Secret Sister

At church, my discipleship class has been doing something that I think I will share because I definitely think it is a neat idea for others to follow in their churches.  (In case you've never heard of it before) Secret Sister!!
 Several months ago when we started the program we filled out a form that asked limited information about ourselves that would then be distributed by someone in charge to another person who wanted to be a Secret Sister. Nobody was to know who got their form. The form just had basic info such as name, address, favorite color, special prayer requests and anything else we wanted to share. The purpose of the program was to know that you had someone special that was keeping you in prayer. If you were a Secret Sister, you would communicate with your Secret Sister either by mail, or you could leave communication or gifts for your Sister to get when she was in class. But remember, while you have the information of one Sister, someone else has your information and nobody knows who has what. It's supposed to be a SECRET!

Well, I grew up having a pen pal. (That's another story) So, I know all about writing letters or sending cards of encouragement and stuff. I got right on that. The name I got, I had no idea who she was. Our church is fairly large so not knowing the name is highly likely. I sent a few cards and always left a return address with no name. Funny thing is....the Secret Sister that I was uplifting starting responding to me. lol I received a Thank You Card one day. Then, here we are getting ready for Christmas and most (if not all) of the Secret Sisters are trying to bring in small gifts for their Sister. Me included. The Sunday before I brought in the gift for my Sister I received a few Christmas Cards from a few church friends. Ladies that I always look forward to seeing Sunday morning. Thing is, one of the Christmas Cards I received was from the person that was MY Secret Sister. Too funny!! I'm thinking all this time that I really had no clue what this lady's name was when I hugged her every Sunday. Smh. I do now. I got excited. Because I knew something that she didn't!! I'm her Secret Sister! I just don't know who mine is. lol So, with my extra tidbit of information, I wanted to pad my gift just a bit more because I really like this lady. Then, when I went to church the following Sunday I carried the gift in a way that she wouldn't see me with it. After class they handed out the gifts and I think that is when many were probably trying to look around to match names to faces. I got a gift and still have no clue who from. But, look forward to the end of the program and learning who has been keeping me in their prayers. Haven't been hearing from my original Secret Sister much though.

So I hope she is still praying for me and my family. But, it's nice to know that I have a Secret Sister that I truly adore and know for a fact has prayed for me and my family. And, I am definitely praying for her and her family. Always look forward to seeing her on Sunday and giving her a huge hug. If she only knew. lol

                                          

So, whether you have a Secret Sister or not, I know that we should all be praying for others - even our enemies. Grace To You I just wanted to share this reminder. Someone needs your prayer today. Trust me on that one.

  Have an awesome weekend everyone!!

Valentine's 2014

Well, I hope everyone had an awesome Valentine's Day.

After the week I've had I wasn't much in the mood for doing anything. And, Furman was working late so dinner hour wouldn't have fit in with my current plan to lose weight. (Of which I have successfully lost 5 lbs I might add) So, we skipped the commercial celebration. No problem, every day is Valentine's! lol

But, I did get a gift for the occasion. Something I am excited about and couldn't wait to use once Furman got it together. Check it out!

                          

My new Xpert Pole. It spins too!! Ordered from a distributor of XPole, Dance-Poles Canada, who just happens to be a fellow Spinbuddie. Now why order from the company directly when you can help someone out with some commission? So, once Furman got this baby up I put this little collage together to show off my new practice spot on Facebook. Threw on the shoes for some Sexy because if you remember, our fitness classes are in bare feet. lol Oh...and I will promise you...no YouTube videos of pole accidents with me!! Nope. Not gonna happen. Furman made sure of that. But, I will share this hilarious one.

So, this weekend we managed to enjoy the NBA All Star Weekend with my son which was really nice. But....

Sunday couldn't come soon enough! I've been praying daily but I know there is strength in numbers and there is nothing like having people pray with you for something you need. I had already sent an email within the week to the ladies in my prayer breakfast group for prayer because they are serious Prayer Warriors. God answers prayers and when they prayed for me a while back it did wonders. You have no idea! This is why I felt confident in asking for their prayer again. I didn't have to give details of the situation. Just had to let them know their prayers were needed and they jumped into action. Feeling blessed and highly favoured.

