Some of my Sat. workshop creations ...

The pumpkin item has a Hershey bar inside. I left two of my favorite projects behind and haven't heard from the rep. One was an adorable snowman diorama card and another was a cute Halloween card I made for ds & his gf. I hope they surface!

Almost through with the forties....

What a weekend! Fri. night we went out for a pre-birthday dinner. It wasn't so great. I wanted to go to Margaritas and dh thought it would be too crowded so we went to another local Mexican restaurant. It used to be great. Well, they put us in this little corner booth that was a weird place so we asked to be moved. They put us in a regular booth (the restaurant wasn't even crowded).

So....the margaritas came and they were practically clear, definitely not green. Took a sip and it was like pure alcohol. We told the waitress and she said they're all like that (we ordered Gold). She said they use lime juice, triple sec and tequila. I think they forgot the lime juice. She brought us some sweet & sour mix to add to it and we still couldn't drink them so we sent them back and got a beer. At least the food was good.

Saturday I started early (up til midnight fri. night). I had a 9 a.m. class that was 30 min. away. Had a blast at my Angela Moen (Button Farm on my side bar) class. We made a gorgeous stadium album but didn't finish. I still have a few pages to do but her directions are great so it's not a big deal. She has absolutely gorgeous kits to purchase. I was dying to get another but just couldn't spend the money. My son's girlfriend was there as a helper and it was great to see her.

Went to my SU workshop and had fun making 8 really nice holiday projects. I was exhausted when I got home at 10:45.

Last night my son and his gf (and my other son and his gf) surprised me by coming by for dinner and ice cream cake. And my mom was home from her trip too.

It was a nice weekend.

Friday's Feast One Hundred Sixty One

Appetizer
What is your favorite type of art? Don't really have a favorite art. I guess photography is what I like to look at. My boys are both photographers and love to experiment with lighting/color, etc.

Soup
When was the last time you got a free lunch (or breakfast or dinner)? Who paid for it? Hmmmmm...it's been a while. A friend tried to pay for my lunch over the summer to thank me for something but I didn't let her. Tonight my dh is buying me dinner!

Salad
On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how emotional are you? I'm not that emotional on a daily basis. The only time I cry is when I see a sad movie or go to a wake/funeral. So I guess I'd say a 2?

Main Course
Approximately how long do you spend each day responding to emails? Oh boy, I do this all day for my job so I'm guessing 6 hours? It's not constant though.

Dessert
To what temperature do you usually set your home’s thermostat? My dh is in charge of this and I think he sets it to 68? If I'm too hot when the a/c is on or too cold when the heat is on, I manually adjust to my liking without him knowing! LOL

I hope this year goes by fast...

Not that I want to rush my son's life but I hate the worrying already. Last night he asked if he could be home around 9:30-10 with the car. Is said, Sure, but no later. 10:15 rolled around and my stomach started to churn. 10:40 rolled around. I finally called his cell, not wanting to scare him while driving but worried at the same time. His phone was either dead or had no service. So I sat there worrying and considered calling my cousin, the cop, if he didn't show up by 11. I thought he could help me search. I had visions of sirens and everything else in my head. So just about 11:00 he strolled in. He claims he asked for 10:30-11. Grrrrrrr....
My stomach is still killing me.

Oh, on the upside, he did get a job!!!!!!!!!! I hate to put more negative in but (and that's a big one! LOL), he was given the choice to start today or Friday. What do you think he chose?!!!!! Yep, he was busy with social obligations today. I hope this job works out. I'd love to end my ATM role....

End of the taxi driver role...

I feel a new chapter beginning in my life. I'm no longer the taxi driver for my ds. It makes me happy and sad at the same time.

I'm sad because it's the only time I can have quality conversations with him (as he's trapped in with me! LOL).

I'm thrilled that I can get into my pjs at 8:00 if I want to and not have to go back out to get him around 10:00. On the weekends, I'm happy I don't have to say no to a second beer or margarita or whatever, just because I may have to pick him up later (not that I constantly drink but when the occasion arises, I can have another!!).

He has an interview this afternoon. Please send positive thoughts our way! I'm tired of being the ATM....

We're baaaaack!

Ok, my son got his license!!!!!! I am so nervous. He just drove off with the car.

Not that exciting!

Ok, I think I've intrigued some with my post below. It's not all that exciting it's just that I feel like I jinxed it two weeks ago. It's about my youngest ds. I hope to be posting good things later on.

On another subject, I really need to dig into my photos because I want to do a teen & baby post. I think it'll be fun to see the photos everyone posts. My only issue is I think I used my favorites in my scrapbook so I don't know how I'll scan/photo.

Weekend update...

I was the cardmaking queen this weekend! I got the house cleaned early on Sat. and went to work in my "shop". I was trying to use up images from stamp camp (still have two envelopes full) so I ended up making several kids cards. I forgot to take a photo to post.

