Tis the Season........

Yes...tis the season....for stressing over shopping, baking, wrapping, and money! I really dislike this time of year. For me it always means stressing over money and making sure I get everything that needs done done. Not always easy thats for sure! It somehow always gets done but I still stress over it!

On another note...my son who has been camped out on my couch for the last few months has finally started to move stuff out and into the place he is moving (sharing with a friend).....wait...whats that I hear....oh I know....IT ME DOING MY HAPPY SONG AND DANCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love the boy to death but man he gets on my nerves at times! He has some growing up to do thats for sure! His 23 year old dreams....don't exactly match up with his pay cheque thats for sure! Oh well he will live and learn....and we all know if he needs to come back home for a bit the door will be open......as much as he drives me crazy I will miss having him around...even tho he isn't around much...(and if anyone tells him I said that I will deny it!).

Other then that not much to report. My great "plan" has certainly fallen to the wayside thats for sure. I do have some ideas for getting back on track but so far thats as far as I've gotten. Its too hard this time of year with all the baking and food and drink and such.....I mean it IS Christmas! :)

I did have an exciting night on Sunday! I was home alone eating my wonderful homemade spaghetti sauce and pasta. Shortly after I finished eating I noticed a strange feeling in mouth and throat...interesting I think to myself........then a short while after that I feel like my tongue had doubled in size....huh......isn't that weird.....finally it got a bit difficult to breath...OK now I panic! So off to the ER I go! No idea what it was but I definetly had an allergic reaction to something! I have been making that sauce for years exactly the same way with exactly the same stuff....the only thing I did different was used fresh mushrooms and added a few spices and a bay leaf...all things I've eaten before. Well I will be carrying Benydryl in my purse from now on thats for sure! It certainly scared the crap out of me! Needless to say my son has a LOT of spaghetti sauce to eat! haha

I haven't been doing much stitching lately. I did organize my stuff to start my Angel of Healing by L&L. I was in my local stitching store a while back and I over heard on of the ladies talking about projects and getting bored. She said what she does is she has 4 projects on the go and changes projects every week....that way she never gets bored and yet sees progress on her projects. For months that have 5 weeks she uses the 5th week as "free" week to work on whatever she wants. I thought that was a really good idea so I am going to start doing that after the holidays and I'm not so busy. The Angel will be one, I will continue working on my Ink Circles project and plan on digging out a couple smaller projects as well. It sure sounds good in theory...lets hope I can put it to good use!

Well I must run and get a couple things done. It will be an early night for me tonight. I'm beat since I didn't fall asleep till very late (or should I say early this morning) and was up early for work...so a nice early night of going to bed early and reading for a bit sounds like just what I need!

Until next post.......don't forget Santa is watching! :)

Its Begining to Look Like Winter!

Snow snow snow and more snow!!! The Santa Claus Parade was tonight and the weather was actually kinda nice for it....by that I mean it started snowing...you know those great big snow flakes that you love to see on Christmas Eve...the only difference is on Christmas Eve I'm not standing outside getting wet and freezing my behind...I'm inside looking outside admiring the snow flakes...with a nice hot beverage! Oh well the sacrafices you make for Grandkids! They sure had a great time. Watching their little faces and smiles as the floats went by was worth freezing over :)

After the parade I drove my son and grandkids home...my daughter in law was going out with her friends (something she rarley does). What a miserable drive home after tho! Between the traffic and the bad road conditions I thought would never get home...the usual 15 minute drive took almost 40 minutes! I was very happy to see my driveway!

Not else much to report really...I'm still working on the cross stitch and will post pics once I figure out how! I've also started knitting some dishclothes...figured I would throw one in with some Christmas presents this year...the knit up quick and I can do them while watching TV in the evening.....when I work on my stitching I need to focus a bit more...and I'm not very good at that haha

One of my stitching sistas was the hostess at our retreat a couple weeks ago and gave us all a journal of gratitue....each day we are to write 5 things that we are greatful for...its funny when she first gave it to us I thought I would have a really hard time finding 5 things every day..other then the usual...health, family, friends, etc.....turns out......I don't have any problem at all! Its nice to take some time at the end of the day to relax and think back on my day and write down my greatful things....I have also started jounaling again in my book that I had started a long time ago....just writing thoughts and feelings...I find it helps me put things in perspective sometimes when I do that....been working on some things in myself lately...the healthier eating had kinda taking a back seat...as for the exercise....well its not happening either! I really need to get off my butt and get back on track...I am eating better but sure but still need to get more exercise in.

