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.

Ready to Run

It's been a while since I've blogged so I am making a special attempt to do it now while I am exhausted.

Actually started writing a few blog posts that never got around to finishing to publish.

Soo much has been happening. Work stupidness as usual. Things got even worse, some expected and some unexpected. But...I need my job so I really can't tell you what has happened since. Let's just say that many aware of this long soap opera have said "I TOLD YOU SO". lol This coming week will be even more interesting. Man oh man!

But let me update you on something else I previously wrote about - my car. TaDa! 

And we are whole again.  Lol. No dent! Was taken care of as promised and in a timely fashion.

                                                       

On that note, I'll plug the honest people I dealt with.  If you are local, i'm just sayin!! Honest people!!

Furman says I was lucky. Lol. Because if I was in the US I'd be paying to fix my own car.  Haha

And, I thought I would show off my new jersey. Not like I had an old one but you know what I mean.  I ordered it from the US for a good price after Furman got one with somebody's help. I couldn't let my American husband have a hockey jersey when his Canadian wife doesn't have one at all. Oh nooo. Lol. So ta da! Again! lol  But....let's just say that it will have to stay in the package until the next season. Not quite sure what happened to the Toronto maple Leafs. They started off the season with such promise then TANKED! New focus....The Toronto Raptors who have now made the playoffs. First time since 2008. Smh! Raptors Clinch Playoff Spot

Oh. Oh. Oh.....and let me tell you...I have set some more goals. Furman and I have officially signed up to run the Army Run Half Marathon. How fitting considering my husband used to be a soldier himself. I couldn't resist the opportunity to return to Ottawa  for a better race route along the Rideau Canal.
                                                       
Oh....and, the bling was way too cute to pass up.
What a way to get some dog tags without enlisting. lol By earning it running my third Half Marathon in September. Remember, we have one already scheduled for May....the Ottawa Half Marathon. Oh....but we didn't stop here.....we decided to go INTERNATIONAL!! Furman and I registered to run a race that he already ran several years ago, the Detroit International Half Marathon. When he told me about it I thought it was soo cool, just never thought I'd be doing it. Now I will, in October after our third anniversary.

Our International Half-Marathon course offers international appeal, traversing both downtown Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, crossing the border at both the Ambassador Bridge and Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. 

Oh, and of course, my running buddy Catie will be on board with us to add new bling to our collections. She is the one that encouraged us to do the Army Run. She was already registered. lol That's her, always raring to go! Furman wasn't sure about it and neither was I until I confirmed that the route is actually different than the one we are running in May. Now....to train...oh my....the 10k coming up in a few weeks is going to be torture. But, we are soo happy that the weather is finally starting to change so that we can get outside.

Anyways......I really gotta stop here just because I'm exhausted. Had a lovely weekend in Niagara and literally just got back. Can't wait to write you about it. Till then.....

Have a great evening.

Blessings!!

Almost Active

It's just about that time to come out of hibernation.

I can't take this cold anymore!! Lol. I don't care if I was born in Canada. Will never get used to winter..and a winter that is always different. Looking forward to getting outside to run. 10k coming up! Half Marathon in May. We gotta start training. Take some of this winter weight off. lol And, there are a few other runs that I'm considering signing up for:  Army Run and Detroit International Half Marathon which is a really cool one that Furman has already done years ago. You actually get to run through the underwater tunnel that separates Windsor and Detroit. So yeah....I gotta get on the ball so I can get signed up - Get Serious!! Almost active again!!

So, when my pole buddy invited us out the other night for some rollerskating, we were all for it. Furman was really ready. Raring to go! This man still has a whole bunch of his stuff left in Miami that we haven't had an opportunity to return and get since he landed. Oh, but he sure had his own personal rollerskates here already. Go figure!

My friend and I rented. lol

We went to Scooters Roller Palace which was much farther than we expected. But we had great fun for a mid week fun night. It obviously wasn't packed. There was a childrens birthday party going on but other than that there were some random skaters. My friend and I took advantage of the opportunity to change between rollerblades and rollerskates too. Best of both worlds. Next time, i'll bring my own rollerblades. There WILL be a next time!

