It's Been a Long Time....

It's been a while that I made a post. Life has given me a shitload of work to take care of. It makes for no mood to write. I've had urges to write some more in my novel but it left just as fast as it came. So what have I done really?

When I get really stressed I tend to want to escape reality. I do this with either immersing myself in a game or a book. What I've done was immerse myself into a book series. I started reading Jeaniene Frost's Night Huntress Series (b.k.a. Cat & Bones). I read them back to back in matter of days. I read one spin off book called Once Burned (a.k.a. The Dark Prince series). I have recently started the final Cat & Bones book but my enthusiasm has left. I don't feel much like reading a book. I've done all this on my travel to and from work. Thank goodness for public transportation.

I recently decided to take a try in selling my jewelry and other items. eBay was not a place for it. Etsy is too crowded. The easiest way so far is to try an Instagram shop. You can find mine here www.instagram.com\cleighdesigns. I got the idea from a Twitter friend (@ynotkissme). She started her own for vintage goods. I've slowly been putting up products. I haven't gotten any sales, but I really have no idea how to market it. I need followers. As I learn the ropes, I will continue to add items up with hope. Let's see how things go after a while. I'll leave it up as long as I keep my main Instagram account active.

I've embarked on a weight loss program with my hubby. We are not doing a special program like weight watchers. We are doing it using apps, videos and some of our own visions. We had a FitBit Force but we sold it before the gov't recall. We used it to track our steps, sleep and exercise. Now we just use our phone. We didn't realize that our iPhone counts our steps. It's not as completely accurate as the FitBit, but it'll do until we find another watch/band type device. Pairing these, we use the FitBit iOS app & My Fitness Pal iOS app. They are both synced together. The FitBit app tracks the steps and weight from the FitBit scale. It then sends the data to My Fitness Pal (MFP). MFP is where I have my weight loss goals. I am supposed to only eat 1440 calories a day. I log my food when I can. Since I started the program, I've lost 5 lbs. I'm doing the 1 lb per week loss. It's way too hard for any more than that. I want to eat better than anything else. It is more about portion control and regular activity.

I was talking to my friend Maha who had battled Stage 4 uterin cancer. She has changed her eating habits. I just found out that it had mastasticized to her liver and spleen. She was able to get them removed and currently in remission. She will have to get checked for the rest of her life. Her doctor told her she may need chemo for life too. She told him no. Since she changed her diet she's been doing much better and her doctor thinks so too. She plans on tweeting about her new diet on her new twitter @sounrefined. You should follow her. We also talked about her writing her biography. She has such a colorful life. She was born in Pakistan. Experienced war in her neighborhood. Moved to England. Married a diplomat. Then moved to the US. She has an adorable son (who I want to keep). I had the pleasure to meet her at my job. I'm glad I was able to meet and be friends with her. She's an awesome woman. Now to convince her to take me to Pakistan with her.

I would love to have a lot more exciting things to talk about, but I've just been so busy at work. Maybe the next post will be exciting.

Review: To Paris with Love

To Paris with Love by Carl Weber

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



So I have all of the family business books. This book is supposed to take place in Paris' past. So I am going to reveal my thoughts on characters.

Paris: I don't like to deal with spoiled ass brats especially hardheaded ones. Paris I would never be friends. I'd try to beat the shit out of her all the time. Her character is hard for me to read. I have a similar distaste to her sister London.

Rio: I always love Rio. He is one of the endearing character. He's wild but he has sense. He listens. He may not like it, but he takes it to heart.

Okay, so here's my review.

Beginning of the book begins in the present when Paris heads to Europe for a friend's wedding where she spots an old enemy. She proceeds to tell her friend the story of the situation between her and the enemy.

The book is not written as a reflection as Paris telling a story. It is written as a standard, typical novel. It should've been if you start out a book saying "girl let me tell you what happened." I expect it all to be from Paris' point of view.

The story and romance was good. I enjoyed it greatly. I even dreamed of the story. There are a lot of issues going on that keeps the story on its toes. The characters are well written. There were moments in the book that were confusing; so I had to re read the chapter because one sentence thru it off. No sweat since the chapters are small.