Every year at the end of the year I make a list of things I want to do the following year...I try to get threw as many as I can but rarely get threw the whole list...so what doesn't get done in that year goes to the top of the list the following year....2 of the things left on my list are going to a movie by myself and going to a restaurant by myself...a real restaurant where they serve you...fastfood places don't count...so I'm gonna work on those in the next month and hope I can at least cross one off....the rest will happen...I just have to make up my mind and do it....just like when I quit smoking....I made a decision and have stuck with it for 22 months....if I can quit smoking I can't see why I can't do the other things! So baby steps and slow moving might be the way I go.....but at least its moving! :)

Until next post....laugh till some kind of drink comes out your nose! hehe

Stitch N Beach!

Well another very successful retreat has come and gone! The name of our little getaway is new..its now called "Stitch N Beach"...isn't that the cutest name! You could really have some fun shuffling letters haha!

Because of the holiday we decided to go up a day early...OMG an entire extra day of stitching, laughing, talking and of course eating! It was beyond wonderful I can tell ya! The only thing that would have made it even more perfect is if the one stitching sista that wasn't able to make it could have come....she did however come up Friday and join us for our ritual supper out! It was great to see her even for a little bit tho! Hopefully she can make the spring one! Oh yes...we have already booked our cottages for our Spring gathering....do you think we are excited about these weekends! haha

And let me just talk about the weather! OMG!!! It was soooooooooooooo beautiful! Saturday some of the girls actually sat outside in tank tops and...are you ready for this....got a little sunburn! Can you imagine..a sunburn in November!! It was absolutely beautiful...no jacket required when walking on the beach, we had a couple windows open and there were even mosquitoes! It was more like a beautiful sprng day then November! After all the rain we have had it was a most welcome change!

I was able to get quite a bit of work done on my current project...if I knew how to post picks and links I would but I am challenged in that area...(HELP PLEASE!!!!). It is a project by Ink Circles....I love it more and more as the progress continues! That is always a highlight of going to retreat...seeing progress on everyone's projects..and a couple of the sistas are actually very close to finishing their projects!

Well I'm off today but am sitting around waiting for some phone calls to be returned....damn insurance adjusters and car dealers! Yes I had a small fender bender a week ago (I was rear ended). Not alot of damage to my new (to me at least) SUV (who I have named Bluebelle) but it will need a bit of TLC. I have had a sore back and neck but it is improving thankfully!

Until next post...be happy, smile often and laugh lots!

Happy Thanksgiving All!

There are no words to describe how happy I am to have a nice 3 day weekend! I'm exhausted for some reason and just can't seem to catch up on my sleep no matter how much I get. So the plan for this weekend (besides eating lots of turkey) is to just plain relax and do as little as possible! Hopefully that will let me catch up on my rest and recharge my batteries.

Sunday I am going to my daughter in law's parents for Thanksgiving dinner with the rest of the crew. I have to bring a veggie dish, rolls and pop...I can certainly handle that! I always look forward to Thanksgiving dinner....the weather is cooler and I'm ready for a good old fashioned turkey dinner after all the BBQ and salads of summer. Its supposed to be a nice fall day and my DIL's parents live in the country so I'm hoping for some pretty scenery to take some pics of the grandkids and family. I'm sure it won't be a late evening since nothing makes me sleepier then eating a turkey supper haha

Next weekend I am leaving to go to a scrapbooking retreat. Now I know I'm not much into that but I will make a few cards and observe the others. I love watching how the pages come to life. And if I get to bored I will go for a swim in the pool at the hotel and then go do some stitching! I'm not gonna put any pressure on myself that I have to scrap or anything...I really am just going to relax and spend the weekend with 3 of my good friends...and really thats the most important part of the weekend for me :)

