Productive Monkey on Monday

Do you ever get so mad at someone you could just cry. You're not hurt. You're just so angry at them you could cry. Oh, and this time, it's not Cute Boy. Phew!

I have a co-worker that is ridiculous and I say that in the nicest way possible. We have been friends for 18 years and seen each other through a lot. She can be very nice and then..... like a lurking predator in shallow waters (cue the Jaws music), she comes up and bites you in the ass. A word of advice - Do not drunk dial. Better yet, DO NOT DRUNK DIAL ME AT WORK! In all seriousness get yourself some help!

Just had to get that off my chest.

On to the good part of my day! I was very Relay For Life productive today. I have arranged an economical fee for advertising for our team yard sale/bake sale.

I have secured A-frame signs to advertise Velda's Angels yard sale, from my real estate agent/friend. He is going to drop them off at the house a few days prior to the yard sale. Andy, you rock!

I bought some supplies for the yard sale - yellow bristol board, yellow balloons, pricing stickers.

I was able to print off some copies of the flyer and have given a few to a friend who is going to hang them up around her house so as to generate some business. I've talked to the library and Starbucks to ensure I can advertise there. Both were very gracious and encouraging. Sweet!!!!

Krista has made some headway in getting us a 16' pool to sell at our yard sale. I'm stoked about that. I have people that are scouring their basements for stuff to sell and e-mails sent requesting baked goodies to be donated as well.

I have the keys to the house where the yard sale is being held, so I can start co-ordinating the drop off of stuff. That should be fun, if not a bit challenging.

I'm a notebook toting organizer, trying to keep all my hats in place with regards to what I have to do and remember where and when I have to be somewhere. It's going to be a very hectic month and then factor in I have a 1/2 marathon to run in 27 days. How the hell did that happen?

Oh, and the best part, I got a $25.00 donation today! How cool is that? Tres cool!

Stay tuned. Tomorrow will have more exciting news. This one, I'm excited about, if not a little bit sad, but the reason I Relay!

When The Running is Tough

The runners try to maintain a healthy diet. This is my effort to try and undo the damage to my heart and head when I was still in pain this morning on my run. I decided to come upstairs and try and turn the frown upside down with some good eats.

The little Daisy girl in the background is good at bringing out the smiles too. She is such a little bum and I just love her to bits, although the feeling isn't so much mutual. She is a Cute Boy girl.

Nothing much on the agenda today. Mini run 8 minutes -woohoo. Not only is my leg sensitive, but my treadmill seems to be making a nasty banging noise now too! It was moved this past week with the incline up and that is a major no-no. I have to get a name of a repair guy to come have a look at it. Add that to the list of annoyances in my running world and I'm in a pissy mood!

Big baseball party on the schedule for tonight. Really looking forward to it. I love partying with my ball team. They are so fun and funny. I will be partaking in some cupcakes. I can't wait for that as much as I am looking forward to hanging out and relaxing.

I am dragging ass though, because as much as I was excited to be off all weekend, no sooner did I hit 'publish post', last night saying I was off all weekend, the phone rang calling me in for a midnight. It wasn't the best midnight I've ever worked, but it's done now.

I'm off to do a little bit more of nothing.

Clickity Click Click

That is what my fingers did tonight while registering for the Ottawa Half Marathon. I just registered for a HALF MARATHON!!!!! OMG!!!! I can't believe this is actually happening.

All but one girl is registered. That was a moment, entering my information. OMG!!!!! I can't believe I'm actually doing this. I never in a million years would have dreamed this would be something I would do. Not to mention, doing the actual run by myself. No one there to hold my hand. No one there to push me mentally or physically. Just me on the road with my ipod and my thoughts. It's the thoughts part that scares me.