One thing that was really good was the imagery. I was able to imagine the Spanish farm/countryside, the yacht party and the hotel suites. Like most books from Carl Weber, there was plenty of sex. I am just curious of how Weber knows the sensations if sex from a woman's point of view.

My big disappointment was the end. There wasn't a wrap up. Remember at the beginning she was in the airport in the present? Well it should've ended there. Wanted to hear her friend's opinion and whether the enemy saw them or not. Weber could've just tied the story up. Instead he just kills off dude and that's it. No repercussions. No enemy screaming bloody murder. Enemy really didn't fuck up her family as she stated in the beginning of the book. She stopped any issues getting to them in the end.

All in all the story was a great read, but it had some glaring (in my opinion) inconsistencies. It is worth the read.




View all my reviews

Stop Dream Stalking Me, Rock

"Don't forget we've got another Barmitzvah to go to tonight" I yell to Jason from the bathroom.
"We sure have a lot of these to go to. We'll be broke by time the month ends." Jason gripes.
"That's not true." I laugh.

After a while, we are dressed and walking to our destination.

"Don't forget this is a special Barmitzvah. They will have Sari's to buy. I love Sari's." I say as we approach our destination.
"Are you saying that we should go home so you can't buy any more Sari's!" Jason says.
"Don't be silly. Let's go!!" I say grabbing his hand and pull him to the door.

We are ushered to our seats. We see a wall full of Sari's. I notice 3 that I absolutely love. I was so fascinated that I didn't notice that someone sat down next to me. Jason leaned over to tell me the The Rock is sitting next to me. That brought me out of my trance and into the reality of the situation.

"What are you doing here?" I hiss at The Rock.
"I'm enjoying a Barmitzvah and sitting down next to a sexy woman." The Rock answers back.
"You know him?" Jason asks.
"Yes she does. We enjoyed 2 wonderful years together." The Rock answers before I do.
"He was my last boyfriend before you. We broke up maybe a year before I met you." I answer Jason. Then I turned towards The Rock.
"Really, Dwayne? Why are you really here?" I ask him.
"I missed you." Rock replies.
"Too bad. I'm married." I flaunt my ring in front of him.
"Does it look like I care. I'm sure I can win you back." Rock says with bravado.
"I have no interest. I love Jason. And I won't do anything to hurt him. So you need to find another one of your exes to stalk."
"I want you."
"I don't." I turn to Jason, "let's switch seats."

We move 2 rows down as they started the sale for the Sari's. They picked up one of 3 I liked. I raised my hands to buy it. They lady came over to me and gave it to my neighbor who happen to be the Rock, again.

"Stop following me!!!!" I exclaim a little to loudly. I turn to Jason. "I just can't win. Sorry babe for all this."

"I didn't know you date The Rock. You are full of surprises. But it is what it is. We'll be home soon." Jason answers.

I put my attention back on the sari sale. I was able to purchase the other 2. Then the DJ called for all husbands to go on stage for some special entertainment. I really didn't want Jason to go. I told him my feelings.

"I wouldn't even be able to take him if it were to come to blows. I trust you." He says as he leaves for the stage. I stand up to follow him. As I stood facing the stage The Rock comes and stands next to me.

"I'll give you this sari if you will admit that all the sexy nights in Havanna meant something to you." The Rock bargains.
"It did at that point of time. I am now happily married to Jason. What we had was in the past." I answer.
"Okay. Good to know that You did have feelings for me. I can see that I thave no chance, but a guy had to try. Here's the sari." he hands me the sari and salutes Jason on stage.

As he leaves, he bends over and whispers "you'll be mine one day" and walks out.

2013 is Gone. What's on The Agenda 2014?

2013 came and went like a blur. I was so busy with my job that I really didn't get to accomplish what I really wanted. I know I shouldn't let job consume my life, especially when they don't pay what I'm worth. But there were highlights and low lights for the year.

