week the damn scale shows some mercy since last night after baseball it was to McDonald's we went. Couldn't choose a satlier more bloating meal than that! I'm hoping that is all I'm suffering from is salt bloat! Please, let that be part of my problem this morning.

I'm tired of the same old battle. I have the knowledge. I have the desire. Aside from the mishaps here and there, but definitely not everyday, I don't understand what is going on with my body not cooperating. I've got to fine tune some things starting right now.

I'm off to start my day with a coffee minus sweetener.

Have a great one! It's Friday! Bring on the weekend!

Smooth Talking Stranger - Lisa Kleypas

The third book in the Travis series

Jack Travis is a macho Houston businessman - rich, tough and always in control. So when a beautiful young woman approaches his office carrying a baby that she claims is his, he's shaken more than he would ever let on. Stunned, Jack listens to Ella Varner as she explains that her sister recently gave birth and then abandoned her baby boy - and that enquiries have brought Ella to Jack's door. He virtually has a seizure when she asks him to do a paternity test. But ultimately, will a paternity test set things right? If Jack is the father, will he be the one to care for the baby? Would Ella be prepared to let him go? And if not? Ella can't bear to think of an answer...

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Book 18 - Such fun.

Wind Beneath My Wings

Today marks what would have been my mother's 59th birthday. This song was very popular during a part of my mother's illness and it really strikes a chord with me. The first time I heard it, I was struck by how closely it hit home to how I felt about my mother and her impact on me up to this point in my life.

I miss my mother every day and I've said it more times than not, I hope I'm doing her proud by the life I live and the mother I am. One can never really know, but I can hope.

Happy Birthday, Mom. You will always be the Wind Beneath My Wings. Love you!

"Wind Beneath My Wings"

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh.
It must have been cold there in my shadow,
to never have sunlight on your face.
You were content to let me shine, that's your way.
You always walked a step behind.

So I was the one with all the glory,
while you were the one with all the strength.
A beautiful face without a name for so long.
A beautiful smile to hide the pain.

Did you ever know that you're my hero,
and everything I would like to be?
I can fly higher than an eagle,
'cause you are the wind beneath my wings.

It might have appeared to go unnoticed,
but I've got it all here in my heart.
I want you to know I know the truth, of course I know it.
I would be nothing without you.

Did you ever know that you're my hero?
You're everything I wish I could be.
I could fly higher than an eagle,
'cause you are the wind beneath my wings.

Did I ever tell you you're my hero?
You're everything, everything I wish I could be.
Oh, and I, I could fly higher than an eagle,
'cause you are the wind beneath my wings,
'cause you are the wind beneath my wings.

Oh, the wind beneath my wings.
You, you, you, you are the wind beneath my wings.
Fly, fly, fly away. You let me fly so high.
Oh, you, you, you, the wind beneath my wings.
Oh, you, you, you, the wind beneath my wings.

Fly, fly, fly high against the sky,
so high I almost touch the sky.
Thank you, thank you,
thank God for you, the wind beneath my wings

Awwwww, Sweet Love

A whirlwind weekend. Okay, maybe just a whirlwind Saturday.

Cute Boy and I were invited to the wedding of a very good friend. I couldn't wait for this day to finally arrive. These two people mean the world to Cute Boy and I, and the gift of sharing in their special day was truly a blessing.

The weather was perfect for a wedding. The sun was shining and there was love in the air. The ceremony was very fitting to the couple. It was light and lovely and filled with laughter. There weren't so many guests that you felt lost among a sea of people, but at a family gathering celebrating the love of two amazing, made-for-each-other-people.

Cute Boy and I had a great time and danced the night away. I'm not much dancer, but I LET Cute Boy lead. Now those that know me, know I don't follow along well. He was good to me though and I towed the line like a good little girl. It was a great time.

I will leave you with a picture of Cute Boy and I.

My Love

It'll Be Random

Do you ever just have one of those days?

It starts off great - I'm alive.