I am not saying for one minute this will be a solitary journey because it wont be. Not at all. I have the girls that are taking the trip with me, but the list doesn't stop there. There are my friends, each of you that will listen to my stories as I prepare. There is Bre who has so graciously offered to share her basket of knowledge to help and prepare me for this journey. Those of you that will ask about my crappy left calf muscle - stupid thing, and offer ways of keeping it from hurting. Those that will give advice from your own training experiences. There is Krista that has offered to train with me which, I love and when the weather gets better, I'll take. I'm a fair weather outside runner. No way do I want to run outside in January. Yes, I'm a wimp. There is Cute Boy that has already had to listen to more preparation talk, running talk than any human should have to suffer though, as well having to witness the tears I shed when I first vocalized my desire to undertake this challenge.

I'm excited. I'm nervous. I'm scared. I'm hopeful. I'm freaking out! OMG I can't believe this is actually happening!!!!!

This may be something I'm doing on my own while on the road, but in no way am I doing it without the support of each and everyone of you!

Thank you so very much.

Passionately Pink's Run for the Cure

Our personalized shirts


Loot bags


All my pink and angel goodies



The most rockin'-est team ever!

My angel (Velda)

This year's run didn't turn out anything like I expected. Not one single thing. I had an awesome team! I love doing the run, but I hate doing the run. I don't want to do cancer anymore. I'm tired of it! I'm sick of it! I hate it!

We all gathered around each other on a cold wet day. There was one of us missing and that just broke my heart. Velda couldn't be with us this year because of her own battle with cancer.

Our team broke apart once the run began. Krista ran, Princess and Queenie walked together, Cute Boy's daughters and I walked together and bringing up the rear was Miss Mary and her little chicklets. The route this year was very hilly and not the most walker friendly route there ever was.

In the last 500 meters, Cute Boy's daughters and I caught up to mine. We were coming down the home stretch where Krista was already waiting, and out of the corner of my eye, was Velda. I didn't expect to see her at all. It was such a shock to me! I cried as I saw her and together we stood holding each other just on this side of the finish line. Hand in hand we walked together across the finish line. I don't know the last time I cried those kind of tears, until today!

Less than one week later, the tears have started again.

The run will be run again next year! I don't want to do the run anymore! I'm sick of it! While I was living the Run day and I was composing this entry in my head, I wanted it to be about hope (and it is) and a fighting spirit. Right now I'm all out of fighting spirit. I know I'll find it again. I will. I have no choice, but right now I'm all out of everything.

Tomorrow is a new day. A day that I can start over when my feet hit the floor. A day that has nothing but promise. Tomorrow will not bring me the heartaches of today. Today will not be lived again (thankfully).

I'm sorry!

Taking It Outside

The Venue
The Equipment


The Chest Work Out

Again


Suicides - 'nuff said


The Glutes

The Triceps

The Planks

The Victims

This would be the visual evidence of Krista and I totally tearing up the tennis courts at 5:30am yesterday morning, in our version of "Take It Outside" work out. It was a bit killer, but not overly so. I would love to be able to find a place to do stairs. Rocky stairs, ya know?!

Tennis wasn't so much tennis as you would see at Wimbledon, as much as it was Krista and I just hitting the ball back and forth. Laughter ensued which is no big stretch of the imagination. I'm sure the residents of the condos behind us were not too impressed with us partying it up like rock stars at 5:30am. Maybe they could have or should have joined us for a little activity to start their day. It was a great way to start the day.

Lovin' it! Thanks so much Amy! You are a rock star yourself!

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!

Baseball, BOY and Booze

It's been ages since I've blogged. Sorry. Life has been crazy. Things have been busy, as always and I see no end in sight. Matter of fact things will only get busier in the very near future. My (our) baseball season will be starting within the next month. That is a minimum of 2-3 games per week.

This evening Cute Boy and I are hosting our open season ball party. We have a bunch of new players this year, so we are hoping to have an ice breaker to ease into the get to know you phase off the field. As far as I know, we have 5 others coming, then Cute Boy and myself. It promises to be fun.

I woke up this morning and wasn't really feeling the party spirit. After some discussion with Krista about the party and life, I'm looking forward to it, very much forward to it.

A bit of an update in other aspects of my life. Point form to keep it clean and quick.

• Cute Boy and I are finally in a better place. Took the sadness to the edge and we are working our way back to a healthy happy place. When things with him are good, they are great. That gives me lots of hope.