Anyway, Sunday came along and I cleaned a little more and went to work again. I had nothing going on this weekend and it was nice and relaxing. My mom was at her sister's two nights (yay!) so I was really chillin'!

And speaking of chillin', I was freezing this morning when I went out to the car. Brrrr...it was down to almost 30's last night. I hated to do it but I dug out the nylons/stockings and a pair of shoes instead of sandals. That didn't make me too happy.

I have tomorrow off! YAY again. I won't post why until after something happens. I jinxed it last time. Can you guess? NO, I'm not pregnant. I'm too old for that.

Signs of Fall

I think Punky B (in the SBA ring) posted this as a challenge. My burning bush isn't vibrant enough yet but I found lots of leaves on the ground already! Also, the berries are on my dogwood tree.

Had a great mail day!

I don't usually get it. My dh or my mom gets out there before me. Today it's just me and dh and he was playing guitar. So I got several envelopes and a package.

The box was from Fiskateers. It was my free pair of scissors nicely presented in a green burlap bag.


























and I also got two sketch cards from a talented lady in Australia. I belong to a yahoo group for cardmaking. They're so pretty! And one early birthday card from another in that group.

Feast One Hundred and Sixty

Appetizer
When was the last time you visited a hospital? Sore subject! LOL My dh had knee surgery in August. It was the longest day of my life. The surgeon was 2 hrs. behind and they have you come in 2 hrs. ahead. So four hours before the surgery and it took forever after because he had to have a spinal due to having sleep apnea. It was over 10 hrs. start to finish!

Soup
On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being highest, how ambitious are you? I'm probably an 8?

Salad
Make a sentence using the letters of a body part. (Example: (mouth) My other ukelele tings healthily.) Living in poverty stinks. (I don't live in poverty, just in case you're wondering!!:-)

Main Course
If you were to start a club, what would the subject matter be, and what would you name it? It would have to be stamp related.....maybe Stampin' Sisters. Not very original but I have to get to work!

Dessert
What color is the carpet/flooring in your home? Most of it is a light taupe-ish color. There's not much left since we put hardwood on our downstairs floors.

Misc.

Another gate thought....for three days now, I've driven in to find a broken parking lot gate. I go out at lunch and it's replaced but sometime during the afternoon or evening, someone drives through it. I wonder what their front bumper looks like?!

Had my first yoga class last night. I'm not feeling very sore YET. I had a hard time getting the breathing down. I don't have issues with the pelvic and hip exercises. It reminds me of my ballet days. Anyway, I hope I get some benefit from this!

He he on me!!

Ok, remember I posted about the people who used their card to get through the non-existent access gate at work? That was me this a.m. I was the first in line and was in deep thought (ds issues again :-(| ) and I drove up, scanned my card and looked forward to the stump and laughed.

I watched the others drive up (only two) while I was walking by and only the first one did the same as I did.

Stupid thing but I got a much needed chuckle!

I start my yoga-lates class tonight. I probably won't be able to walk tomorrow!!!!!

Whew! Had a whopping 3 votes....UPDATE

I appreciate the votes from the few who posted. I think I have to go with the bottom one, the flowers on flowers card. My dh liked that better and I happened to like the other, like Stacy. I think had one vote more for the flowered one.

I really wonder sometimes why I bother doing this since I don't get many readers (or maybe comments). I do find it fun though. So my new motto is not to worry about others liking me so I will continue to post for my own sake and enjoy it.

Thank you SO much to the regulars who leave comments. I value your online friendship!

Have a great day!

OOOPS, I THINK WE HAVE A TIE! THANKS, MAIA! That's the one I like better, not dh. Yay!

Ah...rest

I got some sleep last night but I still woke up several times. I do feel much better and more alert today.

My oldest came over to play his new guitar. We ordered pizza since my mom just got home from MD too. It was nice to get a little bit of conversation in with my son. He usually comes in and goes out with the band on practice nights. He was so cute with the new guitar. It's gorgeous, my favorite color...teal! I should have taken a photo for his sb!! I have that cool Rock Star paper in that tealish color. Oh well, maybe tonight (practice).

Swap cards

Please give me your opinion on whether or not you like #1 or #2 better. I did these for a sketch challenge in my cardswap group. I took the easy way out and used SEI papers that coordinated. I used Mike's Studio G stamps and primas. My dh picked one (I'll tell you later) and I picked the other. I have to send one out to my partner so that's why I'm asking.

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz......

I barely slept a wink last night. Not sure why but I just could NOT sleep. I'm so exhausted. I hope I can make it til 5 at work.

We had our block party/cookin this weekend and it was rain delayed. We had horrible downpours and thunder and lightning. We ended up at one of the neighbor's house. I felt so bad for her! Anyway, it was fun. We are having the cookOUT again next weekend but when I looked at the forecast it said showers. This time it will be cancelled if it rains.