Highlights of 2014

1. I had my 1 year anniversary with my husband. I still can't believe that I have a husband much less being 1 year deep. So for our anniversary, we took a cruise to Jamaica, Cozumel and Grand Cayman. But first we stopped by my dad's place so we could eat our top layer if wedding cake, like tradition.
2. We taken a short trip to Florida to spend with my mom and the beach. We actually left the airport and went straight to the beach. We made couple beach stops which granted us 2 stops at Joe's Crab Shack. Eating Joe's after the beach is an awesome compliment to the day. We met up with family and friends. My aunt and my mom's friend were postering who's favorite I was. Lol, never seen grown women act that way before. It was an experience.
3. We took a trip to New Mexico to visit Jason's family. Had a good time except for one day (see this post). We went to Santa Fe, the State Fair and I got my iPhone 5S. Didn't have to wait in a line like I would have to in NY. Jason got to order his because they didn't have the unlocked version yet. It was great seeing Jason's family. They are great. I couldn't ask for more. They have accepted me totally.

There really isn't any more highlights. I was spending my life working & stressing. So with that note, let's get into the lowlights of the year.

1. Lost a 20 year friendship over bullshit. (See point #3 above)
2. Spent hours of overtime at work that I will never get back or get compensated for. Frankly, I'm not appreciated. However, unless you are the CEO/President are you really?
3. My father had a stroke and I couldn't be there for him. Reason? Work wouldn't let me off and my father being stubborn and not wanting me to see him ill. Makes me realize that time is running out for my parents. They are getting to the age where anything can happen and both of them are sickly.

What do I expect in 2014? I do expect some changes big and small. So far the following are in the works:

1. Planning a 14 day cruise with my mom to Asia. Leaves Japan and ends in Singapore. I'm excited about this. The only things that would prevent this would be pregnancy and death.
2. Building my website this year for my personal consulting business; C Leigh Consulting. My company services are tax, accounting and minor computer services. I am looking forward to this site. I used to have one on Google Apps and they discontinued their services, as usual.
3. Building my company. Hoping to really expand my company. So a good focus is needed. I have 2 clients that need data entry currently. One can't be done on a regular basis. Other is starting to need to, but not enough to be my sole bread winner.
4. I also want to get these stories out of my head and onto paper (more like book). I don't want to leave this earth without getting them down. So I am going to try to write more.

Well 2014 is going to be a year of changes; good or bad. One thing for sure I'm going to live it to the best with the people who live and support me. What do you want to accomplish in 2014?

2013 Wrap Up

2013 was an interesting year for gaming and app use. I certainly started off the year gung-ho but lost steam thru-out the year due to work and stress-related laziness. So let's see what I've accomplished then move on to what I want to accomplish.

Let's start with the 2013 wrap up.

1. I bought and got swept up in Pokemon X. I finished the game around New Years. By the way, this is the 1st game I have completed in entirety on the 3DS.
2. I'm still playing Simpsons Tapped Out steadily. I finally completed 2 out many seasonal events (Thanksgiving & Christmas)
3. I did not run out and get a Wii Universe, PS4 or an Xbox One. I don't play many console games.
4. Got my character on FFXIV to level 20. Got my ass handed to me on my level 20 lancer guild quest. Currently lost in the outskirts of Uldah. On my way to getting to Ifrit dungeon. Not fond of dungeons. Would rather do quests and fates.
5. I have started FFIII and FFIV on my iOS devices. I like IV better than III tho.

Now that we wrapped up 2013, what do I want to accomplish in 2014? Let's see...

1. Waiting for PokeBank and PokeTransporter to hit the eshop on the 3DS. It was supposed to come out on Dec 27th, but it hasn't shown itself yet. Once it does, I will transfer my collected Pokemon there.
2. Plan on leveling Dragoon to Level 50 in FFXIV. This is a very loose goal since I don't play very often. Hope they introduce Red Mage. That's favorite FF Job Class.
3. Wishing and waiting for a new Pokemon game. Don't know how often they release games. But I hope for a new one soon.
4. Go back to Pokemon Black 2 and finish it while collecting more Pokemon.
5. Complete FFIV on my iPhone.

I will try to make more time in 2014 to review more games and apps. I have tried so many during 2013 that I really should write about them. It is a goal that I may not accomplish, but I will try my hardest. Wish me luck for being more productive in 2014.

Happy New Year!!

Happy Holidays

From my family to yours, have a wonderful Holiday and may the New Year bring you new challenges and insight.