The message on Sunday was definitely a message for me. Especially in our discipleship class. I couldn't help but shed a few tears as a message was delivered about dealing with trials and tribulations. Amazing how that works. God is always on time. Funny thing is, a friend in church slipped me a note of encouragement that also instructed me to read the same passage.

Psalm 37

Now, I sit here and reflect on the week I've had while I make a nice dinner and get lunches ready for the week. Back to work tomorrow. Not very happy about that but then again, it's getting back to normal which I could definitely use for a while. Being around friends/co-workers as well as those who drive me completely mad sometimes. lol Keeping busy keeps the mind occupied and is supposed to reduce stress, even in the environment I work in right now. Back to training, since we know I definitely wont be going anywhere else for a while. lol "Under no circumstances......" (inside joke)

Hope everyone had a wonderful Family Day. Normally I'd be at work but I took it off to spend the day with my wonderful husband since his job was so generous. lol

On that note....I'll get back to it.

But first......

                                           

On Vacation - Need A Vacation

This is by far the longest stretch I've had between posts, and for my regular readers I sincerely apologize.

Before I say anything more, let me just update you that I was absolutely right!  I am no fool! I didn't get the job I applied for that would take me back to my old office and give me happiness.  Nope. In fact, the person I indicated I felt the job was actually created for is who got the job. This is why I say I was right.  I really believe that all who were interested in the position never even really had a chance. Just sayin! I've already seen how things are done around here.  

So, I stay in training for new duties, new customers. I'm being trained by someone who is not even a trainer (another one of those positions created for someone specific..lol) so it's quite a different experience than I'm used to. And....I watch the crap my old team mates have to put up with by the decisions that are being made.  Not to mention the work coming in that they don't have my help to complete. lol But, decisions we knew were all part of a bigger plan that is being executed...to break our group of 6 up. Voila! Another shoe will be dropping soon. Remember me saying this! Someone else will be forced into the same situation I am.  

Now, I'm on vacation. Another staycation. I'm certainly getting tired of these. lol But this was a much much needed one after dealing with all the bull at the office. Only thing....it's now the WORST VACATION STAYCATION EVER!! You have no idea. I need a do over. I need to rewind and start over so that all that has happened hasn't happened at all.

In reality, it is what it is.

To start my vacation on Monday was supposed to be lunch with my son, then a Dr appointment followed by Bingo with my mom and auntie.  Lunch with my son didn't happen so I was disappointed. So I headed straight to the Dr's office and let me tell you....it was the longest wait I've ever had. Normally, I would have walked out but I really wanted to know how long this was going to take. How long did it take you wonder?  3 friggin hours before the Dr walked into the office.  WTH!  I'm thinking that this guy is not a Dr he is a damn celebrity. But, this isn't a concert. This wasn't even a hospital. This is a regular Dr office and I waited 3 hrs. And I swear I saw at least one patient who didn't wait as long as me be seen before me. I swear! I was pissed and getting grumpy. I had to get to Bingo.  

I personally think that patients should have the right to invoice the Dr for all the time wasted waiting for them. Unreasonable time I mean, After all, what the hell are we making an appointment for? Appointments aren't appointments anymore, they are suggested times to be at the office to start your waiting. Grrrr But I can see that someone previously had the same idea as I am having now.

 Check this out Would your doctor pay for wasted time?

Back to what I was saying....I made plans with mom on Friday to do bingo with her Monday so she knew. But, in typical fashion her money went through her hands like water.  She supposedly didn't even have bus fare to meet me at the bingo hall which is what I told her I would need her to do depending on how long my appt took. I usually pay for her at bingo so her having no money to play is expected. But I was agitated that she didn't even have bus fare because we had a plan that required her to have some.  When I found that out, I was tempted to cancel bingo with her out of principle. Oh, but I was still going to go. I was going to hang out with my auntie. She made food. Lol. She always does. The wait at the Dr's office determined if I had time to pick mom up or not.  After 3 hrs just waiting, clearly I would not be able to.

Well, just before the Dr came into the office I received a phone call that was like a dormant volcano exploding. I needed to get out of there.  I needed to save my loved ones from the Lava. The devil was at it again! We know he never sleeps. I couldn't go to bingo or do anything else that would start my vacation off nicely. Someone shook the etch a sketch.