Friday's Feast One Hundred Fifty Nine

Appetizer
Using only one word, how does grocery shopping make you feel? Hungry!

Soup
What is your favorite part about the season of Autumn? The pretty leaves, cool nights and my birthday ;-).

Salad
Have you ever had any bad experiences online? Well, it wasn't horrible but I was trading on SCS with someone who thought an item was part of our trade when it wasn't. I couldn't find the original post so I decided to send it just in case I was wrong. I couldn't find the item, spent a fortune buying a new one to send. Then I found the post AFTER the item was sent. I was right. NOT a good trade.

Main Course
Name three things that make you happy daily. My coffee in the a.m., music on the way to work, sitting down to my sb/stamp area after dinner.

Dessert
What one household cleansing or organizing item would you not want to be without? Pledge Multi Surface wipes (copying Jodi here) and my Kaboom shower cleaner.

Not enough coffee in the a.m.?

Ok, I'm still laughing about what happened in my parking lot at work. We have a gate/card scan system for faculty/staff. A lot of times students get frustrated when they don't find parking in their lot and they drive through the gate. So when I drove up this a.m., the gate was broken. I wasn't surprised since it was the first week of classes and they just don't know where to go.

I drove in without using my card, parked and walked toward the street which is past the gate. I watched as 3, yes 3 employees drove up, dug for their id (first of all, why aren't they ready when they get there?), scanned the card and drove in when the stump of a gate lifted! I was trying to contain my laughter as I was walking across the street toward my building. Just had to share. Happy Friday!!

Busy, busy, busy....

It's been so busy at work, I haven't had a lot of time to play!

Well, I didn't get back to scrapping since the weekend but I've made a few cards each night. Here are a couple.

This one was made with one of my many images from stamp camp. I'm slowly using these images up. I used SU stamps & paper, mm eyelets, CTMH fibers, and Studio G sentiment stamps.





















This one is an idea I got from the Hero Arts website but I put my own twist on it. I used SU So Saffron paper, Ranger Distress Embossing Powder in Apricot(I think?), SU inks in So Saffron, Apricot Appeal, Marigold Morning. I think the bling is Hero Arts but can't be sure. It's for a friend in my card group.

Back to School....

It's the day we dread all summer....the students and faculty are BACK!! My son starts here tomorrow though. Maybe I'll see him once in a while!

What a weekend. Too long to post but it was pretty relaxing except yesterday. First my husband almost electrocuted himself in the room next to me in the basement. He was screwing something in by the fuse box and blew it out. I heard a bang but couldn't see anything. Scared the you-know-what out of me. He said he was ok so I ran up to get a flashlight. I was shaking for a long time. Then he opened the bulkhead doors to take out a fridge. There was a little snake waiting for him. Yuck.

Then my ds flunked his road test. Poor kid. He did so well with the three point turn, parallel parking, etc. Unfortunately he's not used to city driving and the instructor told him to take a left at the end and he did not see the lights mounted on the building. He would have gone through the red light (left) if the instructor hadn't pulled the emergency brake. I need to call to make another appt. today. I felt so bad. He was really disappointed and embarrassed.

Friday's Feast One Hundred Fifty Eight

Appetizer
Who is the easiest person for you to talk to? This would be my best friend who lives in GA. We haven't seen each other in a few years but we are in contact daily on email.

Soup
If you could live in any ancient city during the height of the quality of its society and culture, which one would you choose? I have no idea. I guess I would pick some beautiful city in Greece.

Salad
What is the most exciting event you’ve ever witnessed? Oooh, another toughy. All I can come up with right now is a hot air balloon rally in Michigan. There were about 500 balloons going up at once. Very cool.

The other would be a stunt pilot doing tricks. My husband was in the plane with him the day before doing stunts (Art Scholl who sadly passed away while flying).

Main Course
If you were a celebrity, what would you do for a publicity stunt? Not sure. I know I wouldn't get drunk and embarrass myself! I'd never make it as a celeb. I'd be hiding from all of the cameras.

Dessert
What do you consider the ideal age to have a first child? Hmmm...probably 30? I had my first at 27 and that was fine too. My second was born when I was 31.

Tagged by Jodi - Face behind the blog

I was tagged by Jodi.

Face Behind the Blog. Here are the rules:

1st step - Post a short blog article that includes a photograph (or a series of photos) showing the face behind your blog. If you already show a photo somewhere on your site (such as in your about page), then make your post more interesting and choose a photo that’s not currently online.

I don't have many photos of me either! I found a couple just for Jodi ;-) My dh recently took this while I was reading in my pjs during vacation. I almost killed him and then looked at it and it wasn't SO bad. So here you go:













And this one is obviously with the boys during Christmas last year.