• Having some issues with Princess that have broken my heart a wee bit. I hope for time to pass the issues. These particular issues showed me on the couch gorging on a bag of mini eggs and tortilla chips. Can you say sugar sodium induced food coma?

• Spent a wonderful Easter celebration in Cornwall with Cute Boy's family. Had an over abundance of Newfie food. It was heavenly in a purely food obsession sorta way.

• Have not bounced back from the Easter weekend food binge and the scale made it abundantly obvious this morning. There was no love to be found for either of us. Damn it!

The party tonight will not be a healthy girl type of event, but something I am whole heartily looking forward to. I love the people that I already know that will be in attendance and look forward to meeting the newest members of our team. I can already feel the hurt of my sides from the laughter.

My pledge is to have fun, but I don't commit to behaving! There will be pics! I promise!!

Much love to you and your patience with my infrequent posting!

Up And At 'Em Today

I'm trying make an effort to blog more, so here is some prattling about last night and this morning.

On my way home from work yesterday I stopped in at the post office to send a registered letter to the ex-husband (really still my husband... I get a kick out of saying 'still' because he is planning nuptials for this August and we are STILL married). Stupid! Anyway, I had to give him notification of our new address, so I thought I'd play head games and send him a registered letter. The life he is currently living, for him to get a registered letter will spook him. Life above board and you'd not be paranoid about such things.

Krista and her DBF came over for a quick visit last night to drop off a contest prize that Cute Boy won - A Budweiser bar fridge. Very very cool. It was nice to catch up with the pair of them.

I almost cried when the alarm went off this morning. I went to bed much to late and with a sore throat nonetheless. Woke up with a scratching still there, but being the trooper I am, I got my large ass down to the elliptical.

I didn't leave myself enough time, so I had to cut my work out down to 12 minutes. I will do another session this evening and attempt to get a weight in my hands.

I hit the showers and got ready. I had my clothing laid out so as not to wake Cute Boy when I was getting ready for work this morning, only to have to go back in the bedroom and stand in the walk in closet trying to find something to wear that fit properly. It does not do a girl's mental state any service when pants that fit last week or the week before don't fit now! Damn it! I'm so mad at myself. If that isn't incentive enough to get back on that elliptical tonight, I don't know what is.

I think that is one of my strongest emotions in regards to where I was in comparison to where I am now. I am angry with myself. I'm disappointed that I let go to waste all my hard work. I know it isn't good to compare your body to that of another, so I try not to do it. I don't really need to, I can compare my body now to my own body just a few short years ago. I'm annoyed to no end, but only I have the ability to change where I am. I will change it to, it is just going to take time. I want success over night, but isn't going to happen and the sooner I realize that, the better off I'll be.

I feel as though this entry has taken a negative turn and that's not my intent. I'm still feeling pretty good about myself, but the clothing issue this morning played games with my head.

Thanks for reading my unload. I love this blog for the ability to get the junk out of my head. Even when I only really had one or two commenter's, this was a place to be free to clear the air with myself. It is therapeutic to get the chatter out of my head and be done with it.

Happy Healthy Days to you!

Super Bowl Super Women Super Feeling

Do you have those mornings that you wake up and feel incredible? Not sure of the why of it, but you just feel on 'your game'. That is how I feel this morning. I slept like garbage last night, which is a new thing for me after my recent bout of sleeplessness, so this feeling is extremely unexpected, but no less enjoyed.

The time on the clock was ugly and I would have loved to spend more time between the sheets, but life being what life is, I was up and at 'em. A good cup of coffee and a few minutes catching a couple blog entries and then it was time to get down to the business of getting ready for work.

Last night was spent with 3 awesome women for a girl's Super Bowl party. It was such a blast. Krista, in true Krista fashion, is an incredible host. There was more food there than any human being should ever have the choice to eat in one sitting. Miss Mary and Deb (ting ting ting ting ting ting ting) were also in attendance. My abs are still aching a wee bit from the laughter as well as my stomach being stretched to the max from the foods I shouldn't have eaten, but enjoyed.