I NEED YOU NOW!

Vacation for what it is intended to be IS OVER!

I can't say any more than that.  I will take every moment that's left to try and relax, and pray.
I am thankful that I do have the week off and that I have my husband and God to be my rock.

But as always, I will ask for prayer for me and my family. 

Prayers for strength, courage, defeat..over all that tries to bring us down.

GOD WILL MAKE A WAY!

Oh....and pray that one day soon I get a REAL VACATION!  Lol. Lord knows, I really really need one now. And I deserve one!

Ameri-Canuck

He's coming along nicely.

I'm talking about Furman getting Canuckinized!  Lol

He finally got his first pair of hockey skates thanks to some awesome friends.

So....skating is definitely back on the menu before the winter is out. Somebody's rink...here we come!
Now....we just have to get him an official Toronto Maple Leaf's jersey since he has become a true Maple Leaf fan. lol Hmmm? Who's number? Bernier? Reimer? Kessel? So many good players to choose from. We'll get him in the blue and white soon enough. Might be better to look for one now though....before the Leafs make the Playoffs and prices get jacked up. Come on now....stop laughing.....I'm hopeful.  Go Leafs Go!!

Remember this pic from a few years ago? And he wasn't even a Leafs fan then. But, he sure looked good in the blue and white. That was a loaner jersey that just fit him soo nicely. lol Don't even ask me about the pink. They should have never made pink for women. Looks silly in my opinion but it was all I had and I have no clue where I got it from. Probably one of the many items my mom has handed to me over the years. lol I'll get my own blue and white one day...since I'm a real Leafs fan too. Go figure! I've become quite the sports junkie these days. Hockey, Football, Basketball...gheez. What has happened to me?  Wait, I know - I got married!  lol

ANYWAYS........
                                                      Feast your eyes.......
My latest pole move. The finishing of my Dove Tail. And let me tell you this....the arms get SORE!! But, I know it's a good sore and I will definitely keep working at it. In fact, my personal pole is officially on it's way. Soooo excited. Yup....for Valentine's Day this year i'll be getting something better than chocolate.....a Brass Pole so I can perfect my moves at home! lol No lie! Will help to keep get in shape while it's so cold outside. Running is just not going to happen unless I can get inside somewhere on a treadmill. After all, we have some training to do. Along with the Ottawa Half Marathon that we have registered to run in May, we have now officially registered to run the Toronto Yonge St 10k for another year. I actually love the course of that one.

Haven't gotten any news about that job interview that I did last week. But, while I am hopeful...I am realistic in my belief that the position was intended for someone specific. I could be wrong...but....we'll see. I expect to hear something about it this week. And don't tell me I need to think positive. lol I know that it's all beyond my control and whatever will be will be. It's in God's hands. God will have me where I need to be. I think it's back at my old building where my work life balance can get back on track, but that's just my opinion.  Will keep you updated with the official word.

I'll end here for now.....kind of distracted by the Toronto Raptors vs Brooklyn Nets game. Go Raptors!

I'll end with this tune by Captain and Tenille who announced that they are getting divorced after like 40yrs of marriage. Smh. After being together for that long I just don't understand why they should even bother. lol Like I said when I posted the link on Facebook....The lied!!

Love didn't keep them together...

at least not till the end.

Prayers out to them and their families as they go through this difficult time.

And....prayers out to all married couples hoping to have at least 40 yrs like they did.

40 happy years.

Yup.......me and my Ameri-Canuck.

Plus 40 yrs......that would make us....DAMN OLD!  lol

Have an awesome evening!

Getting Prepared

Got an Interview tomorrow!

Say a prayer for me please.

And it's all in good timing too. Friday was my last day working with the customer I've been working with for the last 5 yrs or so. Business needs. Always the excuse you can't fight. lol So, Monday I start training for something new. Good thing is..I don't have to move anywhere in terms of seating. At least not now. I still get to be with my girls, in the location that we hate. But, we used my losing my customer (Since I'm the low man on the totem pole) as a reason to eat. hahaha They had an exit party for me. Love them!! Thanks again girls!!