If you'd like to play along, just make sure you let me know! I'd love to see your photos.

Someday I need to post and tag for a baby photo and a teen photo. It's been on my mind for a while but I don't have any electronic versions of old photos yet.

Talk about using your stash......

I saw a tag in one of my magazines (Paper something-or-other, just a trial copy) using Sizzix candles. I know I have a huge stash of die cuts getting dusty so I thought I'd pull them out and use them. I came up with a girls and boys version and still have a big bag of them to use!

a creative weekend....

Not only did I make a gazillion cards as usual, I scrapped four pages!!! Yippeeee. Oh yeah, and I finished another book, "The Glass Castle". EXCELLENT book but it rips your heart out!!

Here are a couple of cards. They are all Stampin' Up images, paper & ink but the sentiments are Studio G.

World Cardmaking Day

I didn't know this existed! It's October 6th and I'll definitely participate!

Check it out!

Tagged by Mamapajama

Love that name, by the way!! I am so green at blogging that I don't even know how to put the link for the tagger!!

But here goes anyway:

Tagged!!

Eight Random Things About Me:

OMG - I feel like I should say ditto. I, too, have a huge head (not stuck up, just big size-wise LOL). I finally bought a baseball cap in Aruba because my dh and boys talked me into it. When I put it on, they laugh hysterically. I am just not a hat person.

One of my favorite things to do is make cards (stamp) or scrapbook, or shop for those supplies. Is there anything else?!

I was a dancer when I was younger. I went to dancing school for 13 yrs. - tap, jazz, ballet. I quit for a while and went back as an adult for a year. I was 3 mos. pregnant during my last recital! Oh yeah, and I had perfect attendance for 10 yrs. (I have a trophy).

I am so picky about everything, I cannot stand myself sometimes!!! I re-do things in projects if they're just a hair off.

I'm a horrible photographer (as you can see here on my blog).

I would do just about anything for my boys.

I used to be skinny and could not gain weight. I ate like a piggy, it just wouldn't happen. People used to call me Stretch in high school. I was tall and lanky. Then I got married....

I was a child bride. I got married two weeks after my 18th bday. I had my first child at 27.


I won't tag anyone but feel free to play along! Let me know if you do!!

Friday's Feast One Hundred Fifty Seven

Appetizer
Say there’s a book written about your life. Who would you want to narrate the audio version? All I can think of is Kathleen Turner. She narrated one of my son's books and it was great. Maybe she'd make it sound interesting?!!

Soup
Take the letters from your favorite kind of nut and write a sentence. (Example: Perhaps every avenue needs understanding today.)
Perhaps everyone could analyze nuts. (sorry, I'm in a rush here!! LOL)

Salad
If you could go back in time and spend one week in another decade, which decade would you choose? The nineties. I had a lot of fun back then.

Main Course
Name a song that brings back memories for you. I can think of a few and they're all so differeent. One is "It's Raining Men" by the Weather Girls? I used to go out dancing with work friends every now and then (in the 90's) and it was a blast. The other is a whole set of Beach Boys music that dh and I used to listen on the way to the cottage on Cape Cod when we were dating. The last one (I'm not a Bette Midler fan) is Wind Beneath my Wings. My oldest son's DARE graduation had a slide show to this song and I think every parent was crying at the end.

Dessert
Do you prefer to wash your hands in cold water or warm water?
It depends, but usually cold. I tend to run hot these days. In the winter, it's warm for me.

Wow, what a day!

It's been crazy in here. I haven't had more than a few minutes all day! This is what my life will be like until and IF my old boss comes back.

I think I have a card that I can post since there's nothing great to talk about. Let me see......






I made this for a blue/green challenge but the green looks kind of yellowy, like Chartreuse. I made another last night but I'm not sure if I like it or not. More later!

Just a little photo....

Don't we make a cute couple?!! LOL (I look old enough to be his mom!!) Seriously, I cut my friend out because I'm not sure that she'd want to be posted. He is the NICEST guy! He's so patient and inspiring. Don'tcha just love this woman who poked her head in the photo?

Ugh....back to work!

I had a bazillion emails even though I've been weeding them out each day. This is the thing I hate about vacations.

Had my Industrial class with Tim Holtz last night and it was great! We made chipboard into pieces of jewelery or to use in sb projects. He is the BEST! He's adorable and SO nice. It amazes me how all of the women (all ages) fall all over him! So adorable (did I say that already?!).

My friend took photos and will email them to me. Here's the sheet we got with our materials, just to give you an idea of what they looked like.




I'm so exhausted today. I got home at 11 p.m. and could not sleep all night. I saw 12 p.m., 2 a.m., 4 a.m., 5, etc. I'm going to sleep like a baby tonight!

OOOOH, I forgot to tell you about my free tshirt from the lss that hosted Tim. The tee says, "Tim Holtz and I did Absolutely Everything (and it was very distressing)." The name of their store is Absolutely Everything. How cute!!