I think part of my mood this morning has to do with knowing I have that damn elliptical in the basement. I'm looking forward to giving it a work out tonight. When unpacking things yesterday I found the free weights. There aren't many, but I really don't need many. The weight bench is also in the house from the garage too. I will have Cute Boy help me get things situated down there and then I'm on way to a small home gym. No more excuses! I will still hit the gym when my work and life commitments allow, but knowing I have access to the equipment in the basement does my mental state good! It doesn't take much to impress me. :)

I can feel my shoulders and arms today. That is pathetic and an indicator as to how far I've let myself go physically. That I'm feeling pain today from 21 minutes on the elliptical is sad, so very sad. Why is it then, that I laugh or smile every time I feel the pain? That would be because I'm changing and committing to being more fit and healthier! I love it!

The day just got better, as I type this Keith Urban is playing on my radio. Life couldn't get any better than this minute right here, right now!

Have an awesome happy healthy day!

Calgon, Please?

Where, oh where do I begin?

Cute Boy, Princess and I are in the house. Life is plugging along. We are all busy with trying to figure things out and to find the best possible way to situate furnishings in our new home. Those that know me well know how anal retentive I am about mess and clutter. I want things to be just so! I struggle with the perception of being a bitch and I guess if I come off that way, I come off that way.

I feel overwhelmed with the amount of work still needing to be done. Curtains need to be hung, boxes still to be unpacked (and sorted - not mine). This blending of two lives into one house is very challenging and a lot more work than I'm enjoying. I have to remember to be patient and tolerant. If I can get the same in return, life will once again be enjoyed by all!

This frantic activity that swirls around is not only playing havoc with my head and emotions, but with my gym time too. I've had to take Princess in to school for exams since I'm not sure about the bus schedule as of yet. I'm drained and I know my best solution to the stress is to find time for me and that me time would best be put to use running my ass off via a treadmill. I'm not a cold weather runner, other than the Resolution Run that I do with K-Pow on New Year's day.

I will get this head crap figured out, as well as the time constraints that I'm suffering right now. I'm on days next week and hopefully K-Pow and I can maybe hit the gym for a little squash game. Now, that sounds like a fun and great way to get a sweat on!

For those anxious to see pics of the house, I'm trying. I've taken a video with my phone, but don't know how to get it off my phone. Computer ignorance showing it's ugly face. I've not taken pics yet to share because it is a mess and I will NOT post pics of the house as it sits, but once it's clean we'll be golden!

Sleepy Cardio Kid

I'm finding a bit of a cardio groove!

I went to the gym again and I'm starting to feel more comfortable and not as though I'm just going through the paces. I'm very proud of myself and that being said, is something I don't say very often. I'm not looking for pats and kudos. Simple observation.

Last night was a crappy night between the sheets. I suffer something awful from really poor sleep habits after the first 4 hours and last night was brutal. I could have easily got out of bed at 3-30am. I now have in my hands, a little nugget of gold - a sleeping pill. A girl from work gave me one of hers to see if it helps me before I invest in a pack of my own. Sleeping pills is not something I'm excited about taking, but a girl can only survive so long in a zombie like state.

All this sleep chatter does have purpose. I was unsure of what kind of work out I was going to achieve dragging ass like I was. I told K-Pow today that I was still hitting the gym, no excuses. I'm so glad I persevered and didn't let exhaustion keep me from my work out.

I ran for a distance of 4.34KM and that was not a hard pushed work out. I did it, but didn't push myself to my limits. I do have another "I love it moment" - my elbows were sweating!!!!!! I love when my elbows have sweat on them. I feel incredible when I have the sheen of perspiration. Does that make me odd? I mean, any odder than I already am?

One of my BLBE team mates, Mary Beth asked a question - Yes, I am a big reader. I love it and struggle between finding time for all the hobbies I have, reading, cross stitching and now returning to the gym.

Thanks to all my BLBE teammates and non-teammates, Bre (love you) that stop by and leave comments. Even from the non teammates challenging to kick my ass. I live for the challenge and my desire to push forward is huge.

We're Off And Running

I registered to do the CIBC Run for the Cure yesterday. Today my 'team' has grown to 5 members.