But, tomorrow...I've got an interview for a position that could take me back to my old office. Where I belong. Where my work life balance can be back on track. Wish me luck. I have a feeling that they already know who they want for the position anyways, but I haven't had an interview in a very long time so I am going for it. At the very least, I get some updated interview experience. I know, I know....such a positive attitude. hahaha

It's a Behavioural Interview I'm sure.
Example: Sample Behavioural Interview Questions   Might hear something similar to these.

And...I'm pretty confident that it will be more than one person. The hiring manager and someone else to take notes. But, we'll see. Either way, I'm nervous. I know I shouldn't be, but I am. Doesn't matter how I try to prepare myself. Which, I've been trying to do. Writing some thoughts down, reading old notes and some helpful material that someone gave me quite a long time ago.
Good thing is that regardless, I still have a job. So, no need to be nervous right? Trust me, I stepped up for Prayer for Needs this morning at church to get some extra prayer so I'm not a complete mess tomorrow. Words that were said in prayer were a reminder that God is in control! So, I know I'll be ok...regardless. Just want to get it over with!

This was too cute not to share.

Did my best to not think about it till today so that I could enjoy my weekend. 

That, we did. 

Saturday, we hung out with some friends and then played Floor Hockey at our church. Floor Hockey! At church! Certainly a new experience for Furman. Whereas myself, I haven't played since I was in grade school. We had soooo much fun. Was quite a workout mannnn!! Definitely can't wait to do that again. Thanks Steve for arranging the night. 

And.....to capture the moment you know I had to get some pics. Here is the best.

                    

Anyways....going to stop here so I can relax a bit and review my stuff again before I turn in for the night. Have to be well rested for tomorrow. I was going to skip breakfast to avoid the possibility of tossing my cookies with nervousness, but Furman said to make sure and eat something early so I'm not distracted by hunger during my noontime interview. Yeahhhhh...he's right!  lol

We'll see what happens tomorrow! 

                                                                 

For the New Year

It's been a bit difficult to blog these days. So, forgive me for my absence. But, I'm here and thank you for coming back you faithful followers. Love you guys!

http://www.sharondavis.co/blog/28-blog/79-the-to-blog-or-not-to-blog-guide-for-businesses.html

The New Year has been off to a rough start. The year came to a close following some changes at work that we were very unhappy with, and now the year is starting off with even more changes. But, one thing we can say is that we aren't even surprised. Smh. The axe was raised just before the holidays and we are just waiting for it to fall. Probably on Monday by the looks of things. So, I've spent the weekend updating a couple resumes - mine, and someone else's. There is a chance that one of us may break free from the madness. That's the good thing about the company I work for. There are often opportunities for advancement, change if you can find them. But, i'm not really sure if I want to right now. To get what you want (to go back to my old office location) comes at a cost and i'm not sure if i'm wanting to pay the price that is currently being offered. Pray for me to figure it out this week. I miss all my old co-workers dearly!! Miss you guys!! But I know you know that!! lol

Now that we are into the New Year also means getting back into old routines...or new routines for many. At least for the first little while. lol You know how those resolutions go. For me, it's a little bit of both. I've been going to the Dr three times a week now to see if he can affect change on a medical condition that was identified just before the holidays by pure accident. Scoliosis Lucky for me, I don't have it as bad as I've seen in some photos online. The X-ray below is really me!! Trust me....when he took the X-ray we both just kind of stood there for a second. lol I was like "WTH? Who is that? That can't be me! I stood up straight...I swear!" lol But yeah, it was me. It's been an interesting experience so far I tell ya! Snap, crackle, pop! lol I've been getting adjustments...and not in my attitude. hahaha On the other two days of the week, I continue with my pole fitness. Yup! Dr said it was actually good for me to do. Go figure! I don't know about you but i'm amazed.

So yeah, this is me. What it is on the left and what it should be on the right. I'm not sure if I can be fixed cause i'm kind of old. lol I don't mind sharing about what some people might find to be uber personal because i'm sure there are many out there with the same condition. Many, who have no clue....like I didn't. And....as you will see....i'm gonna keep on doing what I've been doing...and then some. We'll see in future if there will be any change. I'll just keep praying about it.