While I was out running errands today (yes I got to drive my new to me car today! haha) I made some decisions about the healthy living Phase of my plan I have discussed previously. So I went to a local gym and picked up information on cost, classes, etc and will make a decision on that this week. I also decided to go back to Weight Watchers. In the past it really is the only thing that has ever worked for me....when I follow it! So I thought I would just run up to the centre to see if there were any specials for joining and sure enough! Today was the last day for waiving the registration fee (a $30 saving)! So I wasn't planning on joining today but I couldn't pass up the deal so I joined! So here I go folks! I have decided I will allow myself one day a week as a "free day". If I want something I will have it on that day. It will give me somthing to look forward to and help me stick to the plan the rest of the week. So I guess I am moving forward slowly but surely...eventually I will be where I want to be...baby steps but steps non the less!

The other area of my life I have been giving a lot of thought to lately is my single status. I would truly love to meet someone and get married. BUT I am not in so much a rush that I will settle for something I don't want either. I think the bigh thing in that area (in my opinion and applies only to my feelings for me) is that until I can get my own life straightened around (mentally, physically, spiritually, etc) I really don't think I will meet the right guy for me. So I am making every effort to get myself in order so that I can open up my heart, mind and my life to let someone in. As the saying goes....good things come to those who wait......my problem (as you know) is I am probably the most IMPATIENT person on the planet! haha So it will be a learning experience for sure!

Well I guess I've spilled and rambled enough for today..sometimes I think if I put things here in writing I will follow thru more because I feel a responsiblity for sticking to it after knowing others will read my thoughts...might be crazy but thats ok!

So for now have a great and blessed Thanksgiving one and all...I'm on my way to a friends to stitch for the day! :)

Onward I go!

Not much going on these days...work, home, work, home work buy a new car, work......oh did that catch your attention! haha...Yup I broke down and bought a new car! Well not new new but new to me! Its a 2007 Hyundai Tucson...a small SUV....very pretty blue :)
My old car was a 2001 so it was time to let it retire and move on to something else..and who knows...I might actually get to drive it sometime!

Yes my son is still here on the couch! He works long hours then goes out with his friends so I dont' see him much. However, he is going to have to make some changes to his lifestyle. He is 22 and has managed to give himself an ulcer! He goes on 4 hours MAX of sleep, works 12 hours, doesn't eat much cause he would rather run the roads. So we are going to sit down and have a very serious chat about his lifestyle ways thats for sure! Can't wait for that haha

So a few things are coming up that I'm looking forward to. Next weekend I am going to a scrapbooking retreat for a weekend with some friends. Now we all know I'm not a scrapbooking fan...however...I am going to go and attempt to make some cards or something...and if it really drives me crazy I'm bringing my stitching hahaha......Then in November is our Stitchy Beach Retreat! OMG there are no words to describe how much I am looking forward to THAT! And we are going up an extra day this time because of Rememberance Day holiday. Not everyone is coming up the extra day...2 or 3 are not the rest of us are tho....I can't wait! I need that weekend away with my stitching sistas......to laugh, talk, eat, stitch, laugh, laugh and laugh some more! I always come back feeling so relaxed and energized...even tho we dont' get a lot of sleep haha

My eating healthy plan is going ok....just ok tho....I certainly am not being crazy about it but I am trying. I'm also getting some walking in and planning for the Phase II of my master plan...so stay tuned! An update is coming soon on that!

I think my friend and I are going to go to that bar I spoke about a couple blogs ago...I have been craving one of those delicious drinks ever since I had one a couple weeks ago....YUM!!!!!

Well thats it for now...until next time...stay out of trouble haha

Still Plugging Along!

Well its be a bit so thought I better keep up with my committment of updating my blog on a regular basis.