I'm so happy to report that the following people are participating:
Myself
Krista
Velda
Barb - V's sister
Ashlee - V's daughter

I can't wait to spend some quality time with these amazing woman!

Freaking Foot Pain

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Now, I'm finally off to bed.

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

Sweet dreams,

~T xoxoxo

Girls Night Out - Beware!

As is always I have problems when trying to put to words the great time I have when with Mary, Krista, and this time, Princess. We all hung out together on Tuesday night and tore it up in the States. What an absolute blast I had.

There were so many laughs and so many moments that can only really be described as 'had to be there'. I'm not sure that Princess really enjoyed herself, but it was great to have her along, as much as I think she was overwhelmed by the rambunctious behaviour of her mother and 2 crazy friends. Both Mary and Krista were lucky I didn't dump them on the side of the road! I threatened the US Customs Officer upon entering the States that I would in all likelihood be leaving Krista with his country! Miss Mary amped up her nasty behaviour and was going to be left behind as well. Go Boston! My ass!!!

Go Boston seemed to be the theme of the day after crossing the border. You see, I sport really sweet 'YNKEEGRL' licence plates. Who do you think the US Custom Officer roots for? If you guessed Boston, you'd be right. Damn it! So I took some good spirited ribbing from him and then from the girls! Again, Go Boston my ass! I'll not even get started on the inner office mail I got from Krista a few days following the trip.

There wasn't a lot of money spent. We did hit the Bath and Body Works where I restrained myself and only purchased 3 bottles of hand soap. Oh the smell is heavenly. I love to pee just so I can wash my hands with this wonderful smell.

Dinner found us at Appleby's. OMG it was sooo good. I love their WW friendly menu. My dinner was just the right amount of food for a good amount of points. Included in our wonderful meal was the offer of a 'backs' (box for those of you lost there). This waitress was pretty good and her accent had us cracking up. The hotties (NOT) at the bar being offered Shirley Temples. I tell no lies. It was hilarious. Big buff, military dudes being offered Shirley Temples was too funny. Appleby's is really the place to be in Watertown on Tuesday night. There was DUDE in the parking lot with his DO rag on his head..... how about a DON'T rag. Some things just don't need to be seen. Not now, not ever. Dude thinking he's all hot in his rag waving at 4 young woman in a car. Okay, maybe we're not all young. I'll not even touch on the looks Princess was getting from men throughout the day. I was going to kick some serious American Ass. Oh the joys of being the mother of a well developed teenage daughter.

Besides hitting Bath and Body Works, the main reason for our trip was to hit the 24 hour Walmart for some much needed American stores only foods. One of my favorite things ever is grocery shopping in the states. Thank you Price Is Right. There are so many foods not available in Canada that I continually see on commercials. Well now is my time to stock up. I didn't end up with as much as I had hoped, but I was trying to buy only what I could pay for in cash. Didn't happen, but I tried. I ended up with some really cool foods, this one being my most treasured right now.... Oregean Chai Tea It has been a sweet little treat for me this week. I've not been to Starbucks since Tuesday. Having this gem in my fridge is well worth a trip to the states. There are other things I bought. I've taken a pic and will post when I'm home.

The memories for this trip are many. How difficult it is to drive with tears in your eyes from laughing. It is a challenge especially when considering I hate driving in the states. The intersection lights freak me out! LOL I hate driving at night and I'm navigationally challenged beyond what is acceptable for any human being, especially one with a driver's licence.

Oh, I have to tell you about this most adorable Canada Customs Officer we had when coming back in to Canada. Never mind you know all about him already.... awwwww cute boy! Seriously though, it was weird to go through his line. I never do since it's not good for him to know people coming through. We did the drill though and since we didn't spend a lot of money and most of it was food we didn't have to go inside. Just seeing his cute little smile was the perfect end to an awesome day for me.

Krista and Mary will both be reading and I know I've not nearly done justice to the fun we had. I never do. It is too much to try and capture it in written word. You girls are too much and just the best fun!

My parting to you both - Go Boston my ass!!