I weigh in - why bother?

I get my coffee and out to the deck I go with coffee and my book. It has been this way all week. Couldn't ask for more in that regard.

I decide to try and do the Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred. Things are finally set up for me downstairs so that I can give it a whirl. This being a non-run day, I thought I'd have a date with a sexy hot gorgeous woman. Not to be. I can't navigate the DVD menu without the remote. AUGHHHHHH!!!!!

I want to give a shout out to my WEE Krista. You don't suck! You're awesomeness extraordinaire! I thank you for your support, your shoulder and your friendship. I was in a hole this morning and you tied your rope around me and pulled me out! I thank you! I thank you! I thank you!

This post is all over the map. I'm all over the map. Sometimes, I swear I'm manic!

I wonder why I can't find peace with my body and my current state of being? I know I shouldn't be comparing the physical me of before to the me of today. It's the most difficult thing for me to grasp. I was sooooo successful before, but I was in the gym all the time. Was that good? I'm not sure? Was I happy? I think so! Was I proud of myself? Absolutely! That I'm not reaching that level of commitment and intensity now, disappoints me.

I know I'm too hard on myself at times and I work towards changing that, but old habits die hard. I don't know why I do this to myself, I just do.

I want to find balance in my life. Financially, emotionally and physically. The only way for me to do that is keep working forward. Keep questioning my motives. Keep on with the discovery of why I do what I do. In all that, I also need to find the time to just be. I'm working on that this past week while on my deck with coffee in hand and book in lap while peeking looks at my lovely little dog loving life on the deck with her mommy. That is some balance right?

I told you it would be random!

I'm outtta here to see what other kind of trouble I can get in to today since Jillian and I couldn't hook up!

Another One?

Your horoscope for June 4, 2009

Have you been looking for a new job? If so, you might hear of an opportunity today from a totally unexpected source. This could mean that someone whom you'd never suspect brings it to your attention, or it could be in a new and unusual field. One way or another, as weird as it may seem, it's worthy of consideration. Look into it either way, and get all the facts before acting.

Okay, that is just too weird. I hope it's true. I'm really needing a new job! Really, I am!