More scenes....

Just got back from a family cookout at my aunt's. I feel like this week flew by. Tomorrow is my class with Tim Holtz and I can't wait! So here are a few photos of scenes from the coast. My dh and I took a ride up the MA coast through Rockport, Gloucester, Ipswich, Essex, etc. It was so pretty! I've been there a ton of times but my dh knew some back roads we had never traveled. Unfortunately my camera battery died before we saw some really pretty sights.

We stopped and had a delicious clam plate at Woodman's. They're famous for their fried seafood and their clambakes. Yum....I followed my diet until then. And later on when we got home we decide to go to Kimball's Farm in my town. They have the BEST homemade ice cream. I had coconut almond chip. We took my son and his friend. I ate a lot today too. One last day to cheat!

Quick update...

I'm back from Maine. We had fun on Tues. It was beautiful out so we played bocci in the sun. What a great game. It was my first time and I really enjoyed it. Wed. was lousy out so we headed home after a bit.

Had my CTMH card class last night and that was fun too.

Today we took my son up for a new skateboard and had lunch. All of his boards are broken and I want him to keep active. That's the only thing he really does now.

Anyway, we saw this cool bug that looks like a stick so I took photos for my son. I'm also posting a couple of yard shots. Their yard is so pretty. She loves to garden (I hate it) and it shows.

Vacation interruption...

Thought I'd just update today since I won't have time the next two.

Today I may take my ds to the Butterfly Place. It's a big greenhouse that has beautiful exotic butterflies. He loves photography and wants to get some good shots.

Tomorrow morning we're heading to Maine. We're staying overnight and will head back Wed. afternoon so I can go to my card class.

Unfortunately my dh was told that he can't swim in a lake, pond, hot tub, for another 6 weeks. Ugh....we do hope to get out on our friend's boat but I guess he'll have to stay dry.

Finished another book last night (Big Bad Wolf/Patterson) and started "Perfect Murder, Perfect Town"(not sure of author). I had nothing else here to read. I should have brought a few books home from work. Later!

Friday's Feast One Hundred Sixty

Appetizer
What is your favorite kind of pie?

Ooh, too hard to choose! Key Lime pie if I must choose one!!

Soup
Name something that made you smile this week.

I received a nice RAK package from my SBA friend, Kimi!!!

Salad
What do you do to cool off when the weather is hot and humid?

Stay in the air conditioned house and scrap or stamp (unless I can be at the beach).

Main Course
You receive $1,000 in the mail with a letter that says you can only use the money to redecorate one room in your home. Which room do you pick, and what do you buy to spruce it up?

Since I've already redecorated most of my house, I'd have to say I would spend it on custom built ins for my scrap room. I'm tired of the mess from my overflowing stash.

Dessert
Fill in the blank: My ________ says __________, but I __________.
My mind says finish your work, but I am in vacation mode already!!!

Heavenly...

I got a package from a great SBA friend yesterday. It included a bunch of pretty primas that I didn't already have, a Bling "Q" for my last name, some big flower brads, photo hangers (LOVe these things), scrap rings, pins (use these a lot too!!!), square brads. I can't remember it all but it was a great package!!!

As I was putting the primas away, I decided that I'd like to sort mine by color instead of brand/collection. I had so much fun going through them and then lining them up on my shelf (missed photo op!!!).

My dh came in and asked what I was doing. I told him and he said, "You are way too obsessed!" LOL He's right.

So I never got anything done. I still have a 2 pg. lo that I cannot seem to figure out (Christmas - my least favorite). I wanted to make a new home card for my cousin, wanted to start my Christmas cards too. Oh well...

At the end of today, I am officially........ON VACATION!!!!!!!!!! I have a funny feeling I won't be getting a bunch of me time in. My dh is so bored and lonely that I'll have to be with him 24/7. My ds is also bored and lonely. They should get together instead of counting on me to keep them busy!!

We may go to Maine for a day or two. Wed. night I have a card class, next Sun. I have my Tim Holtz industrial class. Cannot wait!!

Much better today...

It's funny how one day can seem so dismal and the next is bright.

First of all, I feel like a new woman. My migraine is totally gone (knock on wood). The air quality is great today so I think that helped. I'm starting to think it may have been allergy/sinus related but I also wonder if it was my new lamp, topped with stress, that brought it on. It's SO bright, my dh said he didn't understand how I could work with it!

Second, my ds told me he was going "home". I asked if he meant to the apt. and he said yes. He wasn't at my home this morning, so I have to assume it is working out with his sweet gf. I'm really happy but not counting my chickens yet.

My youngest has been hanging out with this adorable girl. I keep asking if they're going out, he says no. I asked again last night after picking him up at her house. He said not really. So he finally came out with the fact that she REALLY likes him but he's not sure he wants a relationship right now. Too funny! Any other boy/guy would be dying to go out with her!!! I just don't understand my "men".