Here is one of my most recent moves I've learned - Sleeping Beauty! I'm just loving the arch. lol Especially considering my spine is kind of jacked up. lol But it certainly explains a few things. Like some aches that I get sometimes from sitting for a long period. Thought it was something I was doing (hint hint) but I was wrong.

I've cut off my pole buddy hanging just above me. We were attempting our first double move (both sharing same pole) that we will perfect at a later time. 

On that note, i'll share an excellent article that was shared on Facebook. 11 Things I Wish Everyone Knew About Pole Dancing The author did an excellent job and was right on the money. Do check it out as I am sure you will learn something.

Spinbuddies - Love it!!!

Anyways....I'll stop here because i'm tired. I really am. Like I said, I've been on the computer all weekend working on resumes and I am ready to relax!

Tomorrow will be an interesting day.

Have an awesome week my readers.
Stay safe, stay warm and God Bless.

Time To Reflect

I hope everyone had

 a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

If you haven't already, it's a great time to reflect on the year that has passed and think about the year ahead. What would you like to accomplish?

What would you do differently if anything?

Have you made any New Years' Resolutions? Phooey! You know, those things that are often broken within the first six weeks of the year. lol

So much I could write about since I haven't written over the holidays but where to start?

First off, let me just say that Christmas was very Merry. Very special indeed as my family and I got together to break bread with my mom at her home, in the kitchen that I fought so hard for her to get. Only Took 10 Yrs Yup! She cooked a meal for us instead of her coming to our house or us all going to someone else's. I knew that going to her home would be something that would make her extremely happy so that is what we did and she was happy indeed!!

Merry Christmas 2014!!

Having dinner at mom's house with my husband and children was very special - the best Christmas gift I could have. Thanks to my wonderful kids!!

Skipping all we did over the holidays.....i'll head right to New Years!



Thanks girl....for allowing us to share with your good company and great food to bring in New year 2014!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2014!!!

                                               
We were far from home for the New Year so got home in the wee hours of the morning safely. Furman doesn't drink so he always gets us home safe! Nothing stopped us from getting up several hours later to take part in the Resolution Run. lol Sure did. Not even the -14C/7F temperature. Let me tell you.....the first 10 minutes into the run was pure torture. I swear I wanted to turn back. It was colder than the Santa Shuffle. I've Been Lazy The cold was biting any skin that was exposed which was mainly our faces. But...we endured...warmed up...and finished together. Furman is definitely not in Miami anymore. haha And if he didn't feel it before, he'll certainly feel it today cause it's even COLDER!!

kilometres 4.94

minutes 36:17

mins/km 7:20

kcal 392

Resolution Run 2014

Now...everybody is back to the regular routine and before I return I'm taking a few days to relax and reflect.

2013 was a year of ups and downs like everybody else. Another year of surprises, both good and bad. A year of new accomplishments. I am so blessed to have Furman share in it all with me. Another year that is now in the past. It was a year where I thought a relationship I had with someone would be on the mend but it didn't work out that way. Really does take two and I guess it's not that time. A year where I met some great people and did some amazing things. A year where I had to sit back and watch someone I love go through some crazy growing pains and not be able to do anything about it. Make mistakes....but then fix them. Thank God for the power of PRAYER! So, I smiled when I read this post that was shared on Facebook by an awesome guy I know:  (not Neil Gaiman...have no clue who that is. lol)
                                                                   

                                          

God is definitely good. He may not always give us what we want, but we are certainly given what we need.

On that note, I look forward to 2014 and all that it brings! 

                                      

Thanking God for the people that are flying with me!!

Time to set new goals! That's why we started with the Resolution Run. I plan to continue with my running. Already signed up for the Ottawa Half Marathon and still trying to decide on other runs to do. Will continue with my pole fitness too, and learning new stuff. But first...focus on my health. I learned a couple days before Christmas that I have a medical condition that I wasn't aware that I had. But, I wont get into any details right now on what I've learned because I've really written enough for today and i'm still learning. Like I said when I started...so much I could write about. lol So stay tuned....and bye for now.

Prayers to all for an absolutely wonderful and blessed 2014!!

On that note....I'll end with a remake although there is nothing like the original. But good job Michael Buble.