Hidden Letter?

I just had an emotional moment that was too cute I had to share.

I unexpectedly found a letter that was written on a note pad and hadn't been given directly to me, although it was meant for me. No doubt about that!

Not sure if not giving it to me was an oversight or if the intention was for me to find it like I did. That's not even important. What was expressed in this Mother's Day letter and how it made me feel is what is soo important and will never be forgotten.

My daughter came to spend Mother's Day Weekend with us. Very special since she lives away from home trying to make her mark in the world and getting educated. Was so nice to have her around. Missed her very much. That being said, she sacrificed her sleep time Saturday morning by agreeing to attend my usual Ladies Prayer Breakfast with me. I was shocked. But, it was so nice of her to attend to share in fellowship and meet the ladies who have been consistently keeping her in prayer during her transition from teenager to adult. Following that, she even agreed to go on a hike with Furman and I through the woods. WHAT? lol Yup...we took her through a long walk and introduced her to our local wooded hill and the 99 Steps of Thornton Bales. Bet she might not do that again. haha  To make it even better, she came to church with us on Sunday morning with no fuss like teenagers usually like to give. Nope...not her. She is growing up. Sunday's message taught by Pastor Bryan at Hope For Today was right for my daughter, as well as many others I am sure. "GOD HAS GOT YOUR BACK!!"  Yup...he sure does.

Then, together with Furman, and both my children, we went to visit my mom in the hospital in coordination with my sister and her husband to make the visit for mom extra special. That, it was. Always a thrill to see my mom soo happy. We topped off Mother's Day with a wonderful dinner at my favorite place - Federicks. Man oh man! I'm soo happy they aren't located close to home because I would be too much of a regular. Their food and prices are amazing.


I had to take a photo of this glass of wine that I decided to have. NEVER have I ordered a glass of wine in a restaurant that only cost me $3.75. And, to top it off, they filled the glass damn near the top! WHAT? You know you never get a full glass of wine at a restaurant. lol Unless i've just always been to the wrong places. Not that I usually drink wine when I go out anyways, but I observe and used to waitress.

Well, this evening I was clearing up some clutter that I had left on a table. This included removing a notepad that I had out. When I turned over the notepad I came across a letter that was addressed to me. "Dear Mom,"  Yup, that's me! I kept reading. I wont share the letter but I will definitely share how it started...and how I started to get emotional. Knowing my daughter, this was written when she was up real late. lol

The letter goes on....and I could never describe how it made me feel. My babygirl is growing up. To  my haters - you were wrong....I am a very good mother...Smh. I may not have been perfect, but I was good enough for my children and I am very proud. They will always be a work in progress, just like I am...but God is good and faithful.

So, in case my daughter reads my blog at any time....I want to say again how thankful that I am for this wonderful letter she left for me. I love her and my son very much. I'm very blessed and very proud. Oh....and thanks again for spending the weekend with us. Your company is always welcome.

Ok.....I've had my emotional moment and will now put the letter away for safe keeping along with some other notes I have received in the past. Thank You Son  & Signed: A Friend.

                                       

Disappointed to Elated

I've been writing this post all week...just haven't gotten back to it till today.

The word is out..... (Hey, that makes me think of a classic...let's side track for a minute so I can sing...)

OK....I'm back. lol

My Raptors disappointed me. Disappointed us all. We were sooo hopeful.

I was sooo looking forward to watching the game all day that Friday, which then turned into Sunday after a horrible Game 5 loss. When Game 5 started, it didn't take long to realize the Raptors didn't really show up. The day when they should have been able to take the round. Thank goodness they had a second chance to try with a Home Game. I couldn't wait to get home after church to watch the game. Me! I was wishing I was there, if not at the game, standing in Jurassic Park aka Maple Leaf Square with the rest of the excited fans.....till they lost! lol But now, it's over. I am still devastated. Lol. Ok, maybe devastated is a bit of an overstatement. But you know what I mean.
Now, I get to watch Miami beat Brooklyn. And yes, I am full on cheering for Miami this year because Brooklyn beat the Raptors. lol While Furman cheers on Miami because he is a die hard Miami fan from Miami. At the same time, i've been following some of the other games too. You know, watching Hibbert tank. But, enough of this NBA talk.