Love ya,

~TT

I Miss Me

I've been doing a bit of thinking that last day or so and I write this with a bit of heavy heart.

I had an e-mail from Krista yesterday and it was good to just chatter about things and then.... there is a question and a statement. The statement - I miss you! It was a simple statement but something that really hit home for me. I miss her too and I told her so. As my fingers flew over the keys in response to her e-mail, I found I was telling her I miss me too!

I miss the me that use to laugh more than not. I miss being able to sit in front of the television with my stitching or curling up on the couch with my book and a tea. I miss hanging out with my friends and the ability to just let go. I miss the free flow to my days, that are now consumed with renovations and thoughts of what must be done, how to do it and how to pay for it. I know this is a temporary thing, but it seems to be never ending. Princess is house exhausted and sick of listening to the non-stop chatter about what needs to be done and how. Poor kid. That is not the fun of a 14 y.o. princess life. She is a princess and would like to be treated as such.

I miss the gym. Okay, maybe I only miss the thought of the gym, not so much the work that I have to put forth. I am going to make an effort to get there 3x in the coming week. I really want to be healthier, leaner and I want to get back in to those smaller jeans! I want to run and feel the burn of muscles working and pulsing. I will do this! I want it, but do I want it enough?

All this being said, I think my housing jobs are starting to come together and I might be getting closer to discovering me again. I hope, anyways. I'm down to 12 jobs that need to be completed and then I will be listing the house. As soon as the house is clean and listed I'm taking myself to the spa for a much needed massage. I have a gift card given to me by Cute Boy for Christmas. It is worth $150.00 and I'm thinking I might plan a day for both Princess and I to unwind after the turmoil of our turned upside down house.

I'm taking a little 'me' time today too, visiting Velda. I should be there in about an hour and I'm really looking forward to just hanging out and catching up!

Life is Good!

I'm posting on the fly. I just got home from hanging out with Krista and it's been far too long since we've just went for coffee and a good old fashion girl's night. We didn't do anything special, which is the reason that I feel it was a special night.

I have this sense of 'life is good'. I, as always, have things that are causing me tremendous amounts of concern, but all in all, I think things are going well. I love my life and right now, with the aforementioned stresses, that is really saying something!

Thanks KP, for the part you play in the making of my life what it is! You rock! Hahaha that is funny, you're from The Rock and you rock. OMG how funny am I?

Life As I Know It

The MIA contractor has been found. I feel like such a heel I can't even tell you. I called last week and left a message with no reply. I'd had about enough and called again today and was going to leave a snippy message. He picked up and explained he'd been out of town because his mother was sick. I understand that, I really do, but is my expecting a call too much to ask? I don't do bitchy well, but I was about ready to lose it. All things said and done the work will continue and I'm hoping it won't take too much longer and I can list my house.

Scott came by today, totally unexpected and packed up the garage filled garbage and carted it off to the dump. WOOHOO! I can see the garage floor. I could get really ingenious and probably get my car parked in there. I've owned my new car now for over a year and it has never been over the garage threshold. Poor wee car.

Cute Boy, the lucky bum, listed his house today. I'm so beyond jealous! It is really happening and I couldn't be happier than I am in this very minute. Even surrounded with all the uncertainty with my own renovations and listing of my own house I'm just ecstatic with the path my life is taking right now! It's amazing how life can seem so bleak one day and so full of hope and promise the next. It's my life, I'm living it and I sometimes can believe my luck and good fortune. I still look at him some days and ask myself, 'Wow, this is really you and him'. Who'd a thunk it? Definitely not me. Life has a funny way of working out sometimes!

Things, as usual, have been crazy busy. I've still not been to the gym. That will change as of tomorrow morning. I got a new work out journal tonight, so I want to christen it with Krista! I've given her my word and I've broken it so much as of late so I must hold true to this one! 5am and the alarm will be ringing. I must answer the call. I will probably die at the gym, but I must be there.