Maserati Dreams

"C, come join us for dinner tonight." Bryan asked me as I accepted the phone call.

"I don't think I can make it." I answer.

"Come on." Bryan whines over the phone, "It's Mr. Matthijssen's birthday and he wants to meet you."

"I'll see. I may stop for a few. Where is it?"

"It's at the Manfield's"

"Isn't that a night club?"

"After 10 pm, but it's a hot restaurant during the day. It's been rated as the place to go to be seen."

"Okay, if you say so. I'll see you around 7 or so."

"Okay. See you then"

Three hours later I park outside of the restaurant. I check my hair in the mirror in my visor.  It's an organized, curly mess. Just the way I like it. I get out the car and head into the restaurant. I see the Indian guy from Matthijssen sitting at a long table in middle of the restaurant. I walk over and sit down in front of him.

"Hey C!! How are you? Nice that you came. We're excited that you were able to make it." The Indian guy announces so the rest of the party can hear him.

"Thank you. Nice to see you again." I respond. I look around. "Where's Bryan?"

"Bryan? He stepped out to pick something up. He should be back any minute now."

 

A waitress comes over to me to take my drink order. I asked what was for dinner and was told that it was taken care of.

"Did you see our new systems?" Indian guy asks.

"No I haven't as yet. How are your clients responding to them?" I ask in return.

"So far, so good. Some people say it's overkill, but you never know what people want all the time."

Just as I was about to respond, Bryan kisses me on the cheek and sits down next to me.

"Hey, sorry I'm late. How long have you been here?" Bryan asks.

"Not too long. I ordered a drink."

"Good, good. Your dinner will be here soon. Mr. Matthijssen is waiting to meet you."

"Okay. He doesn't have wait any longer. I'm ready to be met." I laugh. Bryan just smiles at my corny joke.

I get up and follow Bryan to a private room. There were 2 men in the room; a middle aged looking man and a guy who I assumed was either a butler or waiter. Bryan introduced me and we sat down at his table.

"So you are the ever popular Mrs. Hartley." Matthijssen says.

"Don't know about being popular." I respond.

"I've heard so much about you. Bryan and his team talks about you non-stop."

"Really?"

"Not all the time." Bryan interjects a bit embarrassed.

"You have accomplished a lot young lady. Are you looking to add partners to your business?" Matthijssen asks.

"Not at this moment, but I'm open to working with people." I answer.

"You misunderstand me. I meant working together. I know your company is self-sufficient so you don't need a partner to come invest." Matthijssen corrects.

"Ok" I say, feeling a bit awkward at his misunderstanding. I knew what he meant the 1st time. I was just correcting him in my response.

 "I have a business proposition for you that I'd like to discuss." Matthijssen turns to Bryan and asks him to leave us for a few. Bryan as well as the butler get up and leave.

"You know my business. You know my people." Matthijssen begins.

"Yes I do. I'm a big supporter of your company."  I respond.

"I am very sick. I have cancer and I'm afraid that I may only have 7 months to live. I don't have an heir and I’ve been looking for someone who has an appreciation of my business to take over."

"Who do you have in mind?"

"Well I was hoping it would be you?"

"Me? I do not know how to run a technology business."

"Eh, same for all other types of business. You have the knowledge, the know-how and wherewithal to run this business. You've made a lot of success managing an array of businesses. I know you'll make the best judgment here."

"Have you spoken to anyone about this?"

"My attorneys mostly. And now you. So what do you say?"

"Can you give me some time to think this over?"

"Sure, but we will need to start process soon."

"Okay. Thanks."

"No, thank you."

The butler person returned to inform Mr. Matthijssen that his car was ready. We said our goodbyes. I head back to the table I was sitting at. My dinner was waiting for me.

"How did it go?" Bryan asks me while I take a bite of my dinner.

"It was good. He seems to be a very nice man."

"Yeah, he is."

He started a conversation with the Indian guy as I finished my meal. As I'm eating, I noticed a swarm of 20-something year old women started to come in to the restaurant. It not only piqued my curiosity but Bryan's too.

"I heard on the rumorville that Legend, Kendrick Lamar and ASAP Ricky are supposed to perform here tonight." Bryan tells me.

"Who are they?" I ask.

