The Quest For Cuteness

Fresh Start

2012-01-01T08:58:00.000-06:00

I won't comment on how often I make this statement with a blog. So, in lieu of past regrets, let us BEGIN.

begin: to do the first part of an action. go into the first part of a process. to come into existence. to have a starting point. to set about the activity of. to bring into being.

This is my word for 2012. A la Ali Edwards' annual One Little Word.

I am starting the year beginning many new things: a Read-the-Bible-In-One-Year plan; a house that is in utter disary, needing much love and attention; a body that also needs love and attention with new foods and exercise; existence without a full-time job; and lastly ... a new baby.

A new life. "To come into existence." If that does not describe begin, I don't know what does. We are expecting our first child this summer. A miracle of preciousness. There are so many things I could say about this, but I am not quite ready to delve into those emotions in this forum. For now, I want to keep the first post of 2012 focused on what I hope for the coming 365 days.

So often I begin a project only to stop half way.

Hello, my name is The Queen of Unfinished Projects, it's lovely to meet you.

Rather than beat myself up about this fact, focusing only on the tasks left to do, I am choosing to embrace what I am good at: starting something new. Begin. Perhaps if I find the positivity in this character attribute, I can carry the task to completion, rather than feeling overwhelmed and frustrated with myself for not finishing whatever it is that I am working on.

What will your word for 2012 be?

Here We Go!

2011-05-22T20:27:00.000-05:00

Who knows what that was from? ;)

via IGN
Yes, yes, thank you Mario.

Here we go (again). A new take on the ol' blogeroo. Perhaps a regular posting schedule can come about.

There are several things I'd like to accomplish, and keeping track of them here seems like a viable option.

For example:

-Working on my photography, using methods learned from Karen Russell's Snapshots of a Good Life class
-Learning Photoshop
-Finishing projects I've started and not finished
-Bringing pins from Pinterst into reality
-Beginning (and concurrent thoughts on) a Bible Study
-Book discussions (with book goal list to cross off)

Just to name a few. I'm sure I can come up with more along the way.

A gigantor giveaway!

2010-11-23T10:36:00.001-06:00

Mama’s Holiday Wish List Meme

TodaysMama and GameStop are giving away a sleighful of gifts this holiday season and to enter I’m sharing this meme with you.

1. What is your holiday wish for your family?
patience, safety, contentment
2. What is your Christmas morning tradition?
stockings are opened first, followed by the Santa presents (gifts between family and friends have already been exchanged and opened the night before)
3. If you could ask Santa for one, completely decadent wish for yourself, what would it be?
an iPhone or an xbox kinect
4. How do you make the holidays special without spending any money?
I don't think I've ever been able to accomplish not spending ANY money...
5. What games did you play with your family growing up?
my dad would always get us a puzzle and a board game every Christmas, and over the holiday break, my mom and I would work on the puzzle.
6. What holiday tradition have you carried on from your own childhood?
Christmas Eve present opening, Santa presents on Christmas morning, church Christmas Eve, several others as well
7. Where would you go for a Christmas-away-from-home trip?
Somewhere in a forest or the mountains, with lots of pure snow, quiet and natural surroundings. As long as my family was all there too!
8. Check out GameStop (link to: http://bit.ly/gamestop10) and tell us, what are the three top items on your GameStop Wish List this year?
xbox 360 w/ kinect, Call of Duty Black Ops, Rock Band 3 (and components)

Fingers crossed for a win!

Open Letter #1

2009-11-06T23:21:00.001-06:00

Dear Attendee of UW Men's Hockey Game Who Happened to Sit in the Same Row As Me,
This must have been the first hockey game you've ever attended, because you obviously are unaware of common game etiquette. So common that it's posted on signs as you walk into the arena. One of the most important rules being, wait until a break in the play to find your seat. Perhaps if you had ever attended a professional game, you would have known this, since the ushers actually stop you from entering the seating area until play has stopped.
Because, really, when there is a power play on our half of the rink in favor of my (our) team, they are in the process of attempting to score, and you walk in front of me, it does not make me happy. So unhappy even, I am ashamed to admit that I spoke unkindly at you. Not towards you, but at you. I'm sure you heard me as you squeezed by, because when you left again 2 minutes later (!) you gave me a look of confused hatred.
I might have gotten over this blunder, had you not committed it again, later on in the game.
Next time, you need to be a little more considerate of the other spectators. Consider this your warning. If it happens again, you just might find yourself on the other side of the railing.
Sincerely,
A Disgruntled Season Ticket Holder
P.S. I'm only kidding about the railing part. But seriously. Don't do it again.

Random Bits, Odds, and Various Ends

2009-10-30T13:07:00.000-05:00

Antiquing with my mom was much more fun than going it alone - especially since she knew what things were that I had no idea of, as well as if something was a good deal (yay basket!). I came home with 2 wire gym/locker baskets, a large, heavy pair of Milliner/Sewing (?) scissors - that may still cut, a gold bracelet for my Halloween costume, and a large wicker laundry basket to be used as quilt storage. I'll get some pictures on here once everything is cleaned up.
While I was out the other day, I found a few pieces for Pete's Halloween costume at JT Puffins, Halloween Express and TJ Maxx. It's coming along, slowly but surely. As for my costume, we're waiting on a sewing machine part to come in for a particular edging stitch. My mom is so nice to get this sewing foot just for me. :) {Thanks mom!}
Last night Pete insisted on buying a RiffTrax and watching the corresponding movie: Twilight. Which, yes I own. If you are not familiar with it, RiffTrax is a recording of a couple people making fun of a movie - that you play right along side of the movie, so you hear both the movie and the poking fun. They started with Mystery Science Theater 3000 (also known as MST3K). I have to say, this kind of humor is more Pete's style, but over the years it has grown on me. The first half was much funnier than the later half, so it was a tad disappointing the hilarity level didn't keep up throughout the full length, but, overall, not a bad $3.99 spent.
Today: Listening to various Phantom of the Opera tracks, reading The Essential Garden Design Workbook, 2nd ed. (for some reason, as I have no yard in which to plant a garden), cleaning up antique treasures, watching a few eBay bids, house cleaning (as always) and possibly a walk in the fall weather.

Hello October

2009-10-01T10:50:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite people to watch and blogs to read, Ali Edwards, is teaching a class on Big Picture Scrapbooking (another great resource). Of course I couldn't pass up this opportunity to take a class of hers! Today is the start of class, Yesterday & Today; "to help you meaningfully document and celebrate life by looking to the past before approaching the stories of today." I cannot wait!

Today: Switching the thermostat to heat, wearing a cozy sweater, antiquing with my mom, and Lifegroup later tonight.

Bring on the cocoa and warm cider!

Photoshop

2009-08-21T00:06:00.000-05:00

Awhile back, I got a good deal on Photoshop Elements 7 from Costco, as well as a good deal on an intro to pSE7 book from Barnes & Noble. The thing is, I was so excited to get it, having waited for so long, that I promptly did nothing with it. Which totally doesn't make much sense. So, one of my goals is to begin reading the book and following along in PSE so I can become acquainted with the program and actually start to use it. Preferably by the end of the 2009.
But first, I must find the disc and re-install it, as my computer crashed a month ago and I lost some applications. That's what I get for not having a virus-protector installed. {sigh}

Cleaning

2009-08-18T13:08:00.000-05:00

I've been wanting to get our living space to such a place that all it needs is a little bit of work every day to keep it tidy and clean. This desire has been ongoing since... like forever. I came across a website that seems to lead one to this goal. I have tried off an on, but never stuck with it. FLYlady.net is indeed a good starting point. I'm curious if any of my blog readers have any ideas or suggestions about cleaning and keeping a tidy house. (There are only 2 of you aren't there?) ;)

Mondays

2009-08-03T10:38:00.000-05:00

For some reason, if I am going to start something new or start something again, it always seems I wait for a Monday. Even though Sunday is technically the first day of the week. Same thing with 1sts of months - start something on the first of the following month. It may be procrastination, but also I like things to be neat, (although you may not think that if you were to look at our apartment right now) and having a beginning on the start of the week just seems orderly.
Fields of Gold by Allard One Photo: Fields of Gold by Allard One

Halloween Costume Beginnings

2009-07-22T10:31:00.001-05:00

One might think that contemplating Halloween in July is a tad crazy. But I would disagree. That is, if you plan to put some thought into it. :) Which I do, thank you very much. By starting now, I give myself time to shop for sales and use coupons for the various components of what I want to do. Some things are "in season" during other times of the year than October.

That being said, I have indeed made my costume decision. I am going to go as Annia Aurelia Galeria Lucilla, daughter of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelias; also known as Lucilla, from the movie, Gladiator. Because this is a little more complex and involved than your average wrap-a-sheet-around-yourself-with-a-safety-pin toga, I will more than likely wear it for more than just one Halloween.

At this stage in the game, I've only started my research of the costume, but have made some significant strides. I will post my progress here, along with the final version, once completed.

Here are some internet-provided images, as well as another Lucilla costume research site, which was the most helpful online source. It was a good jumping off point to the rest of my research.

This other costume research site is here, with some screenshots/screencaps as well as promotional photos.

Lucilla4

Photo: oncourse.iu.edu

Portr-lucilla3 Photo: romancoins.info

Halfbodyshot
Photo: dianethegeek.com

I began with general artwork/statues from the Roman era - evidence of the drape-y outfits.

Followed by internet searches for proper terminology of the dress pieces.

Which in turn led to the library searches. Extensive amounts of books about Rome, only one so far has yielded any assistance, Ancient Greek, Roman and Byzantine Costume & Decoration, Second Edition, by Mary G. Houston, published in 1931. It has illustrations as well as descriptions of what the various pieces of dress were. An excellent resource, highly recommended if you want to recreate an outfit from any of those time periods.

Next time I'll go over more images and some of my specific research findings.

Locked

2009-07-21T03:09:00.000-05:00

I've been locked out of my Typepad account for a week or two - hence the non posts. But I'm back now. So, hi!

Jumpology

2009-07-07T09:40:00.000-05:00

I've been on Photojojo's mailing list for awhile now, and one of the subjects a few years ago was jumping - a sure fire way to get smiles! One of the links in the article led me to a Smithsonian article about the founder of the jumping photograph, Philippe Halsman. Which in turn led me to his book, titled Philippe Halsman's Jump Book, published in 1959, which I am currently reading. An inspiring book and concept, I thought we could try it out!
IMG_2175-2 IMG_2176-2

(Disclaimer - these first two photos were my first attempts at this concept of Jumpology - as such, the flash is a little strong and the backgrounds are so unspectacular, as it is simply the kitchen/hallway. That little yellow thing which I could have/should have photoshopped out is half of an Easter egg for the cat.)

Later, Pete and I went for a walk through one of the local parks around sunset, which gave some interesting lighting as well as swarms of, guess what, mosquitoes. (Ugh. So tired of them.)

IMG_2180-2 IMG_2182-2

I have to say, this could be a fun way to document the journey of life.

Today: A little road trip to Cambridge with mom, grocery planning, and possibly some more laundry.

Text the Bocce Fire

2009-07-06T09:31:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a wonderfully tiring day full of money spending and time spending in the out-of-doors. After researching phones online for several hours, I narrowed my choices of a new phone down to two for me and three for Pete. The problem was I had a hard time navigating one of the two and was vetoed on the other. I was told 'no' to the beautiful iphone, and ended up with the Samsung Eternity.
SAM_EternityBlack_color_front
Photo: AT&T

Which, by the way, after playing with it all day, is still a pretty sweet phone. I now have a full QWERTY keyboard and can text all fast and proper and not get seriously annoyed by the mutli-tap process. Pete chose the Samsung a777 in orange, which he loves. (The phone and the color.)SAM_a777Orange_color_openFront

Photo: AT&T

It only took an hour to pick them out and two different stores and two transactions to make the transfer to a new carrier. Thankfully, the store locations were close which also led us to lunch at Panera.