Blue-Eyed Devil - Lisa Kleypas

The second book in the Travis series

Every woman needs at least one bad boy to break her heart...In Sugar Daddy, listeners met Hardy Cates, the Texan from the wrong side of the tracks, the man who stole the heart of Liberty Jones. Now, in Blue-Eyed Devil, Hardy Cates is back...and no woman is safe! Haven Travis is the rebellious heiress of a wealthy oil family. But as Haven marries a man the Travises disapprove of, her life is set on a new and dangerous path. Two years later, when Haven returns to town, she is determined never to fall for the wrong man again. And Hardy Cates, an enemy of her family, is the last person she needs darkening her door. Filled with Lisa Kleypas's smoldering sensuality, breathtaking plots, and unforgettable characters, Blue-Eyed Devil is sure to be another smash-hit bestseller.

~~~~~~~~~~

Book #17 - This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. I laughed. I cried. I got angry. I loved it. I'm anxiously awaiting the third book in the Travis family story.

Love Being Me

June 3rd Horoscope -

Your mind is buzzing around like a bumblebee, and you are apt to find that there is very little you can do to slow it down. Make sure you link compassion into the chain that is working to hold everything together. Also be sure that you don't become a victim of your thoughts by losing control over how you act, simply because the voice in your head has taken over completely.

Oh joy. As if I don't know I have things to deal with, my horoscope hits me with this. Simply stated - piss off! :)

Someone To Watch Over Me

The first book in the Bow Street Runners series

Lisa Kleypas has thrilled readers with her unforgettable love stories set in the glittering world of Regency London. Now, the author of Stranger in My Arms, brings her fans a story with all the promise, and passion, of forbidden love.She couldn't remember who she was...

A temptingly beautiful woman awakens in a stranger's bed, rescued from the icy waters of the Thames, her memory gone. Told that she is Vivien Rose Duvall, one of London's most scandalous beauties, she finds herself under the protection of enigmatic, charming Grant Morgan. Her life is in his hands. Deep in her heart, she knows he has mistaken her for someone else...

He was the only man she could trust. As one of London's most eligible, and unattainable catches, Grant Morgan is a man who has known every kind of woman. And the one in his arms now seems so innocent, so vulnerable, that he can't help but be enchanted. And as his love for this mysterious beauty grows, he's determined to unravel the secrets of her past and discover the truth-no matter what.

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Book 16 - This is the harlequin romance I was expecting in my last novel. Pure fluff and fun. If you're looking to waste away a day this is the novel for you.

Dreams Do Come True

Yesterday was a day spent in the Nation's capital.

Cute Boy and I were off to Ottawa to see Sir Elton John and Billy Joel. I posted a while back that I bought tickets and that was pretty much all the mention, until now.

Since we were going to be in Ottawa and neither Cute Boy or I have our passports yet, we figured we'd make a day of it and file the necessary paperwork in person. It was a better option to me since I wasn't real big on sending my original documents in the mail.

We GPS'd our way to our destination and were in and out of the Passport Office in 40 minutes. Our $15.00 for 1 hour of parking, valet estimated 30 minutes. Not bad considering. Our service in the office was incredible.

There was a funny moment though involving the Commissionaire working in the office. The woman (and I'm not 100% when I say woman) would not speak. People would ask her questions and she wouldn't speak to them. She would point them in the direction they needed to be. It was too general a point for the people and she'd then be questioned again and point some more. The people were so confused. I had to watch her though, it was too similar to a train wreck not to watch. Being a people watcher and all, I could have hung out in there all day and been vastly amused by her alone not to mention the everyday Canadians needing assistance. It took me a couple minutes before I could lay my finger on who she reminded me of. I blurted out Mr. Bean and Cute Boy just about choked. We were both laughing so hard, because my assesment was bang on.

After the fun of watching her, we were off to hang out with Cute Boy's niece that lives in Ottawa. We spent the better part of the day with her. We went out for lunch to Jack Astor's and back to her house for a bit before the concert.

Fast forward a couple hours and the show begins.

I'm not even going to attempt to do justice to the likes of Billy Joel and Elton John. I would fail miserably. On receiving of our tickets we weren't convinced we had good seats at all, but after seeing the layout of the stage we scored pretty good seats. Our tickets were classed as side view. Now, normally that wouldn't be all that good, but that both performers are pianists they were set up in such a way that our seats rocked.

The show begins with both Grand Pianos rising from the floor. The concert begins with a song from each artist. Elton John would start his song and Billy Joel would join in for a verse and then Elton would finish and then the same for Billy Joel's song selection. After the sharing it was all Elton John then all Billy Joel followed by the 2 of them sharing songs again.

I can't lie. When the show first opened, I was so overwhelmed by the first 3 songs, I had tears rolling out the corner of my eyes. It was a very surreal moment. They played every song I had hoped to hear. I didn't hope for any particular song selection out loud so as not to be disappointed if I didn't hear a song I wanted, but that wasn't the case at all. I remember being a little girl strutting my stuff up and down my block to the likes of Billy Joel This really was a dream come true for me. I couldn't have asked for more.

This concert ranks right up there with my favorites. I would think my second favorite following only Keith Urban. Surprise surprise.

June 2009 Yankee Distance Challenge

Holy Hannah! At this rate another new Yankee Stadium is going to be built and Jeter will be long retired. This really is my last month on this challenge. Never in a million years did I expect to take this long to travel such a distance.

The home treadmill will be a huge boost to the numbers I can generate as far as distance and hopefully assist in the dropping of inches.

Distance Remaining - 33.6K

So without further adieu.

June
2 - 3.8 (5/31)
4 - 3.5 walked more than ran..pathetic!
8 - 1.3
9 - 4
10- 5 (bike)
13 - 2.8
22 - 2