And third, my dh is in a much better mood and that helped me a lot.

Migraines and misc.

Ok, it must be my week for headaches. I had a major migraine last night. I hooked up my new natural light lamp from Walgreen's and was ready to scrap when it came on. I couldn't see. I thought it was the light so I sat on the couch in the dark. It didn't go away. I finally went to bed after taking several meds. I went up at 9:30 and didn't come back down. I'm still in pain but at least I could see when I woke up. I think it was caused by stress but still not sure. I took meds as soon as I got up so that I don't get another. I'm hanging in at work.

Anyway, my mom always said, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all". So I'll just post my cousin's 30th bday card I made with Junkitz paper. The photo is terrible as always.

Something fun for a change....

Made this for a watercolor challenge. I had so much fun with the watercolor, I kept painting images!

When it rains, it pours....

Ok, so my son ended up going out last night and said he wasn't sure if he'd be staying over or not. My youngest had a friend sleep over who didn't get there until 11:00. So I woke at 1:15 and the lights were on. I went down to shut them off but saw that the boys were not in the basement. I went back up to bed and saw that they shut them off at 1:30. I woke up a few more times during the night.

This morning there were two cars out front so I knew I had three boys in my house. I think my oldest was in my youngest's room instead of his old one that looks too clean, I'm sure. The other two slept in the basement.

I seriously hope this won't continue each night. When my oldest is at home, I get worried when he's not there at a decent hour. Don't know what the difference is. When he lives away from home, I guess I just don't know and can't worry about it.

I wonder if he'll go back with his gf or not. I feel really bad for her. She's so sweet and we really like her. The other issue is his cat, Lola. He's attached and she's not coming to my house. I hate to be mean but we need to keep our house looking good until we sell in the spring. I just don't know what will happen.

On another subject, my dh is doing great. He's almost walking without crutches already and said he won't hesitate to have the other knee scoped.

The Power of Schmooze award

Jodi at My Life as Mama Jodi was kind enough to award me this. Thank you so much, Jodi! I really appreciate it!

I wish I knew how to link with your names, Ladies, but I don't!

I nominate CMChristine and Danielle in UT for this award.

Creative Blogger Award

I'm so excited to be nominated by Stacy http://hambones.org/blogs/stacy/?p=1808, one of my favorite bloggers!!! This is my very first award and I'm not sure that I'm deserving this one but will accept anyway!


Thanks so much, Stacy and Jodi (see post above) for making my week!

I nominate Maia at Iannesphere and Becky K at My Ramblings (see SBA ring list for these links - Sorry!)

Whew, what a day....

At least my headache is gone. Got to the hospital at 10:30 for 12:30 surgery (Dh's knee). The didn't take him down to OR until 1:50. I ran home to get food (I was ready to pass out!!!). Sat here pacing the floors until 4:10 when the dr. called to say he's fine. He did have a nice tear and also arthritis but he'll be fine. They gave us a Dunkin' Donuts gift card for the wait!! hehe, too funny but I didn't refuse.

So I'm trying to relax now before I head back in an hour (he's in recovery for 1 1/2 hrs.). I didn't get much reading done since I was trying to keep him busy. He had a horrible headache and hadn't eaten since last night AND was nervous.

One more thing - I made those monogrammed cards for my cousin's 30th. Just got an email that she doesn't want to have her 30th at the cookout. She's kind of shy and there will be a lot more than just our family. I'll give them to her privately, I guess! She's such a sweetie and we never see her because she lives in OR.

Hope I can get some time to scrap or create. I have to make a watercolor card for a swap. Later!

Ugh....what a headache...

I was told to go home yesterday afternoon. It took me about 20 minutes but I finally caved.

I went out at lunch and read on a bench in the shade. When I went to go back into the building, the signs were blurry. I kept walking up to the 5th fl. and back to my desk. Everyone's faces were blurry as if I were reading with no glasses on. Weird. So I grabbed some Advil right away. The pain came shortly after. So...got home around 5 and laid in bed for 1/2 hr. and my youngest came in to ask if he and his friend could "jam".....Ugh....I said sure. I put ear plugs on, rested more and then my oldest son came for band practice. I gave up, went downstairs and stayed on the couch the rest of the night.

I've never experienced the blurriness before. I've had the squiggles but not this. So this morning I left for work feeling pretty good. Got here and I have the pain back. My vision is clear though. I took some migraine meds and feel a little better but it's still in the back of my eyes. I have to be better for tomorrow. I'm off because my dh is having knee surgery. I hope I can read my book!!

I started The Highest Tide (forget the author right now). It's pretty good so far. Takes place in Puget Sound and it's all about the ocean, told by a 13 yr. old insomniac/braniac. Later!