Afterward, we grabbed the cat and headed over to my mom and dad's for the rest of the afternoon. We bathed kitty, but only got in one Burn Notice, one Top Sniper, and one Barefoot Contessa before dinner. But by then we were ready for some time outside since the weather was so nice. A new bocce ball set was broken in, but for this lawn game, I was unable to demonstrate any kind of prowess on my part. [Shame] [Gloom]

Pete suggested a fire in the fire pit and a half an hour later, we were swatting mosquitoes again. With the moon as bright as it was, we dragged out the binoculars and telescope to check it out. This sparked some interest in the possibility of a visit to the Planetarium/Observatory. Perhaps in the near future.

Today: House chores, new phone exploration, cat medication application (how exciting), and more photo scanning.

Friends + Family

2009-07-05T09:50:00.001-05:00

Whenever someone uses the "+" symbol, I never know immediately if they meant it to be read as ____ plus ____, or ____ and _____. In this case, I mean "and". As in friends and family. &.

Just so we're all on the same page.

I am so thankful that I had yesterday off from work, so that I could accompany my husband to Milwaukee to visit our friends and family. It seems that whenever we go to R&L's, we're the first ones there - at least that's how it's been the last two times. Hey, at least we're prompt! We must be channeling Zuko, Azula, Ty Lee and Mai. ;) 10 points to anyone who knows what I'm referring to.

Grilling is so much more fun when you have people to do it with, especially when you can hang around outside while it's happening. Not to mention, sampling the new blue Mountain Dew! I have to say, I've never grilled my 'mallows for smores - usually they're roasted over a campfire. But dudes, SMORES! How awesome are they? Delish.

After trying my hand at two new games - Yard Toss and Rock Band, Pete and I headed out to a family member's house for more grilled meat product and salad and soda. At that point in the evening I was stuffed and sadly did not have any more room for the yummy looking eats. By then the state bird had made its appearance and much swatting and scratching ensued. (And by state bird I mean the mosquito.) A yard toss game was also present, at which cousin T and I won all three games we played!

Big thanks to the Rob(b)s who hosted parties yesterday!

Today: New cell phones with a new provider for less money, but hopefully the same phone numbers. An easy-going Sunday with my fam and catching up on Burn Notice. Oh and the cat will finally be getting her bath.

BEES!

2009-07-03T02:41:00.001-05:00

Well, bee, actually. I discovered one buzzing in the transom window above the walkout doors.

What is it with bees infiltrating my apartment?! I mean, c'mon. The last apartment we were in, 3 years ago, I had 4 bee-type-wasp things make an appearance.

I truly hope this is not a recurring theme.

It's a Hope Update!

2009-05-23T19:19:00.001-05:00

A month ago, Pete and I attended a live telecast by Dave Ramsey, Town Hall for Hope, a message about hope in the current economy's storm of fear. The video is up on hulu (my TV replacement) and available to watch for free. I highly encourage anyone reading this to watch it, and head over to his website if this sounds like something that interests you. It's an hour and 40 minutes, so watch when you've got some time. You can watch it in standard resolution or high resolution, it is up to you.

The Freshest

2009-05-23T10:20:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago, Pete and I went downtown to the Farmer's Market on the square, but didn't arrive until 10am or so and it was the first weekend opening of the season, so there wasn't much there. I've wanted to go earlier, but could never get myself up at 6 to do so.
Today, was another story. Since Pete didn't want to wake at such an hour on the weekend, I figured I'd try a different market than the downtown one. Driving in the rain, I headed out to the FM in Middleton. Unfortunately I must have had the wrong address or wrong date, because I couldn't find anything. Maybe another location would bear fruit (haha)...so I tried another place that is supposed to have a FM. But no, the second location was a dud too. I ended up taking a different way home, and ironically, stumbled upon white tents! With vegetables! And honey! And milk! A real Farmer's Market! By now, it's pouring. Of course.
The good thing with the rain is that not many people were out, so I only had to wait in line behind one person in one booth. On the other hand, I was completely soaked by the end of the trip. I think my favorite encounter was with a vendor who was about 13 or 14, very polite but rather unhelpful. When I asked what kind of lettuce a particularly beautiful chartreuse head was, he laughed and said, "Oh, no! Don't ask me that! I'm not sure what kind it is, but Mother likes it best." So I think to myself, well, if "Mother" likes that one best, I can't go wrong!
And I now have some deliciously fresh produce, bread, eggs, honey and preserves. Excellent.

Well ya see, it's like this

2009-05-19T12:50:00.000-05:00

I sort of fell off the face of the blogearth. But I do have some fantastical news!
Yes, our house has sold, we closed on Wednesday, May 13, and the paperwork was finalized on Friday, May 15. The payoffs went through yesterday, and our mortgage accounts are at $0. (ZERO!) Yes, I know that is how it works when you sell a house, your mortgage(s) get paid off. It's just crazy to actually see that balance.
While we took a huge hit in the price and ended up having to pay (literally) to get rid of the place, it is no longer our responsibility, no longer a weight dragging us down. It is a monetary setback, and we are now back at square one with savings and debt reduction. On the other hand, we have gained valuable experience and knowledge. So, it's done.
Thank you everyone who was praying for us for the last year about our house!
Secondly, I have a job interview on Friday, which is really encouraging, especially following the situation with the house. So, more prayers requested, if you're willing to send 'em up!
Thanks for stickin' with me if you're still reading this blog, I really appreciate it!

Hope on the Horizon

2009-04-23T09:43:00.000-05:00

This evening we will be attending Dave Ramsey's Town Hall for Hope, a message about the economy and what we can hope for.

Happy Earth Day

2009-04-22T10:06:00.000-05:00

Such a generic title. I know.
I'd like to get to this movie opening today, to celebrate. Surprisingly, Amazon alerted me to this, as opposed to Disney itself, even though I am on the Disney mailing list. Huh. Probably because I bought Planet Earth off of Amazon. :)

UPDATE: I wish I could demand a refund of my $16.50. If by "the next chapter" they mean the identical footage already shot and produced and released in Planet Earth... then sure.
Having seen everything already - it was a disappointment. Even more so it was frustrating and irritating, as they gave human emotions to animals and added supremely tacky/stale/used/generic dramatic music, ruining the natural majesty of the animals themselves. They pretty much tried to cram the entire 5 disc set into 90 minutes - it was such a disarray of scenes... 10 seconds or so for each. Ugh. Disjointed. Not to mention the narration by James Earl Jones was flat, lacking the deep, gravely, rock-solid pitch he usually has...and that all his lines were either verbatim from Planet Earth, or so dumbed down it was scoffable.
I think the worst part was when the "daddy" polar bear didn't make it, "but his spirit will live on in the hearts of his young ones". There was an identical audible exclamation of disbelief and disgust from Pete and myself. (You're kidding me, right?)

Thank you Lord

2009-04-16T21:20:00.000-05:00

Someone just made us an offer on our house!
Now the paperwork just needs to go through. I can't begin to explain this feeling of relief.

Write Everyday

2009-04-13T13:52:00.001-05:00

It's something I've always wanted to do. Maybe I can try and keep up with that. Even if I don't publish it on the blog. Just write something.

Apron Possibilities

2009-03-30T11:54:00.000-05:00

One thing I'd like to change about my daily routine, is to wear my nicer clothes every day and not only when I need to leave the house. In the past, I'd just throw on a pair of comfy yoga-type pants, a graphic/printed tee and maybe a sweatshirt. But this kind of apparel does not make one feel very attractive or productive. Just blah and lazy. One could reason that while cleaning and cooking, you'd want to wear these types of clothes so as not to get your good clothes dirty.
Remedy: An Apron
Duh. How did I not think of this before?
Ok, on to the pattern searches.
I only found a few, but they all have potential:

Butterick, McCall's, McCall's, Heather Bailey
But why make one when I could buy one for about the same price as fabric, the pattern and the time it would take to make it?
Good idea:

Fresh Pink Poppies Polka Dot Ruffled Full Apron - by My Sunday Apron

The BELLA Vintage Inspired Brown Modern Pears with Turquoise Full Apron - by Boojiboo

The FAMOUS CHLOE Vintage Inspired Black and White Damask Full Apron - by Boojiboo
I have to say, this last one just might be my favorite!! It was featured in a SONY magazine ad. SO DARLING!!
But then, I could just enter a giveaway and WIN one. That just might be the easiest!
New To This Whole 'Mommy' Thing is giving a Boojiboo apron away, as is Simply Stacie. So, ladies, here is a blog post about the aprons and your giveaways!

What I Miss

2009-03-26T13:23:00.000-05:00

Seeing as our house is still on the market in Texas, it is always on my mind. And usually not in a pleasant, calming way, but a, nagging, unsettling, worrisome sort of way.
Well, at least something happy crossed my mind in regard to the house today - I love how I never had to turn on a light until about 7 or 8pm, because there was so much natural light streaming in through the windows. It was so comfy and sunny, and I really miss that. An apartment doesn't give you much in the way of natural light. While we do have windows (and lots of them in one room) we don't get any more than an hour of a sun-patch. It's all indirect light. And, while I suppose that I should be grateful for that, I do miss the bath of sunshine you got when in the house.
On a completely separate issue, are cats supposed to massively shed for 3 months?

I think

2009-03-25T08:48:00.000-05:00

I think I take on too many projects at once.

Foto Friday: Cannelle et Vanille

2009-03-20T10:57:00.000-05:00

While I wish I was a genius in the kitchen, I am not, but that doesn't stop me from drooling over other peoples' culinary talents. Aran of Cannelle et Vanille, is one of those individuals who can not only make something delicious (I can just tell from the ingredients she lists) but beautiful as well. She captures her lovely food with stunning photographs, making them even more mouth watering. She can take something simple, like sorbet and make it look positively divine.

{photo from Cannelle et Vanille}

She also has a flickr site, with just the photos of her fabulous food.

......................................................................................................................................

Foto Friday is a weekly installation, occurring every Friday, exploring Photographic websites and books as well as other Photographic topics.

Just Have To Add

2009-03-20T03:40:00.001-05:00

I am loving the homepage today! Yay first day of Spring! Yay Eric Carle!

While I Wait

2009-03-19T09:00:00.000-05:00

I just started (yes, another project) a free online .... system... for lack of a better word right now.... that deals with keeping your home and family and life organized, clutter free, clean and cheery. One of the things that one must do, is every morning (for those who don't work outside the home) to "get dresses to shoes". As for me, I still don't know why they insist on a grammatically incorrect phrase, but the gist of it is to get dressed from hair and make up, all the way down to tying up those shoe laces. This way, you're always ready, and have a can-do mentality right from the get-go. As for me, I am a firm believer in the no-shoes-in-the-house philosophy. Less dirt, no scuffs, and more importantly, no broken kittie toes in the case of accidental steppage. (just loud meows.)
The solution to this is to have a pair of shoes only for house-wearing. So, I stopped by DSW on my way home from dropping off Pete's forgotten keys, and was saddened to find not one satisfactory cute pair of tennies. (They HAVE to have laces - no slip-ons.) Enter the internet. Behold, the shoes I am waiting for.

Image found on goldencan.com.
I only hope the colors are more like the photo on dsw.com....

I've been busy!

2009-03-18T23:09:00.001-05:00

Catchin' up on some projects...

More coming soon!
P.S. Look what came in the mail on Friday:
SO EXCITED!!!

I won something!

2009-03-10T12:14:00.000-05:00

Not just any something, a really awesome something! Holly Hanks, author of The Charmed Life blog, Design Team member of Label Tulip, Pink Paislee, and Chatterbox, Inc., held a giveaway on her blog last Wednesday.
She graciously was offering a brand new copy of Elsie Flannigan's Love, Elsie Recipe Idea Box, a book that I have wanted since it came out, but everywhere had sold out of!