My son is still sleeping on my couch. He has been spending some time with the ex gf so I'm not sure what is going on......I'm trying very hard not to ask or comment! But those who know me know my tongue is severely bruised right about now! haha
I'm hoping he realizes that its best for him to move on and focus on himself. He is 22 almost 23 but I swear there are times my 3 year old grandson acts more mature then his uncle! He has been driving my car more then me and I'm going to have to start putting my foot down a bit with that. I don't mind when he uses it to go to work or even in the evening if he wants to go out...but at least ask me first! I think he is just so unsettled in his own mind that he can't seem to focus on anything these days. I'm going to try to very subtlely get him realize these things...either that or smack up side the head! I'll let you know which way it goes! haha

I had a busy weekend...but a good one. I am more of a homebody then I like to admit. So this weekend a friend and I went out Saturday to a Baby Boomer conference here in town. It was interesting to see all the booths with some interesing information and of course the chance to win some really great prized (including a cruise for 2 which would be awesome!). Then we went out to one of the newer bars downtown with a couple other girls. It was nice to get out and I must say the atmosphere at the bar was very nice. It was modern and new and very "Sex and the City" sort of haha I also discoverd my new favorite drink....Pink Paraise! OMG!! It was delicious! Sort of martini like but not as strong. It was so good! I had 2 and could have had a lot more haha It was nice to get out and I would most definetly go back again! Plus we had a driver...I figured if my son was going to drive my car so much I might as well get him to drive me around haha

Phase 1 of my "plan" is going ok...not great but I at least didn't give up! I am still plugging along and making some positive changes. Eating better is not my favorite thing but I'm doing better and better. I have been able to walk to work often so I'm getting some exercise in. I am also making some changes to get rid of some of the negative crap in my life...that seems to be the one giving me the most problem..because it means letting go of people in my life. Even tho I know they are not good for me they have been in my life for a long time...I know its the right thing to do but its not easy. I will continue to try tho :)

so thats it for now.....till next time!

Moving Forward!

So Phase 1 of my master plan has been going ok so far. I have been walking to work as often as I can and when the weather pemits. I am eating better...although not fantastic....but making much more of an effort. At the very least I try to stop eating when I feel full instead of continuing shoveling it in...which I usually do! But lets face it....I LOVE FOOD!!!!!!!! I like to eat....alot! One change I have made is I eat something for breakfast during the week days. Not so much on the weekend. I've allowed myself the weekend to do what I want as far as eating and being lazy...after all.....I can't be good all the time! haha

Now that Phase 1 is underway and going along ok I have been thinking of starting to move toward the second phase.....update coming soon on that one!

My youngest son is still sleeping on the couch. Which is fine. I am enjoying the company although I really don't see much of him (or my car!). He has been spending time with his buddies which is good but also spending a bit of time with the ex GF....not sure how I feel about that...I personally think it would be in his best interest to move on and some day meet someone else. He did tell me she is thinking of moving to Alberta in November with a couple of friends...he thinks she's crazy...of course my first response was "tell me your not going too" haha...he assures me is not....lets hope!

My oldest son has been looking for a more challenging job for quite some time now. Last week he went for an interview with a large company and they called him at the end of last week to tell him he made "the very short list" of applicants to come back for a second interview with the VP of the company. That interview took place yesterday and they told him they were very impressed and the next applicant had big shoes to fill....a pretty good compliment! Now....here is the bad news.....the job in in Nova Scotia!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There is a small chance he could work from here but they may need to move. So you see my delima...on one hand I hope he gets it because it would be a wonderful opportunity career wise for him...on the other hand I wouldn't be able to see my grandsons near as much as I do now...and that makes me very sad :(
So he will know by the end of this week one way or another....I hope he gets the job and can work from here....how selfish is that haha

I'm still trying to figure out this blog thing cause I really want to put up a cross stitching gallery to update my progress on my WIP(s) but so far I haven't figured out how...any help is much appreciated! I really need to work harder at doing more stitching and I figure if I post progress once in awhile it will encourage me to get my butt in gear haha Our fall retreat is coming up in November and this year we are going up an extra day....OMG!!!! I am so excited! I can't wait to go and relax and stitch and laugh and talk and just be there! I really can't explain the feeling of being there...its like every good holiday and feeling I have all rolled into one! haha

So thats it for now...I have to go figure out how I'm going to watch 3 shows tonight at the same time! I would really like to know who's bright friggin idea it was to put Survivor on Wednesday night! They totally screwed up my TV schedule! I'm very excited about the season premier of the Tudors and Hell's Kitchen....thank God for time shifting on my satalite dish...its gonna be a late night!