This is Mother's Day Weekend and today is a good day. I got to visit my mother in the hospital and had a wonderful visit with her after a rough disappointing week, for which I will skip the details. Before going to the hospital I stopped at my mothers apartment and as I was stopping at a neighbourhood store to buy her a treat, I ran into my father. OMG! I couldn't believe it. He was walking towards the store looking all cool and stuff with his black sunglasses. I will hold onto that image forever if I never see him again.
I say this because for those who don't know, my father has never been a part of my life. Nope. I've known where he was and stuff but he has chosen to live the life of a man without a child. It's been hard to deal with growing up but I have. I've been trying to get him to go to coffee with me for a long time. Just so we could sit down and get to know each other not necessarily as parent and child but as strangers trying to get acquainted. But, he has always denied me. I think I wrote about a time in the past where I ran into him on the street for the first time since I was much much younger and he ignored me because he was unsure of how to react. Well, today, he didn't have much of a choice unless he was going to turn around and run. That would have been hilarious...although hurtful.

So, I approached him as he walked toward me. Not sure if he knew who I was right off the bat but probably. Thank goodness I wasn't looking too shabby. lol Was all dressed up for mom in my linen pants and heels. He commented on how tall I was so I brought his attention to my heels as I asked him if I could give him a hug. He gave me one. I swear time stood still for a moment. We only talked for a few minutes. I was nervous and I don't know if he really wanted to be there. He seemed to forget about whatever he went to the store for though. I say that because after our interaction he just turned around and went back where he came from. lol But, I got a hug!! My only regret, was not getting a photo with him or of him. I couldn't dare ask. Are you kidding me? So I wonder, when he left me what was on his mind? Will he ever agree to coffee with me? Gee....maybe I should have invited him to have a Spirit. lol Who knows?

Between running into my father....a highly unusual and random event, and having an awesome visit with my mother at the hospital....and now my daughter will be coming over to spend the weekend. I have to conclude that today is a damn good day. Yup!
Oh man...that makes me think of another classic by Ice Cube.

So, in case I am wayyy too busy to blog over the weekend, let me say from now to all the Mother's that are reading:
  I am certainly looking forward to mine.

Spending time with the people that I love the most.

NBA Playoff Experience

We just had the most awesome experience - together!
We went to an NBA Playoff Game - Game 5, Toronto Raptors vs Brooklyn Nets.
It was worth every penny spent AND getting in trouble for getting the tickets when I did. Long story.
Unfortunately, I had to miss an awesome pole spinning workshop that I had signed up to attend too. But, again, it was soo worth it.

When we arrived at the Air Canada Center we saw that every seat was covered with a white t-shirt that said WE THE NORTH on it for all the fans to wear.
                                             
Let the excitement begin. Lord knows I needed a great night after having dealt with a lot of stress the last little while. We immediately put the t-shirts on to get into the fan spirit as we waited for the stadium to fill and the game to begin. Took a photo.

 

It was a full house! Not sure there was an empty seat anywhere. A beautiful sight!

                      
Our seats were pretty high up but they were still great seats as far as we were concerned. We were happy. Furman and I are not that hard to please. lol Oh...and so were the fans that surrounded us (happy that is), which were definitely a bunch of characters - especially the ones sitting beside Furman. hahaha Pure jokes. In excitement, Furman was grabbed, punched, hugged, picked up...I don't even know what else. The guy beside him was definitely full of excitement, and the several beers that he drank helped him get that way. lol  During halftime the guy stepped out and came back with this giant red finger....but he let Furman hold onto it because I guess he felt he deserved to for putting up with him..lol I dunno. Gee....I just wonder how much he paid for that thing?

For the night, this Miami Heat fan was a very good Raptor fan. lol

Love him!!

As exciting as the game was, it was almost devastating to watch the Raptors lose a 26 point lead and allow the game to be tied 101 to 101 in the fourth quarter. It was crazy!! But, us fans kept at it. The place was LOUD!! Yup...best fans in the NBA.  Raptors Fans singing National Anthem at Game 5 A proud to be Canadian moment.

Oh, and let me mention one of the highlights for Furman....FREE PIZZA!! lol

When the Raptors reach a 100 points in a home game that they win, the fans can redeem their tickets for a free slice of pizza at  PIZZA PIZZA. After having been to a few games already, Furman was happy to finally get his free slice. The game was definitely a nail biter. But, they pulled it off!!!  RAPTORS WIN!!

.