And I won!!
Thank you so much Miss Holly!!!

Once a month

2009-03-07T00:30:00.000-06:00

Or so it would seem. My track record for blogging this year. Just about.
Huh.
Sigh.
Anyways, I could ramble on about some of the things going on in my life right now, but that would produce a slightly confusing and somewhat disjointed read.
So, I'll just complain about my evening. How's that?
Well, actually just the movie we went to see tonight.
I'm sure many people out there will disagree with me (and others will emphatically agree) but I just have to say something about Watchmen.
First, a disclaimer that I have never cracked a comic about the Watchmen, let alone heard of them until they started running Watchmen covers on the EW magazine. Obviously, my husband is not of the same camp as I.
I cannot believe that that movie only got an R. And that it was 3, three -- THREE hours long. I'm not SUPER squeamish, but really, the butcher knife, and the electric circular saw thingy.. c'mon.
Then the movie just started getting ridiculous. It so wasn't believable or realistic. And I know it was a comic, but so was Iron Man and Batman, and X-Men, but somehow those characters and plots seemed so much more believable. Suddenly, there is a blue and white and black tiger like thing with matching fur-covered horn-like appendages shooting out of its head. Right.
Oh, and since it is CGI, we can show men-parts. Full frontal. Ugh. Oh, and a almost pornographic bedroom scene, or really, flying owl-like hover craft- ship-plane-thing scene. Which of course, had all the high school kids tittering and squirming. Gross.
Speaking of gross, can I just say that the guy who sat next to me seemed harmless enough at first, but then as the torture dragged on, I heard smacking every 30 seconds or so... like, mouth smacking. And not in the kissing kind of way. Just, opening and closing of the mouth. Constantly. Then, about half way through, I notice he's picking his nose. Often. Yeah. Sick. THEN he starts leaning on the armrest, which my coat happens to be kind of resting on, so now I must get it dry cleaned. And finally, the icing on the nasty cake, at the end of the movie, he stands up, I see a ball of socks in his hand, as he shoves his BARE feet into his shoes. Um, this nasty person was BAREFOOT throughout the whole movie. I was two seats from the aisle, but I would have rather braved shoving myself through the completely immature and super messy teenage boys who took up the rest of the row in the other direction than leave over the floor where the smacker-boogie-leaner-barefoot individual had sat.
Shudder and cry.
On a side note about the movie, Pete says of all the movies he has ever seen, it was the most faithful to the book/comics. Which, in that case, I'll just pass on reading them.
And now, I don't have enough time to make bread in my bread machine for a craft gathering tomorrow, because I spend three hours at that movie. Sigh.

HAPPY happy HAPPY ha ha ha

2009-02-04T11:10:00.000-06:00

(Zoolander reference - we watched it last night.)
I'm trying to stay positive about the whole Project 365 kit thing. But now, my parcel has been lost by UPS. And I have to wait for the second round of kits to ship out mid-February. This doesn't seem TOO bad, except for the fact that I don't believe them anymore. There has been SUCH a HUGE problem with this company, telling people different things, lying, etc, I don't know how to feel.
On one hand, my interest in this project is waning because I don't have a kit to work with and remind me, and be excited to put stuff in it... on the other hand my interest is waning because this is one big mess, and I don't know if I even want to keep doing it, when I may not even get a cute kit.
I know there are other options to the kit, hundreds of people have shared them. Sigh. I don't know.
My mood is probably building on the not selling the house, the not finding a job, and the trying to get out of debt and wow this is hard.
Maybe playing with the kitty will cheer me up. It usually does. :)
On a side note, 2 days ago Poppytalk featured the studio of a couple and I almost fell out of my seat!
Ben Floeter and Natalie Wright have an amazing place to create, and their work is just fabulous!
But these things were not what surprised me - I've never met Ben, but his dad is the man who married us! He is a friend of my dad's! Ack! So, this was extremely cool. A bright spot in my gray mood.
But then, gray is kind of in right now. As far as fashion and design go. ;)

tank found at J.Crew

Is it still January?

2009-01-22T13:25:00.001-06:00

I'd like to say it's been busy... and that would explain my absence. But that would be false. I've just been away from the blog for a few weeks.
While I was gone, we went on one of these:

To go to one of these:

(a wedding)
And to visit this place:

That 4 day trip involved two nights with 2 hours of sleep, a 4am wake up, a 4:50am wake up and one of the worst motels I've ever stayed in. Shudder. The wedding was beautiful, the company delightful, and the day at Disney, divine. The weather was perfect for the two important days and crummy for the two travel days. We'll be visiting Disney World in January from now on... no more of that July business.
-In other news, I'm still working on Project 365 - but without a kit. There has been a HUGE problem with the ordering... and I thought I had managed to avoid most of it.. but no. I still have yet to get anything in the mail. I'm calling again today.
-We've been working on Every Monday Matters, and this week is to sign up for AMBER alerts, which we've done via cell phone texts.
-Last week was to turn off the TV more often and designate certain times to watch it. We haven't had that problem much, as we don't get cable or the satelite anymore. Sadly tho' this week I found a website you can watch shows on, for free. I will have to make sure I apply this self-discipline to the website, so I don't spend hours watching Survivor, The Amazing Race, Fringe, etc online.
-I'm really starting to get serious about finding a job, as it is becoming more and more important to our income.
-As for our house... well, it's still up for sale. Prayer is constantly happening.
-Happily, I've begun a ladies bible study at church, and am enjoying it immensely.
-I just finished a project with A Life Well Crafted, but have to upload the photos and edit them. I'll try and get those up tomorrow.
This post is really choppy and bulleted... but it's all I got for now. :)

Attribute Album

2009-01-22T04:29:00.000-06:00

Ok, so I did get to this today. Yay!
This album could have been done for anyone, but I chose myself. At first it seemed a little selfish, and somewhat braggy... but then I reminded myself those reasons are why I needed to make this for me. To remind myself that I am worth these titles. Some more than others, but still, all are a part of me.

Our Anniversary

2009-01-04T08:00:00.001-06:00

A week or so ago, Pete and I celebrated our 3rd anniversary. Not a big to-do, we're going to Disney with a few friends next weekend, so that will be our gift to each other. But we still got each other cards and went out to a very nice dinner. I just wanted to share the gift from my parents (mostly my mom) who made us another quilt. Her most labor-intensive one yet. And my absolute favorite ever of her practical quilt repertoire. (She makes small, art-wall-hanging quilts too.)
I think she said it's called Flying Geese Around the Lake. This is just one small corner.
LOVE IT!!
Thanks mom!

One more goal (well two, really) and Bruce Campbell

2009-01-03T23:01:00.000-06:00

Another of my goals for 2009 is to take a photo daily, as well as create something (somewhat daily). This has been on my mind for months. Well, it just so happens that someone has put these two things together into an easy-to-use, easy-to-keep-up-with kit.
Unfortunately, it sold out in 2 hours. Luckily, I was able to snag one kit. It took me an hour and a half of dealing with their crashing server, but I got one. From what it sounds like, hundreds did not. I'm saddened to hear that almost all of them are taking it out on one person (the one who did the promoting of the kit) but I cannot blame nor judge them, as I was one of the few who's order went through.
What is this elusive kit you might be wondering?
It's called Project 365, (similar to the flickr site's project 365) and the concept is to either take a photo daily or keep some sort of memorabilia bit, such as a receipt or shopping list or report card or what have you. Then journal about the day. Nothing too fancy or complicated. The appealing this is that it's all pre-cut and fits together perfectly, colors matching, etc. You don't even need adhesive!
You put it all together to make something like this:
(photo courtesy of Becky Higgins, created by Maggie Holmes)
Simply adorable. Simply simple.
So, I will be fulfilling two goals in one swoop. Check.
As for the Bruce Campbell thing, he was (maybe still is) promoting his new movie, My Name is Bruce, and as far as the promoting went, he showed up after each show to do a live Q & A. If he had not be there in person, I'm not sure I would have gone with Pete to the show. But still. I took my camera, and immediately lamented that I failed to bring the zoom lens. We had assigned seats, and were about 2/3rds back in the smallish auditorium (stadium seating style - it was a movie theater).
What I was able to catch are the following photos. Blurry and far away. A flash produced a dark foreground and thus had to use the lighting from the ceiling. Bah.

Here's what he looks like (for those who don't know) in a proper photo (minus the glasses - it was midnight, perhaps his eyes were tired.):

I have to say, it was neat to see this guy in person; pretty funny at impromptu wacky questioning.
The Q & A ended with one girl in the back saying, "I don't really have a question, I just wanted to tell you that I have a tattoo of you."
B.C. "Wow, that's awesome, where is it?"
Girl "On my calf."
B.C "How much did it cost?"
Girl "$400"
B.C. (surprised) "Well, here - it's not $400, but make sure it gets back to her." (And proceeds to remove a $5 bill from his wallet and it goes hand over hand to the back of the theater to her.)
It was pretty cool.

One Little Word 2009

2009-01-02T15:29:00.000-06:00

A few years ago, Ali Edwards put out a challenge to her readers to pick one word for the coming year that they will hold close to their hearts, to inject into their every day's work. Something to embody your life for the next year. Something to work on, to change, to keep as a reminder.
I have spent the last 3 years withdrawing into myself even more so than is in my normal character (to be self-sufficient and quiet and reserved). I have not made the effort to branch out and meet new people. To try new things. To see new places. To take a stab at failure. To do anything that I am unsure about.
In choosing the word CONNECT, I am hoping to remind myself daily that I need to put myself out there and connect with other people. Connect with the world in which I live. Connect with my Heavenly Father. And too, connect with myself.
It will take multiple reminders, most likely daily... even hourly. But I hope to come out of 2009 with more courage to take that first step of putting myself out there and connecting with others.

2008-12-31T15:18:00.000-06:00

See ya 2008. Bring on the new and unknown.
Having spent some time away from my blog, I've come to realize that this must be something I choose to keep up with. Something that I make time for, that becomes part of the routine, and that I learn to open up to. It seems to me that one evolves over time when writing in a blog. And it seems that others who have kept it up faithfully come to cherish and rely on their blogs and blog readers. That is something that I'd like to have happen, but cannot force it. It must be a natural process.
That being said, many other things have been on my mind lately. Like the things the people always promise themselves to begin in the coming year. I always feel that if I'm to start something, it must be at the beginning of the week, month or year. It doesn't make sense to me to begin in the middle. So, the start of a new calendar fosters newness in other things in my life as well.
Here are the things I'm adding to my goal sheet for 2009 (with the exception of the first line, in no particular order):
*Spend time in the Word daily, and not just on Sunday in church.
*Take one photo a day (not necessarily a self-portrait).
*Create something weekly, if not daily.
*Find a job.
*Keep house in orderly condition.
*Join gym and attend regularly (frequency TBD).
*Read often.
*Participate in Every Monday Matters with husband and parents.
*Keep a journal.
*Blog regularly (again, frequency TBD).
*Incorporate my One Little Word for 2009 into my daily life.
*Participate in the activities and discoveries of What's Your Red Rubber Ball?!.
I think that's all for now.
I'll expound on some of these tomorrow.
For now, have a safe and blessed New Year!

Adventures in a snow drift.