Had to share this trailer for Roll Bounce because I love this rollerskating movie. Watched it way too many times raising a daughter who was in love with Bow Wow. hahaha

It was a great compliment to receive from my friend too that I'm much more fun than some of her friends her own age. lol She is so sweet. Thanks girl!!
When I was younger, the friends (and boyfriends) I had weren't into much so I missed out. Didn't get to travel and do half the stuff that I do now. (Now that I think about it, Furman was the only guy that's actually taken me on a real vacation. lol Go figure! Although he did dump me after we returned from it. Long story...but hey, we weren't ready for each other in those days.) But, it's so true that if you wait on people to do things, you may never get to do them.
I'm blessed now to have Furman who loves to get out and do some of the stuff I like and vice versa.

Of course, we had to capture the moment with a photo.  hahaha


So...until I get out there and run which should be real soon now...i'll keep at my Pole Fitness (that I do twice a week and three if I can squeeze in a Saturday session) and any other random stuff. The Dr says its good for me to keep at it especially since he can't fix me. For the New Year But, we started a new treatment plan to see if he can correct the curve in my neck. Now that i've gotten some relief, I need to continue three times a week with my Chiropractic visits for a little while longer to work on whatever correction that might be possible. Now, I get hooked up to this contraption to see if it will work.

                                     

So, I sit in the chair with some strap around my head/neck. It gets connected to the strap to pull from both directions that keeps my head back and neck weighted to pull forward. Something like that but this photo to the right is kind of close. Not sure how long I will continue with the treatment (Chiropractic Gimmickry) but for now I've got nothing to lose by trying it. Besides, my benefits at work cover me for a certain amount and I like my Dr. After all the nonsense i've been going through at work these days, the least they can do is cover my visits for a while. lol

Anyways....I'm gone to finish the rest of my Sunday evening with my honey and back into the crazy place tomorrow. Hoping to have my car repaired this week too, Beginning of March. Wish me luck.

Oh...and thanks to the ladies of my Ladies Prayer Breakfast for lifting me up this week. Absolutely love them.

Hope everyone has a very blessed week.

Beginning of March

It's the beginning of March and it's not starting off too great for me.

It's still too cold outside to start our running....which is becoming a concern because we have an upcoming 10k race in April. Toronto Yonge St 10k  

I AM SOO OVER THE WINTER. ENOUGH ALREADY!!

But, we did manage to get in a bit of ice skating last night. Furman was dying to try out his new skates.

                                                 

And today, my baby got a boo boo! Yikes!!

  Not happy! Trust me, neither is Furman. If only I had gone straight.

I was going to get gas at Costco where apparently there were a few emergency vehicles on site. The station was still open. My first mistake!! I had no clue what was going on but later found out. Someone died while waiting for gas! Seizure? Heart Attack? Who knows. As I turned toward the station, another emergency vehicle was on its way behind. So, I made a left instead of a right which took me into the parking lot instead of the station entrance. I was trying to get out of the way to allow the fire truck to get through. Well, turns out that there was a tow truck facing the other direction beside me that was parked in a position to make an exit where I came in once the way was clear. But, he decided to back up for some reason. (Not really sure why because he wasn't even in the way) THEN, he backed up into me. He wasn't hearing my horn honking for him to STOP!! 

HONK HONK - WATCH IT BUDDY!!!

Furman hopped out the car to go the the guys window and ask him to move his vehicle forward, off my car. The guy told Furman to wait...LOL He clearly didn't realize that he had reversed into my car. Oh boy! I didn't even realize the damage he did until I got out of the car and saw. Yikes!! 

Accidents aren't called accidents for nothing. I can be mad at myself all I want. I can be mad at him. But....it was an Accident. Wishing I chose to make a different turn, or that I had made a different stop wont do me any good. What's done is done. So, now what?

Well, he gave me his business cards. After all, he was driving a tow truck so there is an association to a body shop. Hopefully that's a good thing. He said to contact him and he will take care of the damage he caused. So...we'll see. Keep your fingers crossed and wish me luck that I can get my damage fixed without any drama. Don't make me start blogging about how you did me wrong buddy!!!  lol  Now, let's see how long this takes.

Anyways....I'm off the enjoy the remainder of my Sunday. Have a good meal and catch up on some shows I've been waiting to watch.

For those who want a night out on the town....guess what movie is out? Check it out!! Can't wait to see it.

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!