That being said, I'm not going to work overly hard. I've been having issues with some sort of funky sensation in my chest lately. I get this sensation in my torso, that feels like I'm touching a 9volt battery. Very strange and unsettling. I have a doctor's appointment on Friday and I'm a little concerned and a lot curious. It happens at various times and with no frequency or common contributing factor that I can see. It opens up a whole lot of emotional issues with my mother dying at such a young age (that would be another post entirely). I'm trying not to stress about it which I know will help nothing, but it is in the back of my mind constantly causing me to wonder.

I went to visit my in-laws last night. I haven't seen them in so long that it borders abuse. I have to tell you. I love these two people like no other. They are so good to me. They are sooo happy for Cute Boy, and I, so supportive of my life, my parenting, my decisions. It means more to me than they could ever realize. Simple words can't do justice to my affection for them. It took the end of my marriage and that toxic environment to realize what gems these two people really are!

Mike (my FIL) has such a love for his grand kids it's out of this world. Brenda (my MIL) does too, but when you see Mike's face beaming with pride just looking at Lily, it's enough to bring a tear to your eye. Okay, so maybe it did bring tears to my eyes. Lily was saying tonight how incredible it is to know you're loved so much by another person. It's really very special.

I've been busy tonight too. I went to Kurt and Krista's to check out their new place. In a word - sweet! They did good. I popped in at dinner time (bad girl) and they had me stay. Krista the wonderful host she is cooked up scrumptious pork chops and funky mashed potatoes... they were really good! I felt like I ate and ran, but they have things to do and I would have just been in the way. Not to mention I should be doing stuff at my own house right now.... not blogging. Oh well, what to do. Cute Boy and I are going to look at our schedules so we can try and get over and visit together. As always, it promises to be fun!

Not much going on on the stitching front. I have a little pattern I have to whip up in short order. It is for a very special woman going through a hellish time. I'll post all about it when I finish my piece. I tip my hat to the organizers of this wonderful gesture of friendship and support. I'm honoured to be a part of your lives! Thank you.

I'm off to do what needs to be done on many fronts.

As always, happy stitching days to you!

Good Friends, Good Food, Good Times

I just got home from going out for dinner with Kurt, Krista and Mark. It was a very spur of the moment outing and I'm glad I decided to go. I've been so house overwhelmed as of late, so getting out has been good for the soul. It was good food, but the conversation was crappy! Sorry, KP I had to do it!

Last night I went out with Krista. It's been a while since we've had a chance to hang out. We did the Starbuck's and then did some shopping at Home Depot. I'm sure Krista just had a barrel of laughs in there. I made it quick though. Just 2 new door knobs, showed her the laminate flooring and then we were out an on to Pier One Imports.

The house I was telling you about yesterday, the lady had a beautiful wooden table in her dining room. I resisted as long as could and then finally broke down and asked where she got the table. Pier One Imports. Of course, first opportunity I'm at Pier One looking around. The table she had was no longer in the store, but there is a beautiful table there right now. It is on sale too, 50% off. I know I would love to buy and it would pretty much do what I'm wanting, but I just can't justify the money right now. I want to convince myself something awful, but I must stay strong.

I'm going out again on Friday night. Krista, Mary and myself are going to Lisa's for the evening. It promises to be a great laugh. It always is when we're all together. Usually it is only Mary, Krista and myself, but we've now added Lisa to the mix! I love it. We don't get together as often as we would like, as you can imagine co-ordinating 4 schedules of 4 very busy women, it gets to be a challenge. I think some times that makes the time together that much more special.

I've never been one to make friends with girls all that well. That is until recently. I have some incredible girlfriends. I couldn't be more blessed with the women I call 'friend'. Each friend fits a different need and demands different things from me. When I say demands, I in no way mean 'demands' as a negative. I guess, brings out something different in me. It is wonderful. I get to be me, the real me and they still love me for that. What could be better. Each friend has come in to my life at different times, in different ways and represents a small piece of me on so many levels. I truly am blessed with the quality of women I have surrounding me! For those of you that read my blog, I thank you and I love you.