2008-12-09T23:39:00.000-06:00

So... once again, it's been a week or so since I posted. And a week or so since I did a journal page. Oh well. I've been busy. Although I know plenty of people who run a household and kids, cook all their own food and bread and stuff, and have time to scrapbook and blog. I'm just not there yet.
I'm one who runs on routine. If I don't have one, I don't do well. Well, I'm ok, but things I know I can do don't get done regularly.
That's all fine and dandy, but you may still be wondering about my post title.
It can be one of two things: 1) I live in a snowglobe and it's white everywhere, snowing quite a bit, or 2) I just got stuck in a snow drift and had to dig myself out.
How 'bout both.
I KNOW it is supposed to snow all day, and has been snowing ALL last night... but we don't really have anything to eat. Cupboards are kinda empty. Save for spices and lunch meat. And eating lunch meat twice a day isn't much fun. Although technically that counts as food and we should be grateful that we have that, when others don't have anything. And are outside in this snowglobe.
Anyways, we need things like milk and cereal and bread and some other basic things that I could have purchased yesterday, as it wasn't snowing then. But really, how could I have known that? (The Weather Channel for starters, maybe?) So I figured, I'd better go out now, before it gets worse, as we could get 6-11 inches (!) by tonite. Well.. that was a mistake.
It took me 20 minutes to scrape the snow layer and then ice layer off of my car, while standing in the knee-high drifts that surrounded my vehicle. And I didn't have a hat. I was on my way to buy one at the store right next to the grocery store. (While I'm out, right? Make the best of the trip out in the cold.) So, I carefully ease my way into out of the parking lot and on the street. This isn't so bad. I'll just go slow. Then I come to the stop sign. Nice and easy. No sudden movements now. (I see a pile at the intersection, thinking nothing of it. Anyways, the last thing I want to do is gun it through a stop sign and into the intersection, possibly finding an oncoming car or going too fast and not be able to make the turn. And... the last time I gunned it through a large obstacle that seemed easy enough to get through, I drowned my car in a knee-high puddle.)
So.
I get stuck. A block from my home. And not even in a ditch.
Um.. help?
Pete's at work, he's no use.
Mom and Dad might be at home... maybe they have an idea.
So, parents to the rescue. They remind me I should have a shovel in my emergency bag in the trunk.
(Oh yeah!)
And they'll get bundled and come help.
Dig dig dig.
Plop. (The shovel fell apart.)
Dig dig dig.
Rip. (My pants ripped...they are very old and very worn.)
(Great.)
Thank goodness I have hiking boots and not tennis shoes on.
I try getting through it again.
No luck.
An older guy runs by. Totally engrossed in his workout.
I wave.
There he goes. Not even a glance.
I might start to cry soon.
Then a van drives up, a guy hops out (coat-less) and tells me to put it in neutral. He'll push.
No such luck.
Another guy runs out (from an apartment? his car? I have no idea) with a coat and sweatpants (which are really not that warm when it's windy and snowy) and says to put it in reverse, he'll push.
The van-guy says he's going to get a coat, he'll be back.
Sweatpants digs some more and laughs with me when the shovel falls apart (again). He digs behind my tires too, not just in front (like I was doing) and I hop in and throw it in reverse.
A little budge.
He explains that it might work to quickly go between drive and reverse, in an effort to "rock" it out of the snow bank.
I end up getting it out finally... going backwards.
Sweatpants asks if I really needed something that I should continue on with my journey.. I tell him we don't have much to eat. He laughs and says, "Just order a pizza."
I gratefully thank him and don't even watch to see where he ran back to, to take some cookies or bread or something as a thank-you, and keep the car in reverse the 20 seconds back to the driveway.
I pull into my cleared out spot, and call my parents to tell them I'm ok, don't come get me.
Sigh.
Pizza it is. Photo courtesy of this article that I should have read sooner.

Journal Your Christmas - Day 2

2008-12-02T23:40:00.000-06:00

Once again, here I am almost at the end of the day, trying to get this put together.
I have so much more to say about the snow and the weather, and how it affects me and how I feel about Christmas...but it is late and I am using this post as a page-holder. Tomorrow when I can think more clearly, I shall expound on this idea. In the meantime, here is my quickly put together journal page about snow:

Not really that fancy or wow-worthy, but then, that's not what this journal is about.
I may add some hidden journaling on this page later, as well as a photo of us/me out in the snow sometime this month. I'll update the photo when that happens.

I've surfaced

2008-12-01T23:53:00.000-06:00

Alright. So, this is where I've been for the last week:
Three days of driving. One week of painting and waiting for the movers. Then one week trying to dig myself out from under this mountain of boxes.
This room has tall windows and is 15 feet high. Yes, it was so much fun to paint, thank you for asking. If the ceiling clearance had not been such, I would have felt extremely claustrophobic.
I've only got about 6 boxes left to unpack in the whole apartment. Even after the garage sale, I cannot believe how much stuff we've already accumulated. Sadly, most of the second bedroom's boxes consisted of my crafting stuff.
In fact, there was so much of it, and since we sold all the mismatched storage units that it once sat on, we took a drive to IKEA on Saturday to pick up one of these lovelies. photo from IKEA.com
Which is now full of crafty stuff, but totally unorganized, so it won't stay full in the long run. I am also working towards the green room/cat room/studio/workroom/storage room being ready for our beloved Jasmine to inhabit ASAP. This is where she'll be staying when we're gone and when we're asleep. And we can't have stuff all over the place, or boxes piled to the tops of the door frames. She won't have any room!
So, as of this evening, this room is done. The other rooms... they are unpacked, but in shambles. Everything looks as if it has exploded. Gah. It drives me nuts. And some people live like this every day! Stuff everywhere, I mean. To each his own. :)
Anyways, as today is December 1, (or will be for about 10 more minutes), I am once again participating in Shimelle's Journal Your Christmas. I did this last year, and almost finished the whole thing. You are given a prompt, and you can write about it, take photos, or scrapbook. This goes on from December 1 to January 6, and the concept is to take back your Christmas from the craziness that it has become. To remember why you love it and what it's about and all of your memories and happy warm fuzzies regarding the holidays. I love it!
I got my stuff unpacked just in time. Well, I didn't have everything organized, so I wasn't able to gather all my Christmas supplies for easy working, but I still did my dedication/manifesto/promise page, and here it is:

It is a little hard to see, but there is a Maya Road sheer on there - a woman with a little heart (I know it's on the "wrong" side, but there was a hole punched there, and I wanted to cover it up). I liked this, as it is somewhat symbolic of the season and how it so involves our hearts - and not being so greedy and frantic, but being giving and savoring the season.
Anyhow, I'll try and blog once a day this month, as I'm working on a journal page each day. No promises. But I'll try.

This is it

2008-11-13T23:42:00.000-06:00

Last night here.
On our way tomorrow.
Goodbye house.
Goodbye Texas.
Hello better place to live.

I just hope we miss the winter weather. I just don't like driving in it.

It's been a little while...

2008-11-09T22:34:00.000-06:00

...Since I've last posted.
To catch up:
Halloween was spent at Fiesta Texas, for Fright Fest, and thankfully, we had coupons to pay the children's price, instead of full price. I'm glad we didn't buy season passes, as I don't think it would have been worth it. When we got to the park, we practically walked onto the Superman ride, we only stood in line because I had never been on it and Pete said the front was the best. So we waited. We rode about 5 rides in 2.5 hours, and most of them were in the dark most of the time. The Rattler was the last we rode, and for about 4 seconds, it was complete and utter darkness! Crazy. There were also park members well-costumed that crept, slithered or glided around, going after park-goers. An 11-foot (or taller) Zuul-like creature with glowing red eyes almost wrapped me in it's cape/claws. It was funny. :) We also made the observation that not too many of the costumed park-goers had really tried all that hard on their costumes. Why bother dressing up at all then?
Bah.
Our garage sale went pretty well this past weekend, our house is half-empty.
Pete has spent the day stressed and ill, so I've been doing my best to care for him. (As much as I can without getting sick myself. ) So, we'll be laying pretty low for a few days.
The movers come this week, and soon we'll be on our way home.
It can't come fast enough.

Foto Friday: Little People - a tiny street art project

2008-10-31T09:00:00.001-05:00

Little People - a tiny street art project is one of the coolest photography websites I've found so far. An artist by the name of Slinkachu paints wee figurines and places them in various positions around London. He then photographs them close up and from far away. (Can you see the tiny people in the second photo?)

This website is definitely one for entertainment purposes as opposed to learning purposes. But, someone might be inspired to try something like this themselves, so who am I to rate its usefulness. As for me, I enjoy the artist's work and will leave it to them. :)

Happy Halloween!

......................................................................................................................................

Foto Friday is a weekly installation, occurring every Friday, exploring Photographic websites and books as well as other Photographic topics.

Foto Friday: 3191

2008-10-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

I'm sure many have heard of this site, A Year of Evenings. It stemmed from their original concept, A Year of Mornings, which was then published in a book. The two friends, Stephanie Congdon Barnes and Maria Alexandra Vettese, who live 3191 (driving) miles apart, each take a photo and share them side by side. They do not plan before hand, and the result is breathtaking.

......................................................................................................................................

Foto Friday is a weekly instalation, occuring every Friday, exploring Photographic websites and books as well as other Photographic topics.

Stories In Hand

2008-10-19T23:37:00.001-05:00

Jessica Sprague is offering a free class, registration begins tomorrow, the 20th! Go sign up! You don't have to be a scrapbooker to participate!

Foto Friday

2008-10-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

In an attempt to make my photography better, I have taken an online class, taught by Barbara Carroll, at Big Picture Scrapbooking. I wasn't able to participate as I wish I could have, but I've still got all the hand outs. This class has spurred me on to find inspiring and intriguing photography websites in which to haunt and try to emulate, in an effort to learn more. Perhaps I shall add books to this intrigue as well. And maybe a class taken in person might help too. :)
Anyways, every Friday, I shall highlight a website or book that I think is worth checking out, if photography is something that interests you. As I'm still learning about this whole thing too, I welcome suggestions of anything you might have come across in the surf across the web...or gambol through the library or local bookstore.
So, this first link is from a 2007 contest at PDN, Photo Direct News. There are some pretty cool photos as well as methods in which to print/display them. Check it out!
And, don't forget, send some suggestions if you have any!

Interesting.

2008-10-16T22:41:00.000-05:00

I came across this, this evening (clicking on it will take you to the site of origin, as well as a larger image):

A more spatially-correct chart than this image, making the viral rounds:

Draw whatever extrapolations from this that you will, I just found it interesting.

So Long, Farewell

2008-10-15T21:33:00.000-05:00

I bid my scrapbook supplies adieu. To you, self healing mat, to you clear mono adhesive, and to you beautiful, beloved patterned paper.
Since we are moving soon and having a garage sale even sooner, I needed to clear off the storage units on which all my scrapbook stuff was residing. So, it all must be emptied, and thus, boxed up, to ensure organization on the unpacking end. That, and I don't want the movers to mess it up.
So, it's all going into boxes and bags. And as a result, no more layouts or cards or creative things. Not 'til we're in the new place and unpacked.
Papers & Pretty Things will still continue to run, but the crafty posts will be on a hiatus for a little while. Instead, I'll be sharing some of the places that I go for inspiration, sites that I enjoy shopping (and window shopping) at, as well as a few other installations, yet to be determined.
Stay tuned, blog readers, I'm not going anywhere!

Campaign for Creativity

2008-10-14T13:08:00.000-05:00

Donna Downey is one of my favorite people to go to for inspiration. She has posed a concept, Campaign for Creativity. I completely agree. Join in if you feel it is what applies to your artistic philosophy.
Live Life Inspired. Dream With Possibility! Donna Downey

Here's what the idea is about:

Quotes up
we all have a voice.
sometimes it speaks to us in a department store, or while reading a catalog, or while walking in nature. it is the voice that stops you and makes you look a things in a different way.

* like the placemats you pass while shopping at Target that inspires your next layout design,

* or the new bedding set you see in a pottery barn catalog that inspires the color pallet for your next collage painting

* or the nature walk that prompts you to pick up fallen branches and twigs that inspire your next home decor project.

embracing our creative potential and letting it free to guide our art is the challenge. believing in the power of your passion to create is the gift we all have to share.

"believe in your creative potential,
enjoy the creative process,
try something new, Quotes down
explore new possibilities,
but most of all believe."

Rainbow box-1

The Batty Bat (aka 1, 2, 3 Count!)