                                      

Now, if they can only win Game 6 being played tonight in Brooklyn. So exciting. Definitely won't be the same crowd, but they can do it! Stay focused! Brooklyn wanted to face Toronto...so give them what they wanted and finish off the round Raptors. Now, if they win and have to face Miami in the next round....that will be interesting. After all, Furman can root for the Raptors with me, but when Miami is playing....all bets are off...he is a die hard Miami fan. lol I still love him. :)

But, we look forward to watching the North play the South!

On that note, i'll end with this awesome video I have shared once before.

WE THE NORTH

  

TONIGHT.....

LET'S GO RAPTORS!!!

I can hear the chant from the square.

What I Missed

I've had the opportunity to attend my very first Bachelorette Party this past weekend. No lies.
Was very excited and felt very honoured to have been invited by some awesome ladies. Another family I'd say. My Spinbuddies family.

I never had a Bachelorette Party when I was getting married, so this was going to be a whole new experience for me. I love new experiences. Wasn't quite sure what to expect other than a very fun night. That, I knew for sure. Considering the week I've had, I was definitely looking forward to a night to unwind.

My wonderful awesome husband was the designated driver. You know, so I could DRINK with the ladies.

I did....but not too too much. lol 

I wanted to remember this experience.

In preparation for the party I was to buy a pair of panties which was for a game we were to play. Of course, my inexperienced self had no clue about it until I was in the Romance Shop and the sales lady told me what it's all about. Ohhhhh. The bride to be is supposed to guess who brought which pair of panties and there are consequences for getting it wrong. hahahaha Guess what those were!

Also, we were to bring something silly for the bride to wear. Ie. penis earrings. I had no clue what to bring. Like I said, I was new at this. But, the Romance Shop helped me out. So, this is what I picked up on behalf of myself and my Pole Buddy that was going with me to the event, to save her a trip.

Shot glass ring.

Necklace

You are seeing correct! hahaha

My apologies to those who might be a bit prudish. No offence. Was all in good fun.

http://deborahheal.com/warning-prudish-characters-on-board/

With the supplies on the bed spread out, we all got together and waited for the bride-to-be to arrive. It was supposed to be a surprise....but she may have figured something was going on when she got outside the hotel room door and possibly heard us all trying to shush each other up. hahahaha

Included grass skirt, coconut bra, tiara, bride-to-be glasses, sash...

Anyways.....I don't want to tell you too much about the Bachelorette Party. lol Can't let the cat out of the bag about all that goes on (don't think i'm supposed to...lol)...other than that it was great fun and completely harmless. We all looked out for each other and everybody was on their best behaviour. 

But...I will share one photo...evidence of a great time!

                                              

Yeah....it's a bit blurry...but you can't expect a bunch of drinking ladies to take a perfect photo. hahahaha

Love it!  Ohhhh....and my feet were singing by the end of the night because I was wearing heels...something I don't do as much as I used to. Goodness me I was hating myself. hahaha But I'm they're (the feet) are ok. lol

To Heal or not to Heel?

One last thing I will share about a wonderful night and experience is what I thought was the absolute highlight. Towards the end of the night we ended up at a location that had poles, you know, like the ones we do our pole fitness on. But these people don't use their poles for pole fitness. Trust me on that one. The bride-to-be appeared to be giving a tip when in actual fact she just wanted to get on the pole. BAHAHAHAHA And that she did! It was soo awesome. Love her! She got up there with her bachelorette costume on and showed how the poles should really be used. Highlight I tell ya!!

At the end of the night...as expected, Furman was outside waiting for my friend and I to take us home safely. We talked his head off all the way home so he certainly didn't have any issues staying awake. lol I was just soo happy to be able to slip my feel out of my shoes. lol I swear that once I took them out, I wouldn't have been able to get them back in if I had tried. Smh.

Very thankful for the invitation to be a part of a special evening for a special lady. 

It did wonders for my stress level. Something I've been working on since last week to control. Reduce the headaches, back and neck pain, and get some decent sleep. Yup, working on it!

Living Stress Free: 6 Ways to De-stress in Less than 5 Minutes

On that note....I need to lay down and relax. But I thought I'd blog after remembering some advice I received today on how to de-stress....and writing was a recommendation. Something, I already do. 

Who knew?!!  lol

The other advice.......relaxing music/sounds.....I was actually sent a CD with something like this to listen to. So, if you need to relax yourself.....check it out:  (Sounds straight out of a Spa)

Have a great RELAXING evening.

STRESSSSED!!