Life and Times of a single mom: TV Giveaway!#links

Life and Times of a single mom: TV Giveaway!#links



Check this out! I saw it on Angie's blog. I seriously would love to win a new tv! You could win too.

Finished a great book last night too!!

I was reading, "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen. It was excellent! It was about a man in his nineties recalling his life in the circus. I don't want to spoil it in case you want to read. It was sad but at times funny.

The Amazon link to the rave reviews is above.

My question of the day is: When you search something in Amazon and see "customers who bought this also bought....." , do you check the items out? I'm thinking of checking out some of the books listed with this book. And I have checked out music that others bought.

Finished the monogrammed cards for my cousin...

They're pretty simple but I'm done!!!

A few of my favorite things...

Got this idea from Punky B. Here are some of my bathroom favs:

Bath & Body Works Juniper Breeze, Colgate Total Toothpaste, OPI Nail Envy base coat, OPI nail polish, Seche Vite topcoat and Crabtree & Evelyn Le Source hand lotion, Avon foot cream, Avon day and night moisturizers and Vaseline Intensive Firming body lotion, Goldwell hairspray and root lift (not in the right order).

What are some of yours?

Weekend update...

Well, I did not scrap this weekend. I started on the monogrammed cards for my cousin's bday gift. I made 5 out of 10 so that's not bad. I ended up having to take my 17 yo to Dunkies (as my Nana used to say) around 9 to get a coffee. He was bored and I felt bad, as always. So my 6th card did not get finished.

Had a lot of fun at my Ranger Palooza class in Concord, NH the other day with Sally Lynn. I just love their products. We learned some great techniques. I bought the marigold distress powder and tried it when I got home. I was a little disappointed in the color because I thought it would match with my SU marigold morning paper but it doesn't. Oh well! Can't wait for my next class with Tim Holtz in a few weeks!

This is my last day without a boss. :-( And I forgot my camera card at home so I can't upload the photos of my favorite products (as seen on Punky B's blog). Maybe tonight?

misc. ramblings...

Ok, I forgot to say that the sidebar photo is the side of my head. I know it looks like a lion!! It's my new crazy do. My hair is so wavy and in motion on that side and I"m tired of fighting with it. I told my hairdresser to do whatever she needed and that's what she came up with. I don't even care what it looks like but it's much easier.

I've been the cardmaking queen again. Cannot stop myself. I am going to try and scrap tonight. Here's one I made for my BFF who is going through a rough time right now. It's not a great photo but I used SU Delight in Life flowers, Studio K "in my thoughts" and SU papers and inks (marigold morning, old olive and elegant eggplant for both). Oh yeah, and I used Pebbles chalks to color the big flower in.

Friday's Feast One Hundred Fifty Eight

Appetizer
Describe a toy you remember from your childhood.
Ok, don't laugh too hard but my mom bought me a doll (I had a doll collection). This doll was kind of like a Raggedy Ann doll, soft and stuffed. It had my picture for a face. She's very weird looking. Anyway, I put it in the guest bedroom to scare my friend when he comes to visit! He jokes that she's Talking Tina from the Twilight Zone.


Soup
On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being highest) how observant are you?

I'm so observant, I notice the same people every day on my way to work. I've posted before about the woman who walks every day and I always feel bad. She's going in the opposite direction though and she'd probably think I was weird to ask her if she wants a ride anyway. (Ok, I forgot to give myself a number. I'd say a 9).

Salad
Where would you rather be at this very moment? I'd love to be on a beach on a beautiful island. How about Hawaii? My boss is there at a conference. I don't want to go to the conference though!!

Main Course
When was the last time you learned something new? Hmmm...can't think of anything at this time. I'm learning all about the circus by reading my current book, "Water For Elephants".

Dessert
Fill in the blank: I have been to Hawaii (on the same subject) but I haven’t been able to go back yet.

Hydrangeas....

We bought two hydrangea bushes when we first moved in 12 yrs. ago. Would you believe they've never flowered? We get big beautiful green leaves but no flowers. So, dh dug them out from the back yard and decided to throw them out front just for the heck of it. One is still leafy green but no flowers. A couple of weeks ago dh called me out the front door and said I had to see something. It was two hydrangea flowers in a GORGEOUS blue. I ended up cutting them to put on the table. Soooooo pretty! I hope we get more.

Whew, it's been quiet!!!

I guess everyone is away or enjoying the summer. I don't know why I bother posting any more but feel lost if I don't go through the ring each day.

It's pretty dead at work which is nice.

So....nothing new here really. I made a few cards last night, cased from Take Ten magazine. I've found I seriously need some lavender or purple papers and some browns.

I seriously need to get going on my cousin's monogram cards. At least they go pretty fast. Maybe I'll start tonight.

A few quick ones....