2008-10-12T20:29:00.000-05:00

When I was little, I would watch Sesame Street every day. (Who didn't?) It even stayed in my after school tv line-up until 2nd or 3rd grade, believe it or not. Of all the songs they sing, even the theme song, this is the one I remember the most. I have no idea why. It will randomly pop into my head every now and again.

In honor of Count, I titled a side bar section after what I call that song, "1, 2, 3 count!" and have placed all of the applications with numbers in there: a 12-hour clock in my time zone, a 24-hour clock (which is for my benefit, as I still cannot tell time this way - despite being married to a soldier) and finally, a countdown to the Winter Olympics! Go snow! It's all the way at the bottom on the left.

batty batty batty batty batty bat 1 2 3 count!

p.s. I like colors!

p.p.s. I FINALLY figured out how to embed a video. (obviously).

Rainbow box-1

*Update: I just did a search on when this episode first aired; November 18, 1985, episode 2096. That link is a nice flowchart of all the skits on that episode... and I remember most of them! haha! wow. Some lovely memories! This episode was monumental, as we met Snuffy in real life for the first time!

This particular skit was one of my favorite ways they showed letters:

Letter g

I cannot find a video of this right now.. if anyone has seen one, please let me know!

Learn It

2008-10-10T23:22:00.000-05:00

I have to say, I've been really into taking classes lately. I miss school sometimes. But the problem with online classes is that you don't have to show up in person to get the info, see the powerpoint, etc. Everything is online, and I have a little more trouble with commitment. I'll fall behind about half way through. Then the class is over and I'm furiously trying to catch up and get in any questions before the instructor is no longer available. Sigh.
I didn't do all of the homework for the Bling Out Your Blog class, but this will be one of the assignments. :)
I've learned so much from Kimberly Brimhall, it's amazing. I had no idea there was such a huge structure to blogging. So many help sites and tutorials, so much to do to customize one's online journal.
To anyone who reads this via RSS feed, I've changed much of the design I was using before - a brand new look (so check it out!). There are a couple things to change still, but I'm getting close to what I want. The only brand new application in the sidebar is a playlist of tunes. I've set it to play upon selection, instead of automatically playing and startling you out of your seat while at work... or late at night when the whole house is quiet...or just startling you period. (You know what I'm talking about - we've all been to those blogs.) :) There are currently 103 songs by Christian artists, so it is safe for the family - most of them are on KLOVE. It is a good mix of worship/praise songs, comfortable listening and several "hardcore" songs. Hardcore Christian Bands, remember. Nothing to be frightened of. There are much more heavy metal/rap/screamer Christian bands out there, but still not my scene. I usually listen to this playlist while I'm working on any of my crafty projects, doing the bills, reading blogs, or making dinner. It's an all-around lovely selection. (And if you don't like something, you can skip to the next one.)
One of the homework prompts (of at least a hundred to choose from) was "College taught you". College taught me much, but what sticks out the most as it pertains to all the online classes that I'm taking is that I love to learn. I always have. I've done layouts about this before; my mom has dubbed me a Lifelong Learner. While I was in the middle of college, it sure didn't feel that way, but I know I thrived in that environment. Looking back, I can see it taught me how to organize, how to take notes, how to read more efficiently, and that I love classes. If I could go to school just to learn, and not need to pay for it, pass the class with an A, or apply what I've learned to a specific job, I'd go to school forever.
Perhaps I'll make a little badge for the classes I'm currently taking. That way, if anyone else is interested, they can check it out too!
*A bit of housekeeping: If anyone finds any links that don't work or just want to talk about anything I've worked on my blog so far, don't hesitate to send me a comment or email.*

Dust Poofs

2008-10-07T22:22:00.001-05:00

As part of Kimberly Brimhall's Bling Out Your Blog class, I am overhauling my blog, so excuse my dust. I just made it very simple and clean, a new template for now. Some of the photos I've posted are a little bit cut off on one side. I'll adjust them soon.
Right now... we just finished watching The Last Samurai - I love this movie. Pete says it'd be more accurate if Tom Cruise were French. :)
Right now... I'm feeling a bit like the sausage links we had for dinner.
Right now... I'm learning about a free photoshop-like program. I just downloaded it. We'll see.
Right now... I wish I was a cooking genius.
Right now... I'm praying our house will sell.
Right now... I'm missing my kittie.
Right now... I'm overwhelmed at the 235 photos I took at the concert this last weekend. I filled the little memory card.
Right now... I wish I was tired so I wouldn't be up til 2 like usual.
Right now... I'm counting the days we have left in this place.
Right now.

Project Catwalk Finals Week 1

2008-10-05T23:29:00.000-05:00

For the final four weeks, how the scoring works is that the top 10 will get points, but all 25 will move on to week 2. Then, combined with week 2's scores, the new top 10 will move on to week 3. The final top 5 from that week will then move on to the final round, week 4. And from there a winner will be chosen.
So, here is what I entered for the first week of the final rounds. We were given a materials list to choose from, with leeway of tool usage.
On a different note, this is where we were last night (I forgot to mention it earlier - how, I don't know.)

It was extremely awesome! We had the best seats I've ever had at a concert - row J. 10th row! In the orchestra section. On the floor! So cool! I'll post some pics later today or tomorrow, once I get a chance to look at them. (Oh and I love the promo poster - the graphics are pretty sweet.)

The Shopping Trip Spoils

2008-10-02T16:34:00.001-05:00

Here are a few of yesterday's purchases.
From Hallmark:

I have the whole Demdaco's Willowtree Nativity Set, but needed an angel for the manger-top. I also wanted a second set of stars, to balance out the backdrop. In addition, I picked up a few Christmas gifts while we were there. :D
From Bath & Body Works:

I've got scads of lotion from this place and many others. If anyone out there who is reading this is considering purchasing a bath set or body lotion for me for Christmas... I beg you, please don't! It'll take me 5 years to use up what I have...if not longer. So I spent the gift card on an oil warmer, at Pete's request.
From Ross:

A $10 pair of Reebok football cleats. That apparently are the "comfiest I've ever owned," according to the hubs. I almost got a Kenneth Cole handbag... but the Ross price tag was missing and they said it would be $65. Now, from $159... that's a really great deal! But I still can't bring myself to pay that much for a purse I'll only use for a year. (I get tired of my purses after 6-12 months. But maybe that would change if I had a well-made one.)
From Linens N' Things:

A drying rack, Hercules Hooks, and a broken digital cook-timer that I have to return.
And, from Claires, a darling green owl necklace, some jangly bracelets and several toe rings. (None pictured - obviously. I couldn't find a photo of them online, so I'll just have to photograph them myself.)
And, on a separate note, we filled out the registration to vote today, to be mailed tomorrow. I can't figure out how to embed a video in my blog yet (still learning!) so here's a link to a cool 5 minute video.

Happy October!!

2008-10-01T22:59:00.000-05:00

Almost at the end of the day, Happy October 1st! I can't wait to see changing colors!! I'll have to live vicariously through those back home! So take lots of pictures for me!
In an effort to get out of the house, we decided to spend all of our gift cards we've been stockpiling since Christmas. So, there were piles of bags in the trunk! I'll take some photos tomorrow in the good light!
I have to say though, this was one of the highlights:
Bring on the LEGO pieces.
I'm also taking this class:

I CANNOT WAIT!!!

3 Years Ago Today...

2008-09-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

3 years ago today, I said this in my blog (at the end of a very long post):
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Give It Up
After everything that has been going on in the past few months, I've come to the realization that I've just got to give it up. Give everything up to Him. I'll never make it through without Him. I've tried. And failed miserably.
How funny that I haven't seemed to internalize this yet. Here I am, still trying to do it all on my own. "I know best." Right. Ha. (Shakes head in grim dismay at self.)
"I'll wake up to find
Your glory defined
and I will finally bow at your feet
I will lift up your name in honor and praise
when I cross over Jordan
I know that I'll be running home to you"
-Building 429

(emphasis mine)
Sigh. Perpetual learning. And forgetting. And re-learning again.

Here's to re-learning. :)

Pretty Flowers

2008-09-26T21:20:00.001-05:00

Look what I got yesterday!

Pete wanted to cheer me up because of the whole pest thing. And the whole house not selling thing.
He's such a sweetie!
P.S. The material I used on the rainbow layout (week 9's project catwalk entry) is cut up drinking straws. There are 4 straws of each color (4x6 is.. 24) so 24 straws cut up into little bits, anywhere from 1/16" to 1/4" in size.

Project Catwalk (part 3)

2008-09-25T17:53:00.001-05:00

SIStv has been running a project/contest for the last 10 weeks, corresponding with Project Runway. Each week we would get a challenge/prompt to create something based on that week's fashion challenge.
The final 4 weeks worth of projects:
Week 7

Theme: Texture
Challenge: Create a 12x12 layout using texture in a unique way.
*I've already posted this layout, but I thought it would be nice to see them all in context.
Week 8

Theme: bigSIS
Challenge: Create anything as if you are designing something to fit in with the design aesthetic at SIStv.
Week 9

Theme: Avant Garde
Challenge: Create a 12x12 layout using something as it was not meant to be used.
*This layout was one of the four weekly winners!
Week 10

Theme: Scraplift
Challenge: Create something by scraplifting any of the previous Project Catwalk entries.
*Scraplifting is "lifting" either some part of or the entirety of a scrapbook page.
The 10-week regular season is over and I made the top 25 in scores! Number 7 I think. The top 25 contestants will be participating in the 4-week finals, starting next week. (We get this week as a break.) I'm so excited, this has been such a fun contest to be a part of!
In home-news, we chased a fat mouse out of the garage this afternoon, and currently, Pete is at the store picking up ant killer. We discovered a nest outside by the living room, and they seem to have infiltrated the house. So far it is just the living room. I HATE ants. They bite. And are creepy/crawly. And are tiny. Ugh. Stupid weather - never freezes and kills everything.

Project Catalk (part 2)

2008-09-24T23:22:00.000-05:00

SIStv has been running a project/contest for the last 10 weeks, corresponding with Project Runway. Each week we would get a challenge/prompt to create something based on that week's fashion challenge.
Alrighty! On to the next few entries.
Week 4

Theme: USA!
Challenge: Create a mini album, using the colors of red, white and blue, and incorporate four of the following words (perseverance, glory, strength, determination, honor, brave, friendship, team, solidarity, competition)
*This I made while we were traveling. The table I photographed the album on is a wee table my grandpa made for me as a child, out of left-over formica counter-top material. I may have to take all my photos out in the sunroom on the wee table! I love the intensity of the colors (I didn't edit these for contrast at all!)
Week 5

Theme: Denim
Challenge: Create a wall hanging that is at least 4"x6" using denim as the primary product.
*Sadly, I missed the part about it being primary. Oh well. I still love it!
Week 6

Theme: Big Impact
Challenge: Create an 8.5x11 or 12x12 layout that will make a big impact, using minimal supplies.
*One of the comments I got on this layout is the funniest I've ever received, she thought I was talking about bosoms! Haha! I was in fact trying to draw attention to the MaryKay compacts we all had.
Tomorrow will be the last four weeks of projects.

Project Catwalk (part 1)

2008-09-24T00:24:00.000-05:00

SIStv has been running a project/contest for the last 10 weeks, corresponding with Project Runway. Each week we would get a challenge/prompt to create something based on that week's fashion challenge. So, here are the first 3 weeks of my projects!
Week 1

Theme: Innovation
Challenge: Create a 8.5x11 layout using two of these items (coffee filters, garbage bags, balloons, bouncy ball, vinyl table cloth, shower curtain, vacuum bag, mop top, fly swatter, paper towel, cupboard liner)
Week 2

Theme: Green
Challenge: Create a card around the color green. Use cellophane in part of your card and make a matching envelope using newspaper.
Week 3

Theme: Your Style
Challenge: Create a 12x12 layout inspired by one of the dresses made for the Runway, describing your scrapbooking style.