"They are the hottest rappers out there today." He responds astonished that I didn't know.

"I don't listen to that shit. So I wouldn't know." I went back to eating my dinner.

As I finish up, I hear screams from the 20 years olds. I turn towards the door to see why. In walk the 3 rappers. They see me looking at them. I rolled my eyes and turned back to my plate.

"Yo C, I think they are coming towards you." Indian guys say, excitedly.

"I hope not."

Just as I finished my short sentence, one of them tapped me on the shoulder. I begrudgingly turned around.

"Yes!" I ask a bit annoyed.

"I saw you looking at us when we came in. We always greet at least one of our fans every night." Legend says.

"That's nice of you, but I'm not a fan. Thanks." I respond.

"What?!? Don't you know who we are?" ASAP Ricky asks in defensively.

"My colleague here just informed me who you were just moments ago. And personally I don't give a damn."

All 3 guys looked at me dumbfounded. Bryan and his crew were looking at them smirking.

"I can't believe this shit. This chic doesn’t seem to know us. Maybe we should school her." Lamar says to his homies.

"Please don't. I'm not interested." I turn to Bryan, "I'll catch you later. Jason probably worried about me." I get up and kiss him on the cheek before leaving the table.

"Oh no she didn't just dismiss us!" Rocky says getting bent out of shape.

I made my way out of the restaurant with the 3 rappers trailing after me.

"Why are you guys waddling after me?" I asked very irritated.

"Waddling? Oh no she didn't." Legend exclaims.

"Yes waddling. If your pants are not up where they are supposed to be, you are waddling. By the way, why are you out here following me instead of catering to your fans?" I respond.

"We are making sure you get to your hoopty okay." Ricky answers.

"Ok, I've made it to my 'hoopty' just fine. Thanks." I sarcastically as I open the door to my charcoal grey limited edition 2014 model Maserati.

"Who bought you that car? Some dying old man or ball player?" Legend asks.

"Google me. So you'll be in the know." I say as I closed my door.

From inside, I gave them a sweet smile and drove off with all 3 of them looking at me with their mouths open. 

****Disclaimer: All dreams that I write here are written directly as it happened in my dream. Grammar & spelling will not be accurate & correct. I am fine with it as it is. If you have an issue, please erase my dream from your memory. Thanks. 

Pokemon X Update

I've been playing the shit out of this game. It is so much fun.

I've beat all 8 gyms. I've collected 171 Pokemon. I even gotten the legendary Pokemon.

I got Eevee to evolve to Espeon and Umbreon. I have another Eevee and hope to evolve it to one his other forms.

I fell in love with Wonder Trade. I'm actually anxious to find a Gengar and Abo...(creature in the Frost Cavern). I have the mega stones for them.

I am currently going thru the game again leveling Pokemon that I like and collecting ones I missed.

This by far is the farthest I've gotten in a Pokemon game. I am so waiting for the PokeBank. They need to hurry and bring it to the US. I want to transfer my past Pokemon into X.

What I am lacking while playing is a Pokedex. The one I had on my iPad boinked. They never upgraded for iOS 7. The original one is way too expensive. So if anyone knows a good, cheap Pokedex, please leave a comment.

[Nintendo 3DS]

Pokemon X Updates

Pokemon
Captured: 18
Gifted: 2
Total:  88

Gyms
Current:  3
Total: 6


Evolutions
Current
Torchic -> Combusken
Eevee -> Umbreon

I haven't played for a few days so my capturing is low. I did succeed in beating 3 gyms though! 2 more left to go!!!! Can't wait to get legendary!!
I traded with friends who have the game. Learned about stats. Tomorrow at work, we are having a Pokemon Party!!! Trading ahoy!!!!
I'm always learning.

[Nintendo 3DS]

Pokemon X Updates

Pokemon
Recent Captures: 20
Gifted: 2
Total Captured: 68

Gyms
Current Beaten: 2
Total Beaten: 3

Evolutions
Current:
Braixen -> Delphox
Charmelion -> Charizard
Past:
Weedle -> Kakuna -> Beedrill
Fennekin -> Braixen
Charmander -> Charmeleon
Fletchling -> Fletchinder

Current Party



[Nintendo 3DS]