For those friends of mine, that are Internet friends, you too, represent something very real and special to me. You're my far away 'out there' friends. It is a wonderful feeling to get up in the morning, after a late night blog post and read your comments. To know you took the time out of your day to give me a boost, a kind word, a kick in the or whatever it is you've done. I thank you too. Never for a minute under estimate the value of your typewritten word. I thank you too, and count myself blessed with your support and friendship in my life.

I love you!

What Is A Workout?

A workout is 25% perspiration and 75% determination. Stated another way, it is one part physical exertion and three parts self-discipline. Doing it is easy once you get started.

A workout makes you better today than you were yesterday. It strengths the body, relaxes the mind, and toughens the spirit. When you work out regularly, your problems diminish and your confidence grows.

A workout is a personal triumph over laziness and procrastinations. It is the badge of a winner the mark of an organized person who has taken charge of his, or her destiny.

A workout is a wise use of time and an investment in excellence. It is a way of preparing for life's challenges and proving to yourself that you have what it takes to do what is necessary.

A workout is a key that helps unlock the door to opportunity and success. Hidden within each of us is an extraordinary force. Physical and mental fitness are the triggfer that can release it.

A workout is a form of rebirth. When you finish a good workout, you don't simply feel better, you feel better about yourself.

I went to the gym this morning at the gross ugly hour of 5:30. I'm sorry there is no other way for me to describe that hour! I slept well last night, if you can call sleeping well and waking every hour sleeping. I woke up energized and full of life. Very much in a bad mood but eager to hit the gym, I was.

Krista and I hit the mats to work our abs and then the weights. I did a bit of cardio (4KM). I was in a very bad mood as I've already stated and whether or not I get in to why, I'm still undecided. I was hoping the work out would help ease the mood and it did in some small way. That was until I headed to work, but more of that later.

I talked with Krista about setting up a weight training schedule and in her true enthusiastic way, was on board without a moments hesitation! I have a date with her every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 5:30am. I'm really looking forward to this, as I know she is.

The timing of finding this document "What Is A Workout?" was perfect. This is going to be a new day for me. I want to do things a bit differently than I've been doing lately, and one of those things is making a committed effort to better myself mentally, emotionally and physically.

Canoe what???? How do I not know these things?

How do I begin this entry? It is this same thought every time I try to blog about my time with Mary and Krista.

As always when the three of us get together there is an overflow of laughter, friendship, food, beverage and good times. The dinner was awesome, Mary. Oh ya, Krista too, or shall I say the cooking show host extraordinaire. The brownies were so good and the traveller was just what I didn't need. We had brownies with peanut butter and Turtle ice cream with Corona for an appetizer. Miss Mary, holy wow did you taste that beer???? I've never seen such a sight. Cute girl you are!!!! Dinner was delicious and Mary, good girl you are, only burning your face one time. I'm so proud of you. Cute Boy's raspberry biscuits were nothing short of experiencing an out of body moment.... okay maybe those biscuits rank up there with the BIG O!

I have to ask, 'Do you know what a canoe (you fill in the blanks) is"? Maybe I'd be better not to ask. This being a family rated show and all, such a question might not go over so well. Herein lies the 'Educating of Tammy'. I've so much to learn. Anyone up for teaching me? I used to have a canoe and gave it away for free last year. I just had to get rid of it! I was purging my house of all the stuff I no longer needed and the canoe was one of the first things to go. Showers made specifically for one thing and it's not a shower, well who ever? I just had to share this wonderful story with the girls. I want one of those showers.... please!

What do you get when you take two sexy chicks from the city and send them home alone in the dark from the middle of butt-freak nowhere? You get lost is what you get!!!! Krista and I made it home from Moscow via Napanee. WTF??? Oh, and did I mention I don't like driving in the dark nor in places unfamiliar to me? Sorry, Krista!

I will do my best to update this as the memories come of the funny things we discussed. I think the reason I have such a hard time putting our funnies to words is because they are very much, 'had to be there moments'.

I wouldn't miss these get togethers for anything. The date for the next one is already being discussed. Can't tell ya how much I can't wait.

One last thing, Miss Mary: You can miss Sunday night games, really it's okay! Think of the fun we could have at all those ball games and the year end party that you might make this coming September. Good times good times!