Check back to see the next few entries! :D

Newest TV Obsession

2008-09-16T20:30:00.001-05:00

So, we watch a little too much television around here.
We've got our DVR running every day. (Hey, we're paying for a satellite, we may as well use it, right?)
So, in addition to my Smallville obsession (which premiers on Thursday!), I've added a new show to the "must see" list. It premiered last Tuesday on FOX, and the second episode is currently recording right now, as I write this. (To avoid all the annoying commercials - a big reason why we use the DVR.)

I have to say, it is extremely awesome, and completely suspensful. For me, at least. :)
What are you looking forward to this fall on TV?

Ok... well..

2008-09-09T15:41:00.001-05:00

Maybe I won't stay away. :)
I'll just stick to posting challenge layouts.
How's that?
Here's a recent layout I did for SIStv's Project Catwalk, using one of my wedding pictures and new techniques from a class I just took.

Yep, just challenges. At least until new life stuff happens. :)

Time.

2008-09-07T02:21:00.000-05:00

I'm calling Time. (T)
Hold the phone.
Stop everything.
Wait a minute.
And that's just what's happening. Everything has pretty much stopped.
We don't have much going on in our lives right now, so I'm going to place a hold on the blog for a little while.
If there isn't anything going on in our lives (other than trying to sell this house.. please somebody buy it!) I don't have much to blog about.
I'll get back at it when there's stuff to talk about.
I'm not saying this in a mean voice or a mad voice or an anything other than informative voice. So please don't read into it! (Except the part about somebody buy our house - that's a pleading voice.)
And I'm not abandoning the ol' blogy blog altogether, so don't worry!
Peace out. -j

Some Randomy Randomness of Goodness

2008-08-27T19:00:00.000-05:00

Never his mind on where he was. Hmm? What he was doing. Hmph.

If only I could float in the clouds. I've always thought they'd be fluffy and squishy. Now I know I'd be taking a cloud bath.

Our new comforter from PBTeen. Well, duvet cover and blankie and pillows. Not new bed skirt. I know it does not match. It was from the last set. But I love this with the colors and stripes and down blankie inside! And while we are not teens, I couldn't pass up the fab bed set, it's exactly what I wanted.

Currently reading:

Well, more like this series. I'm done with the 8th book, and waiting for the bookstore to stock #9. I've gobbled these faster than the other books I've mentioned. They're usually done in 2/3 of a day. Can't get enough. And, the fabulous thing about it is I'm getting more into the Scriptures. Such a needed thing!

Project Runway is on tonight! And thus, Project Catwalk from SIStv! YAY!
Speaking of SIStv, which is short for ScrapInStyletv, I've got a brand new shiny badge on the sidebar to link you up to their boutique! I must say, they've got some awesome kits, cool exclusive products, such as paper lines, gaffer tape and more! Check it out, browse, shop, join in! Not only does SIStv have a boutique shop, they've got an online community of scrapbookers! It's such an awesome site!

Elise Blaha's Craft Olympics

2008-08-24T18:10:00.000-05:00

Elise Blaha is hosting a Craft Olympics with three categories: Best Use of Pattern, Best Use of Text, and Best Use of Paint.
I have chosen to enter two of these, but I suppose one of my entries could be considered for either of two categories. So, here they are.
First up, Use of Pattern. (which could also be entered under use of paint.. but I chose pattern.)

I did not create this on the date listed, that's his birthday, I made this today, so it still falls into the time frame for the CO. I used the foam stamps from Creating Keepsakes' Kit of the Month from December, and tried to find shapes that would lend themselves to repeats. Hence the category, Use of Pattern. Which to me, is what repetition is.
When I asked Pete what kind of dessert he wanted, he surprised me by requesting a chocolate-chocolate ice cream cake. So, I headed to Coldstone Creamery and picked up the smallest chocolate cake they had. The ganache was still pretty hard when I tried to put the candles in, so instead, he just held one to blow out. :)
Secondly, Use of Text. This also falls under the category of Blog Challenges (Scrapjacked - bettiescrapbookjack.) The song is by Coldplay, and for some reason I just really like this song; the background music, the way it's sung, maybe not ALL of the lyrics, but I still really like it. It calms me sometimes.
I used some packaging plastic that just seemed too cool to get rid of, it was already crumpled and gave such a different texture. As for my take on the bettiescrapbookjack, I loved how she printed the journaling on her photo, as well as the masking tape and the layers. I didn't do that many layers, but I still love this LO.
Anyways, I'm off to fix dinner and watch the Closing Ceremonies, as we didn't get to see the Opening Ceremonies, just the march in. Hopefully the weather is done being rumbly and the satellite won't kick out.
Have a blessed week!

So Fickle.

2008-08-18T00:34:00.002-05:00

Is this how it always is? Someone is in the media's spotlight and suddenly the whole world is an expert on the matter? Acting like they care? Like now that it's a hot story and the subject is himself hot, everyone loves him and is buzzing about him?

Photo courtesy of www.telegraph.co.uk

I mean, come on. Michael Phelps was completely and stupendously awesome before Saturday when he won his 8th Olympic gold medal in a single Olympics...in case you were under a rock for the Games thus far. (Which by the way was such an amazing thing to witness, I have to say.) But now everyone thinks they know a thing or two about swimming.
But if that brings attention the the often-ignored sport, then maybe I should be ok with it.
I swam for 9 years. Age 9 to 18. I was never good enough to go past the state levels in club or sectionals in high school, but still, I was alright. I wish I had stuck with it. While I had talent, which I admit, was probably from my complete immersion in it at an early age; as time went on, I grew a little tired of it. Some of the people involved were petty and hard to deal with. And I was getting a little bored. High school came along which jazzed it up a bit. But even then, I had a lot of social activities outside of the sport. It didn't help that my parents were really the only ones who cared (which helped me stick with it as long as I did). Because I wasn't involved with a "fun", "exciting" or "easy-to-watch" sport, no one would come to see me swim my little heart out. While I am the first to admit that if you don't know the times someone is swimming, an all-day meet can get exceptionally challenging to sit through. It's hot, crowded and uncomfortable to sit on the bleachers for the whole day. But in high school, the meets are only two hours at most. The pace is faster, there are more teammates cheering, there are team cheers at the beginning, there is a winning and losing team (instead of individual places and times). But still, it was rare that we had non-parent spectators. Even my grandparents didn't care much for it. They were more interested in their local high school volleyball team (with none of their own grandchildren on it) than in my swimming. My dad was a timer at most of my early meets, then he started running the things, and finally officiating them. He still does. He runs the state meets, and sometimes even bigger ones than that. Swimming is in our family. I need to get back to it. Looking back, I think if my focus had been a little different, I could have been something more. Nothing on the Olympic level. No no. But still.

(That's me on the far right. Laughable if you've seen me anytime recently. I was thin and had muscles!)
I guess what I'm trying to say is that swimming has been around for a long time and people haven't really cared much about it. If you only support the Olympians, people may not have the encouragement to get to that level, when you don't pay attention to the little guys. The eight year-olds bumbling down the pool, as adorable as can be; the eleven, twelve and thirteen year-olds who are uncomfortable with their own bodies in swim suits, but do their best anyways; the first-timer swimming in high school, using all their courage to try out for the team; the senior who may or may not ever swim again. They all need representation. Not just the fabulous people in front of the cameras. Please don't be fickle.

Weekend Blur

2008-08-11T15:57:00.000-05:00

Our trip to the homeland was a welcome reminder for why we are moving back there. And a reminder of how much I hate this place. Not that I needed a reminding of that. I'll elaborate more on the trip once I have some more time. Unpacking and getting back into things after being away always takes awhile.

The Eleventh Hour

2008-08-02T21:14:00.000-05:00

Ok, not really... but eleven hours later.. I'm done...and I'm exhausted. My brain hurts.

Challenge Blogs and Anticipation

2008-08-01T16:12:00.006-05:00

I've been starting to get into reading and participating in scrapbooking challenge blogs. These are blogs that give you a challenge or a prompt in which to start your scrapbook page from. They range in visibility as well as style and schedule. Some operate monthly, bi-monthly or even weekly. They can be anything from a subject to scrap about, to colors to use, to a sketch to base your layout off of (and more!). It's not that I can't come up with anything inspiring on my own, but these are just fun to participate in. There's camaraderie as well as the occasional prize. I think I'll start sharing some of these layouts as I do them. Perhaps I'll make a new sidebar list of challenge blogs.
On the Twilight front, I filled out a pre-order slip at the book store a few weeks ago. While I'm not going out to the festivities tonight, I will be purchasing the much-anticipated Breaking Dawn tomorrow morning. And will promptly be out of touch with the world for the rest of the day. :) I've got my t-shirt to wear and everything! Just a few more hours! YAY!

Life Lesson #5

2008-07-28T22:29:00.000-05:00

Life Lesson #5: Waiting before you have kids is an extremely good idea. Rock solid marriages are the best thing for little ones.
(This one was observed, not lived.)

........................................................................................................

Life Lessons are made up of stuff that I’ve done or haven’t done (that I wish I had … or hadn’t). I’ve also decided to include things I’ve observed other people do…or not do. (Not all of these lessons are things I went through myself…so don’t get too shocked.) The rest will be things that annoy me, anger me, sadden me, confuse me, or even make me happy. Sometimes they'll be little tips I've picked up along the way.

This effort is as much for my benefit as it is for helping others. Hopefully, throughout this process, we’ll all take something away from it. My life's motto: Well, now we know.

If you'd like to find out more about why I'm doing this series, you can read more about it here.

My little kitty babies

2008-07-28T22:26:00.000-05:00

I miss my kitty every day, and decided to paint a little reminder of her cuteness. I also wanted a little happy reminder of my two kitties I had growing up. I am not very impressed with the quality of canvas, but since I'm just starting out, I guess it doesn't matter that much. The sides have a phrase indicative of each cat's personality.
Just wanted to share these!

Reminder...

2008-07-24T18:50:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow!! And a Life Lesson will show up later tonite..

It. Was. Awesome. !

2008-07-19T23:57:00.000-05:00

The best show ever. Ever. Totally worth the wait. Sigh.
Photo is Avatar Fanart by ming85