I've been going through a terrible time these days.
I can't share details because I need my job, but I can say that a big part of my stress comes from work.
No longer is work the escape from any other personal stress that I may be having. Oh Nooooo. No longer a place you don't mind going because you like the people you work with. Nope....When things are bad where you gotta spend 8 hours of your day....then you really got some problems. Thing is, I'm not alone in dealing with this stress. I wasn't the first, and I wont be the last...but it's definitely my turn.
                     

I feel sorry for Furman sometimes who has to listen to me gripe about the days events. He's been listening to all that's been going on for a year now. There is no end sight. I try not to bring it home with me but sometimes you just get sooooo upset. My Doctor says I need to put on those boxing gloves, in a matter of speaking. Is there another way to beat a XXXX? lol
Serial XXXX - few of my friends need to read this article I thought was interesting.
My Chiropractor is making good money off me because by the end of the day I am soo wound up. Anyone have a pair of gloves they don't need? Because I know my husband would love to spar with me. He is always trying to keep me active and stress free. Didn't I say that by the time my cruise comes around that I would really need it? lol We will really need it.
I'm trying to work out a plan to deal with what I have to deal with that has gotten real serious in my opinion. Pray for me and the others affected. Please.

In the meantime, my cup is running over if you know what I mean.
My mom is not well after years of her being well, so we are back to the drawing board. I really don't understand what happened there. Too many changes in a short period of time i'd guess.

But hey....the Raptors are in the NBA Playoffs!!! And we got Playoff tickets!! There's a story there too, just not for today. lol.

Just love this video - have to share:

Raptors being in the Playoffs is long long overdue. I just hope they make it past the first round. That would be so exciting for the city. I really think they can do it too. Been a long time since I looked forward to watching basketball. The Toronto Maple Leafs choked....but I wont get into that. 

Anyways, I'm in training for my next race: The Ottawa Half Marathon. Let me just say that it's killing me. I have no clue how I finished a 10k and in decent time. Maybe I'm being too hard on myself. I'll get it done...but boy oh boy...it really hurts to not have the treadmill access I used to have. Trying to get out there and run more now that the weather is much much better. And besides....Running really is cheaper than Therapy. lol  I even got this printed on a running shirt.

Well let me quit here. I just wanted to make sure and update my blog so you know that I am still here. Finally back at my pole fitness class after having an Intercostal Muscle Strain: nothing to sneeze at. Took me several weeks to heal so I had to miss class. Hurt myself from trying to learn all my tricks on the opposite side. Meaning - using the side I'm not strongest and most comfortable with. lol Trying to even myself out and I have no clue what I did but I did something. Like the blog post states, it's definitely nothing to sneeze at. lol

So...I'm out. Furman and I have a routine and my blogging right now is interrupting that. lol I'll just say that I don't like the new Kelly or the new Billy, miss Phyllis and Adam and not sure why Chloe is leaving.

Back soon.
Have an awesome evening.
I'd say that I'm too blessed to be stressed but boy oh boy....that's certainly not the case these days.
Prayers welcomed.

First Run of the Season

We did it!!

We finished our first run of the season...and in decent time too seeing as how we haven't really been training. Only just started getting out to run a few weeks ago since it's started getting warmer.
But, we did it! Me - 1:02:13. Furman, about a minute ahead of me. God Bless Him for trying to help me move a bit faster. lol But, I was running out of steam quickly towards the end. My mind kept playing tricks on me...telling me that I would feel much better if I just stopped and walked for a quick minute. I didn't though. Nope...kept going and finished with a better time than I received in 2012 when I ran it the first time. lol

 

First running pic of the season!!!

Today, I didn't feel too bad. Just tired because I didn't sleep very good last night. But, I will tonight....that's for sure. My belly is uber full after a nice dinner at Red Lobster with an old friend. Felt like a VIP. lol My friend is a regular at this location so they hooked us up. Got a bag of biscuits to bring home for Furman. The waitress comp'd the drinks and dessert. And then, as we were getting ready to head out the door...she surprised us with a take home piece of cheesecake for dessert. Imagine that! Furman was happy. I definitely gotta go on the website and fill out their survey. She went over and above.

So now, I sit here exhausted, watching my favourite soap opera before I fall asleep for sweet dreams. And let me tell you, they will certainly be sweet. I've got something super special to look forward to over the next 6 months. My husband booked our Anniversary Vacation.  OMG! OMG! 

Has me dancing and singing!!

                                       

The trip of a lifetime I am sure!!

Did I say that I am excited?

Where are we going you might wonder?  OMG! OMG!

MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE!!

Yup!! Sure am!!

Something that I have always always wanted to do.

I've already been through the Caribbean (minus a few stops I have yet to get to), and now ready for another part of this big ole world! With my husband!! Just the thought of where I will be on our anniversary and then on my birthday makes me want to dance!! Feeling blessed!

Certainly makes up for missing a nice vacation last year. :) We had too many things going on to travel.

That's all I will say for now but you know you will definitely read much more about my excitement in the months to come. Hell yeah!! I can't keep this excitement to myself. lol I'll bust!

                                     

Details to come!!

But thanks to our friends at Valente Travel.

Anyways...I'm off to dream and plan and dream!!  (And train during my sleep for the next race. lol)

Sweet dreams.

Gifted!

Sooo.... I thought I'd write another post to share about our lovely weekend that passed. Was just a night away but something we definitely need to do more often. Especially when Niagara Falls is only a couple hours away. The good thing about it too, is that we can cross right over into Buffalo for some cross border shopping. Lol. Kill a couple birds with one stone. Ya know?

Anyways, I booked through Priceline.com for the first time. My sons recommendation. Named my price and got accepted with a decent room at the Marriott Gateway On The Falls. Didn't worry about a Fallsview room. With the stupid snowy weather there wasn't anything to really see, at least until the sun came out on Sunday.  Furman figures that with using Priceline they know exactly what room they are going to give you for Priceline money and it wouldn't be a Fallsview  room. Maybe he's right. Who knows.

                                     

We headed out to Niagara mid day Saturday to kill some time till we could check into the hotel. We brought our running gear with hopes to get in a nice run. (We are both supposed to be training for the 10k remember) I was hoping to be able to run along the Falls.  That didn't end up working out, just so ya know!  Lol We made our usual stops to fulfill our shopping list. Tops Supermarket for some Grits and Blistex. Don't even laugh! The Blistex I buy are much cheaper in the US than at home. And fellow Canadians know you can't get Grits on our side of the border. If anyone knows of a place where you can, be sure to let me know will ya? In the same plaza as Tops, we check out Target and go to Sally's Beauty Supply.  Now this is where I get my hair products. Yup, I rather pay $8.99 than the $13.99 for the same bottle they charge in Toronto. Oh, and Dollar Tree is a must! Lol. Not the same as ours. Nope. Gotta make a stop at Dollar Tree even if its just for snacks.

Next stop is always Jared's!  You know, The Gallery of Jewelry.  As I think I mentioned in a post when I just started, Furman bought my engagement ring from Jared's in Miami. So, seeing as there is no Jared's in Toronto, my ring service is a trip across the border. I get everything cleaned. We bought our wedding bands from the Indiana Jared's and the earrings from the Pennsylvania store. Lol So I get those taken care of also. Love Jared's. 

And, while waiting, we shop. (Big smile). This time, I got some Pandora charms for my bracelet. Lol. Yup!  I said some!  My husband loves me. I have a hard time choosing and I'm very sentimental so if I can't choose we get them both.  Or in this case, all!

                                                 

Maple Leaf, Yin/Yang, dangling Passport, USA and a dangling cross. 

Can you pick out the symbolism here? 

But mannnn.... Was it ever great timing for ring service.  Apparently my stone was loose. OMG! WTH? I guess from getting caught on those winter sweaters and such. I had to leave it for service and pick up the next day. Good thing we already had plans to spend the night on the Ontario side. Made it easy to return for another day of shopping. Lol. Another good thing too... I was able to get something Furman has been waiting to get me... The Garmin Forerunner 220!!  Woo hoo. I am soo ready to run now. Lol

 

Great video helped Furman get me all set.  Check it out - Excellent review.

Let's just say this past weekend I was well gifted. Woo wee. Pampered!  Was a nice treat. 

We didn't get to The Cheesecake Factory or La Nova Pizza and Wings as usual. But, we did check out a new recommended spot that we thoroughly enjoyed and would also recommend - Duff's Famous Wings. Great wings. And apparently they are now in Toronto somewhere. Gonna look them up.  Oh, we also checked out Kyoto Japanese Hibachi restaurant too. Another highly recommended spot. Both recommended by the staff at Jared's and both places were definitely a hit.  Wonder where they will recommend us to try on our next visit. lol

Anyways....time to get to work.

Before the stress starts I just thought I'd relish a happy thought and share my past weekend.

Hope everyone has an awesome and blessed day.