Just Need to Get a Few Things Out

2008-07-17T14:11:00.000-05:00

Once again, it's been a whole week without a post. While we do still have a working computer in the house, I have barely used it in the last 8 days. I got to thinking about a book series I read as a child. Little House on the Prairie, by Laura Ingalls Wilder. I have the yellow boxed set, with well loved corners and broken spines. I want to say this was one of the first chapter book sets I read as a child, but then again, I have no idea for certain. They just stick with me more. I know they are large print and have 1.5 inch margins all the way around the page, but there are 8 books in the set. While I know most of the stories, it was comforting to read them all again. And thus began my reading frenzy of the week. I knew the books weren't going anywhere, yet I still chain-read them...sometimes into the wee hours of the morning.
On a reading break side trip, we went to Target for a few things, and I browsed the book section, waiting for Pete to finish browsing the electronics. For the past 6 months, I have noticed a lot of facebook flair about the book Twilight and its characters. Not really that interested, I never pursued the book at all. Until four days ago when I was standing in front of it at Target. It was just there, on the best sellers rack, so I figured, "hey, why not, I'm just about done with the Little House books. I could use another book to read this summer. I like books." It sat on the kitchen table, among the other things we purchased, forgotten as we went about birthday celebrations. (Happy Birthday honey!) Once I was done with Laura, ready to put that box set away for a few years (wanting to read her daughter Rose's books again, next) I was tidying up and figured, hey, I may as well get started on this one. It was late, I was tired, and within the first 3 pages of Twilight, I was confused. So I put it down and went to bed. The next morning I got up and tried again. And didn't stop until I had to go to an appointment. So I took it with. Frustratingly everyone was on time. I barely had a chance to read in the waiting room. On another note, my hearing is just fine, no middle ear problems, but if you don't talk towards me, I'll never hear you. Or if you mumble. Like so many people do nowadays. Once back home, I started up again and found myself grinning and laughing throughout the first 2/3's of the plot. For the last 1/3, I was gasping and yelling, "No!" aloud to the book. I have never done that. I shook with anger at Dolores Umbridge, I shed a tear at the death of Dumbledore and Hedwig... but I've never been so into a book that I spoke in response to it while I was reading. Harry Potter books brought on a frenzy of reading and caught up emotions, but this was just different. When I got to the end and saw there was another book being written, I flipped to the front to see the publishing year. 2005! What!? This amazing and wondrous book has been out for 3 years and I JUST found it!? I ran to the internet and careful to avoid spoilers, found out the fourth is being published next month. Fourth! I must have the other two! Two days ago, we swung by Barnes and Noble and I filled my basket with diamonds. Books. I couldn't wait to get home and begin. But we had other plans at Dave and Busters for the evening.
On a side note/bunny trail, this week is the airing of the last 10 episodes of Avatar: The Last Airbender, our FAVORITE show. That we've waited since November for. This is also adding to the feeling of frantic, excited frenzy. They are playing the whole second half of the final season in one week. On one hand, it seems like we're drowning in episodes, having waited for so long, but then, we've waited for such a time that if we had to wait another 10 weeks for the conclusion, it may drive some people crazy.
But, back to the Twilight series. I'm glad I didn't read anything on anybody's blog that gave the books away, so I won't do it either, just in case. But two nights ago, once we got home, watched Avatar and had a snack, I dove in. And didn't come up for air until 4:30. AM. I had to sleep, but didn't want to. I didn't feel tired. Apparently I was, but woke up at 10, and continued on. I finished New Moon around 1 and started in on Eclipse during lunch. Chain-reading. Again, for both the second and third books, I was "argh" ing and "No!" "Don't do that!" "I can't believe this!" I completed Eclipse last night around midnight. So, over the course of 4 days, I read all three Twilight books. My mind was exhausted. I'm so glad that I put my name down at B&N for a copy of Breaking Dawn, the fourth book.
For the first 4 days, I was just happily content re-reading books from my childhood, the last 4 days, I've been exceedingly excited about Avatar and even more bouncy about the new books I've just found. Yesterday, I felt like The Joker; constantly grinning... the last time I was that wound up was when I would pack my stuff to hop a plane to see Pete while we were states apart, once every 6 weeks for a year. (Nothing compares to the emotions and wound-up-ed-ness of him coming back from Iraq.) I know it's not the same emotions, backed by the same reasons, I'm just trying to compare it to something.
As a result, today I am coming down off of the book-high. Totally blah. But that's to be expected. No one's life is as exciting or wonderful to read about as fictional stories are. I sort of felt this way after finishing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I needed down time to process everything that had happened. With HP, I felt a tiny bit more closure at the end of each book, as it does naturally occur at the end of a school term, but Stephanie Miller just tortures you by brining that book's plot to somewhat of a closing but leaves much open for the next one. I suppose that's how you bring people back to buy your next one. I still love the stories though. :)
I'll cut it off here, I could probably ramble on for a while, but I won't. Lots to do around here after a week with my nose in a book. I think we'll be seeing the new Batman movie in a few days, so I'll post about that a little bit later.
Oh, and I have been working on a few crafty things over the last few weeks (well not this past week..) that I'll get to photographing and sharing soon.

Life Lesson #4

2008-07-09T19:28:00.000-05:00

Ah, the internet. Alas, it is not on my computer. It is on my husband's computer. We just backed up the data from my hard drive and will wait until we are around a technically inclined family member that does not charge us $150 to simply look at the dang thing. We have to share a computer now. Oh the injustice. ;) We really don't need two anyways.
On to a scrapbook layout, this week is Life Lesson #4, all about dieting. Well. Just a diet tip: Don't subscribe to Food & Wine Magazine when you're on a diet.

........................................................................................................

This effort is as much for my benefit as it is for helping others. Hopefully, throughout this process, we’ll all take something away from it. My life’s motto: Well. Now we know.

If you'd like to find out more about why I'm doing this series, you can read more about it here.

Silly Old Computer

2008-07-06T13:15:00.002-05:00

So, my computer seems to have taken a vacation and did not think to let me know. It was all very sudden. This morning, it just doesn't turn on! Again. So, I may be away for a little while as we try to get it fixed. Hope everyone had a fabulous Fourth of July, we saw Hancock, which was slightly disappointing. Thankfully it's been raining a bit for the last few days. Yay, no grass fires. I just finished our Disney album after working on it all week, and am just waiting for refill pages at the moment. Other than that, nothing too exciting going on. I just miss our kitty. :(

Life Lesson #3

2008-07-03T15:18:00.000-05:00

On the puppy front, I put in a call to the proper authorities, but nothing has changed as of yet. There is a little ramp to keep him out of the mud, but that's about all that's changed. I don't think anyone has come out yet. Short of trespassing or stealing (which are obviously wrong and illegal), I've done all I can. I'll just keep an eye on the little guy from afar.
Moving on to happier topics!
Life Lesson #3:
Double sinks in a master bathroom only fulfill their purpose if you get ready at the same time. Or if you splash less than your spouse and you like your side of the mirror cleaner.

........................................................................................................

This effort is as much for my benefit as it is for helping others. Hopefully, throughout this process, we’ll all take something away from it. My life’s motto: Well. Now we know.

If you'd like to find out more about why I'm doing this series, you can read more about it here.

Very. Angry.

2008-06-30T19:31:00.000-05:00

I cannot tell you how angry it makes me to see a poor tiny puppy being treated with such indifference and cruelty. I am collecting enough evidence to make sure I have enough of a case against this person and will be calling it in tomorrow. Adrenaline is a strange thing.

Focus on the Good

2008-06-27T19:15:00.000-05:00

We learned ourselves a lesson in regards to showing a house. (P.S. this is not correlated to the new series, Life Lessons that I've started...) About what not to do and to pay attention to where our house is located for when we need to sell it. Thank you God for Pastor Emmitt's words of encouragement via a podcast - the topic was called "Self-Destruction: How to Avoid It". And before you go thinking something horrible, it's nothing like that. (It was just something we know better about now.) The three main ideas were: 1. Focus on the Good (see the bad, but focus on the good) 2. Think on the Good, and 3. Talk About the Good. Right now I just need the phrase, "focus on the good". It could have been worse. Much worse. It doesn't make the selling situation a ton easier tho'.
Sigh.
Lord, please send us a buyer.

Life Lesson #2

2008-06-25T18:45:00.000-05:00

So today's LL is one that I'm starting to take more seriously. And begin to put it into effect. (Scrap Your Day is coming along quite swimmingly thus far! Yay!)
Life Lesson #2: You don't need more than one tv. You shouldn't be watching it that much anyways.

........................................................................................................

This effort is as much for my benefit as it is for helping others. Hopefully, throughout this process, we’ll all take something away from it. My life’s motto: Well. Now we know.

If you'd like to find out more about why I'm doing this series, you can read more about it here.

Wide Eyed

2008-06-24T17:00:00.000-05:00

Holy bananas, a week has gone by already. Craziness.
I changed the banner to a new pic, using a newly found online program, picnik. Love it!
Yesterday I had my eyes dilated and checked up... first time for the enlarged pupil thingy. I must say I'm not a huge fan, but I'll take it over root canals any day. Thank goodness my sunglasses wrap around my face and block out most of the light. And it definitely took longer than 4 hours for them to return to normal. Healthy eyes are important tho.
Today the mail brought me a happy little surprise as I got the Disney album I've been trying to find for almost a year and a half. A few months before our trip to Florida last year, I saw a perfect scrapbook album at Hobby Lobby, but did not buy it. When I went back armed with a coupon, it was gone. I've been trying to find it ever since. I'm sure I could have located it from various websites, but I'm a little leery of buying from some of them.. don't look too reputable. But the other day I got an email with a sales flier for one the online stores I shop at with Disney stuff on sale! And they had the long lost album! Yay! I suppose it's not THAT big of a deal, a whole paragraph worth of blog space, but I have to say, I REALLY love it! The cover looks like an old, soft, comfy gray cotton jersey tshirt with scribble/drawn Mickeys.

As a result of this arrival, I have been printing out all of our Disney photos. Sadly, I didn't know the resolution on the camera was set at the tiniest pixelation... thus wallet sized photos that are still pixely. Luckily, I noticed this on the second day. Not all the pics got ruined.
On another photographic note, tomorrow is the 25th, and month 3 of Shimelle's Scrap Your Day. I'm hoping for a better day than last month, where I forgot to takes photos at all. Eep. Photo courtesy of Shimelle.com
Tomorrow will also see another Life Lesson. Check back again for some life wisdom. :)

Life Lesson #1

2008-06-18T12:59:00.000-05:00

Don't use the builder's mortgage lender. Their offers might be tempting, but you'll find better rates elsewhere.
While we did our research before hand, we still got suckered into using our builder's lender. The rates were higher but they paid part of our closing costs. In the long run, we're paying larger interest rates. Ugh.

Life Lessons

2008-06-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

I’ve always been one to hang on to the past. It’s difficult for me to let go. Move on. Some things have been hanging over my head since middle school. Some things don’t start to bother me until much later. I’ve tried to forget about them …but my brain won’t let go. So, in an effort to ditch these feelings and memories, I’m going to write about them. Document them. These are things I want my children to know: That their mom felt these things when she was 24. Not just when she’s 40 and a parent. (How many kids/teens have said to their parents, “You don’t know what I’m going through! You don’t get it!”? C’mon, we’ve all said that.) This way, they see at age 18, 20, or 24, I felt this way. Maybe it will help them; maybe it’ll help someone else. Either way, I’m going to document these feelings of anger, pain, regret, annoyance and happiness. I am going to scrapbook them.* I have decided to call the ongoing series “Life Lessons”.

This effort is as much for my benefit as it is for helping others. Hopefully, throughout this process, we’ll all take something away from it. My life’s motto: Well. Now we know.

*I may or may not have pictures to add to the scrapbook pages. Not every lesson got photographed.

Sneak Peek

2008-06-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

Just a little hint at something I'm working on!

Happy Daddy's Day/Weekend Creative - Love Book

2008-06-15T18:11:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to tell my dad Happy Daddy's Day and that I love you! Here are some of our first happy snaps together:

A few weeks ago, I made the Love Board Book weekend creative project as a gift for my parents. I didn't want to show pictures as I had to mail it to them first. Well, it's finally in their possession, so I am free to share! They went to Saint Martin for my dad to receive an award from work and made a little vacation out of it. The photos are beautiful, but not as bright as being there in person. (So I'm informed.) *Sorry about making you guys look a tad orange...my printer was being strange.

My New Best Friend

2008-06-10T23:10:00.000-05:00

photo courtesy of www.babble.com
Today was a day that I never want to experience again. I was scheduled for a root canal. Well, actually two root canals - the two teeth farthest back in the mouth that are next to each other. The hardest to get to. Thank you Jesus that once they cleared away the debris for both teeth, only one needed the full root canal, the other just needed a core build up and crown. The worst part - the x-rays. Horrible. Uck. Gag.
Got some temporary caps for a few weeks that are completely flat and feel totally weird. Just got to be careful with the foods I eat. And keep the chompers clean and clean and clean. And clean. Hello floss.

Sweet Baby

2008-06-08T22:45:00.000-05:00

I've got another layout I did of two super cute photos from last summer. My niece has the cutest little smile! The letters and flowers are die cuts, the squares are all paper trimmer-ed... not square punched - which probably would have got a LOT faster.

Happiness In A Layout

2008-06-06T22:44:00.000-05:00

This layout just makes me smile. Bright and pink and floral-y.
In our pseudo-attempt to get to Sea World today, we ended up heading to the North side for lunch. We tried a new (to us) cafe that we drive by every time we head up to church. While the food was exceptionally good, it was a business casual type place and there we were dressed in tank top, tshirt, jeans and tennies (as we WERE going to go to Sea World). I hate that awkward feeling. But like I said, the food was fabulous. Afterwords, we drove around, slightly lost to get to a gelato cafe, which was SO worth getting lost. (Even though it was pretty much right across the highway.)
Lots of creativity on my mind right now.. so, we'll see what I can get done in the coming days.

Bring It On

2008-06-05T13:23:00.000-05:00

Today the house should be going on the market. We're still waiting on the sign for the front yard, but the lock box is set up, contract signed, house staged and efforts will be needed for the house to be kept in a pristine state from here on out. But still, I'm hoping for the best. Praying for the best.
Bring it on.

I'm back!

2008-05-31T20:40:00.000-05:00

Tiny respite, back to write some more.
The pool is finally open with the key card box working properly. Prior to today it would either be padlocked shut, or the card reader wasn't functioning properly, which required someone to let you in. Now I can finally go swimming at 6am in peace.
A few days ago, we saw Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Pretty good, better than Temple of Doom, not quite as good as the others. Was disappointed at the ending. Today we saw the second installment of Narnia. Again, pretty good, not as good as the first. I was not as emotionally involved in Price Caspian as I was in Lion, Witch & Wardrobe. Meh. Didn't pull at the heartstrings as much. Maybe that's just the way the book is, I don't know, I've never read them.
Last week's Weekend Creative is finished, waiting to be mailed (mom and dad, don't follow that link quite yet), and the current Weekend Creative is a fantastic idea...just not one I'm going to be able to execute very soon. I'd like to accumulate more photos of the family we will have in the future. In order to accumulate said photos, one must have said family in the first place. :)
I'm almost done with the finishing touches to stage our house for a sale this summer, God willing. The sale, I mean, not finishing the staging.
I've also been working on a small, ring-bound notebook of sorts to house all my scrapbook sketches that I refer to when I need a bit of inspiration. I'm almost finished with that project too, and will share photos upon completion. So far, I'm guessing I'll need three 2" binder rings to hold them all.
The other day as I walked out to my car upon completion of grocery shopping, a grandmotherly type lady walked up to me, and we had a brief conversation:
Her: Well, aren't you a smart somebody. (half comment, half question.)
Me: Oh?
Her: For bringing your own bags to use.
Me: Oh, yes, I suppose so. (Duh. Didn't know what to say.)
Her: Did you make them?
Me: (Recovering from the shock of someone acknowledging my reusable, super cute, cloth bags,) No, I purchased them online from this company, b. happybags. It's still handmade, but you could make it really easily though, it's just a box pattern with strong handle straps. I love it, they sit nicely in your car and don't tip over, I can fill up my (Texas sized HEB) cart and it'll fit in these six bags. They can get a little heavy though (as I struggle to get the bag filled with OJ, milk, apple juice, buttermilk, pomegranate juice and a full quart of yogurt into the trunk.) But I love them!
Her: Well I don't really sew. Online you say?
Me: Yep, there are others that make these market bags too. I just really liked b.happybags' products. And I always feel good about myself walking out of the store without the extra waste of plastic.
Her: Huh, well you're a smart someone. Have a nice day! (As she walks off.)
Me: Thanks, you too! (As I get into my car smiling.)

I love my bags! (Ignore the double chin and lack of makeup.) The styles I purchased are Victoria and Lucy (three each) and one John (for Pete, so he could have a "manly" bag, not a frilly frou frou fussy pretty bag to shop with - not pictured.)

Have you ever been kicked out of a store?

2008-05-31T01:56:00.000-05:00

I almost was.

I was at a wholesale grocery/we-sell-everything store, making notes of products and prices. Which, by the way, I've been doing for 3 days now, in bits and pieces. I made sure to stay out of the way of people who were shopping and employees who were stocking. More people than I expected asked me what I was doing these last few days, with some questions being, "Oh, doing inventory, huh?" "Do you work here?" (both customers) "Do you need any help? (No thank you, just checking prices and nutrition facts *smile*) "Oh ok, thought you were from [Other Wholesale Store Name]" "Do you need help finding something?" "Are you doing a project?" And then the one that just about got me ejected - "You are not allowed to do pricing here...you need to stop or leave."

I told this employee that I was almost done and would go when I was finished - she left me alone after that but was the one checking receipts at the door. Sigh. It makes me a little upset that they "don't allow pricing" - because I want to be a well-informed consumer. This "rule" (if it is indeed a policy) just reaffirms to me that warehouse wholesale prices may not indeed be the lowest around. When the quantities are so much larger, it's a little tougher to compare accurately. They do place the unit price on the signs, but this doesn't mean much if you don't pay attention to that in the grocery stores. (Especially when the grocery store unit price tag is printed about 2 mm high. To make sure that I purchase the best deal, I want to price foods I usually buy. Ugh. I guess it was my fault for going on a weekend when there are more employees around.

I just hope that this doesn't happen at the other two places I need to price too.

Today...

2008-05-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

we meet with the Realtor. Finally getting this on the right path.

Beautiful Pink

2008-05-27T08:00:00.000-05:00

In an effort to cheer myself up, I am sharing some favorite pink photos from various flickr members:

If you check out my flickr page, my favorites should have links to all of these wonderful photos!

Yeeaaaaaah.

2008-05-26T19:26:00.000-05:00

Mmmm yeeaaaah... missed the boat on that one.

Grand total of photos taken yesterday: 6.

Total pounds lost: 1.

Completed things from last weekend's "to do" list: 2 (but all of them started).

Creative projects in the "to work on" pile: 8.

Completed things off of today's "to do" list: 4 (an improvement)

What is it about following through that I have such a hard time with? I don't remember having this problem in college.. I did very well, completed most things ahead of schedule. Is it that I don't have any teachers setting deadlines for me? Why can't I stick to a deadline I've made for myself?

It is in this question that I find the hinting of failure as an adult. When there are no longer parents or teachers setting guidelines, time lines and deadlines, it is up to oneself to set these things. Self regulation. This is a large component of maturity and discipline. Both of which I've always thought I had lots of... and was even ahead of the game when I was younger. But now, I'm not really exuding those values. Is it a question of motivation? Initiative? Commitment? I don't know. I think follow-through involves all of those things.

Am I the only one who has a hard time with this? Did I just get distracted by something shiny and sparkly along the way, while everyone else I was ahead of passed me by, now full swing into adulthood and succeeding by leaps and bounds? Is this an ongoing character flaw/struggle? Or.. is this problem solved once kids come along? Do you magically get better at doing things because the tiny bundle of cuteness has a bazillion needs and you're the only one that can fulfill them, so you just HAVE to do whatever it is you had planned on doing? There is no question of do I really feel like it, you just do it? If that's the case, I guess I'll just have to keep on muddling through until whenever we start having the babies.

Advice? Criticism? Suggestions? Opinions? Similar story to share? Anyone? Bueller?

P.S. I don't mean to complain and whine... just trying to understand and work things out.

P.P.S. Happy Memorial Day!

Scrap Your Day/Well Now We Know/Weekend Creative/Splash

2008-05-25T17:22:00.000-05:00

Today is the 25th of the month, and I promptly forgot it was Scrap Your Day. So I had to change my clock to say what time I got up... kind of cheating.. but I forgot. :( I'll post the day's pictures tonight.

I've been slowly getting back into the swing of things now that we are back home. Welcome back, it's 97 degrees. We stupidly drove straight through, 19 hours... straight. In one day. Well.. we got back home at 3:45am. I was so overtired I was getting carsick. It was a really weird feeling. I'll never do that again. My life's motto applies to this situation: Well, now we know. The house was fine, despite my daily worry while gone. It even smelled clean and new. Not always the case when you come back to a closed up house after 12 days. Poor Pete has to work 4 days in a row; Welcome back, here's a ton of work, jump right in!

I have been working on this Friday's Weekend Creative, but am unable to share any detailed information or photos as it is a gift. I don't want to spoil the surprise until the recipients receive it. So, once they get it, I'll post photos.

Amazingly, the community pool FINALLY opened (either yesterday or today); I walked over to check it out and happily, there were people swimming! Later I swung by again and it was quickly becoming packed. This just reassures me that I'll have to go swimming in the morning when the place opens at 6 if I want to avoid swimming over a small child or getting jumped on by a fat kid or beaned in the head with a ball. Ah well, it's what I expected would have to happen. It'll be good for me right? Getting up at 5:30? Right....?

We've Arrived Safely

2008-05-18T11:08:00.000-05:00

Our 19 hour journey via car with cat in tow is complete. Not something I ever want to do again. Wasn't horrible... wasn't fun. Seeing how the landscape changes along the way is pretty cool, but after several hours in Iowa... I'm done. I love how fresh and clean and green and hilly it is here. I certainly miss it!

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T09:00:00.000-05:00

I just got back some of the layouts I did for the store I use to work at. This one includes a school themed line that no one knew what to do with. So, for the record, I wouldn't normally put these colors and papers together. I'm planning on redoing this page with paper I like. But, colors and designs aside, it's the story that I want to share. I wrote a letter to my mom and dad, and they haven't seen it yet. So, this is for both my parents, but I thought I'd post it for Mother's Day.

To see the journaling better, you can click on the photo to see it larger, or just read it here:

Dear Mom & Dad,

You always told me to do my best. You never gave up on me. You kept me going. All because of what you taught me. Your decision to homeschool me for 3 years was one of the best choices you could have made. Angry at the world, resentful of teachers and hating school, you knew something must be done or who knows where I'd end up. Labeled a problem child by the school, you knew better. I just didn't lean the way they taught: Hurry up and put everything away, we're moving on to Math. Now we're doing History. C'mon hurry up. We're done with that now. No, you need to help this group of students because you already understand. Not everyone gets it, we need to wait and spend more time on this. (The movie Office Space comes to mind - "Now Milton, don't be greedy, pass it along until EVERYONE gets a piece." Not that I had seen that movie..I don't think it was even out at age 10.) By teaching me at home, you opened many doors for me; let me open a few myself even. I re-learned that valuable thing called respect. And maybe how to learn and that it was cool and fun...and that I was really good at it.. If not for these 3 years, 6th, 7th & 8th grade would have done me in. Because of you and the phrase, "Study Hard," I wanted to be a good student. Top 15 in my graduating class, National Honor Society, and a long list of accomplishments. That was because of you. Marquette University. Not possible without my college prep highschool learning to back me up. 3.2 GPA in 3.5 years at MU. I've learned how to learn, how to study, how to think critically and creatively because of you two. So, I guess what I'm trying to say, is thank you. {heart} always, Jill

A Save

2008-05-10T02:22:00.000-05:00

When I flipped over my Autumn Leaves Designing With Daily Calender to today's page, the inspiration/subject was to decorate a multi-paned frame. I thought to myself, "Hey, I've got one of those.." It was in the pile of stuff to sell on eBay. Yoink. Saved out of the pile and onto my desk.

It is a little beat up along the edges, but that's OK. There are four panes of glass, and is meant for 5x7's. You can see the varying depths better when viewed in person. I ordered a kit from the Dozen's Artist Kits the other day, and received it yesterday. Some of the materials are from the kit, some from my stash o' stuff. The wings, rub-ons and flowers are from my previous collection, while the epoxy stickers, buttons, paper and poufy bee are from the Dozen's kit. I'm really glad I made this, as it has reminded me to look at everything I have and see if I can re-purpose it in a way that makes it better or cuter. Life is too short to not have cute things!

Mixed Up Mini

2008-05-07T20:46:00.000-05:00

On a creative note, I finished assembling the Mixed Up Mini album from the last Weekend Creative. I'm not going to put any pictures or memorabilia in it yet, but having it done makes it easier to grab and start decorating. I think I need to do this more often. Pre-assemble some mini albums, I mean. Here are some photos of the various pages.