I actually scrapped last night...just a quick one page for my ds' book. It was another Christmas lo. I have two more to go and then I can move on.

These are cards I made for an inspiration swap. It was a bedspread with circles in those colors. Not sure which I'll send yet....opinions please! Here's the inspiration photo:













Got layout inspiration from a newsletter from Angela at the Button Farm (sidebar link).















This one is my own idea. Simple, using SU paisley background, Rubber Soul cocktail, Mike's STudio G "celebrate". Sorry about the blurry photo (as usual).

General babble...

We went out to dinner last night with friends to a new (to us) restaurant. It was really nice. We tried to sit outside but it got really windy so we finished our drinks and headed in for dinner.

Today I signed up for a class for next Sat. so that I can meet Sally Lynn and Marta. I'm excited. I"ve never met an SBA'er before. I spoke with Gofordiana on the phone once but never met anyone. So it'll be fun. It's an hour away from me and the class starts at 10 so I'll get an early start.

I'm really proud of my 17 yo son. He went to his friend's 21st bday party tonight at a hall. His parents are having a family & friends gathering. So I thought he could get a ride home because it ends at midnight. He called when he got there and asked if I could pick him up at 11:30. He said the friend may be drinking because they had beer there for the family (thought this was a really bad idea on their part since some kids are under 21). Anyway, I was happy that he was smart enough to say he wanted a ride instead of getting in someone's car who had been drinking. NOT happy about going out at 11:15 but that's ok.

Sat outside on the patio today. It was gorgeous out! Nice cool breeze, nice warm sun....ahhhhhh.....still haven't had that margarita!!!

Per Linsey's Request...

Steak Marinade:

½ c. Cooking oil
3 Tbsp. Brown Sugar *
3 Tbsp. Ketchup
3 Tbsp. A1 Steak Sauce
3 Tbsp. Worcestershire
1 Tbsp. Dry mustard
1 Tbsp. Red wine or cider vinegar
1 Tbsp. Garlic Powder or 2 cloves fresh garlic
1 Tbsp. Black Pepper *
½ tsp. Chili powder
1 tsp. Celery salt
3 shakes Tabasco
½ c. hot water


Notes: I use 4 or 5 heaping Tbsp. of brown sugar because we like ours semi sweet. And I cut back a little on the pepper so it’s not so spicy.

I use this recipe for a package of sirloin tips. I cut the meat and put it in a ziplock and pour in ¾ of the sauce. I marinade overnight or for at least 4 hrs. Then I use the remaining sauce for the zucchini, summer squash, mushrooms, Vidalia onions and orange peppers. De-lish!!

Back on the beach...

Well, I started back on South Beach Monday and have done well so far. We had corn on the cob two nights in a row and I was very tempted but didn't indulge.

Last night our friend from Maine was staying over so my dh cooked delish steak tip kebabs with mushrooms, onion, orange peppers, zucchini and summer squash. I have a scrumptious recipe for a marinade that I got from my uncle. It has a gazillion ingredients but all very simple (A-1, ketchup, brown sugar, celery salt, garlic, dry mustard, pepper, etc.).

Anyway, it was very good and I stuck to the diet.

Totally different subject here though. I have a question for you. I was sticking to the tile floor this morning (just washed it this weekend). So I was wondering, where do you spray if you use hairspray?

My dh sprays over the bathroom rug by the shower and I sometimes spray where I stand at the sink and other times go into the bedroom. But then I think I"ll ruin the carpet. At least the floor can be washed. I just hate the sticky surfaces it creates but I couldn't live without!

Additional income...

I'm trying to get some additional income by signing up for http://www.blogsvertise.com/. I got this from Jodi's blog ( http://www.jodis-thoughts.blogspot.com/)

It's a site where you can earn money by posting about certain products on your blog. The product info is assigned to you once you sign up.

I hope to get some assignments soon!

Back to the grind...

Ugh...vacation is over. Good news - my boss has a meeting on the other campus so I have a little bit of breathing/settling in time.

I'm still white. I tried and tried to get some sun but it just wasn't in the cards for the beach or back yard. I did sit out on Sat. for a bit but my legs are still semi-white. Why does it take so long for legs to tan? My arms & chest got good color but my legs did not, as always. I know I should not be sitting in the sun. I just can 't seem to keep out of it.

Yesterday I cleaned the house, hopped in the shower, made some things to have for dinner later and ran out back to the beautiful sun on my patio. My son who had been in the house for a day or two with no friends to hang out with, came out and asked if I could drive him to someone's house. So...of course I did. I came back and it was pouring rain. Oh well.....white I stay. It's better for my skin anyway.

Our Maine trip...

Here are some images from our quick Maine trip. This is the area where we ate. I did get my fried clams yesterday but they weren't on the coast. It's a little hole in the wall that's close to my house. We didn't have time to get to Gloucester. My dh had a decent interview and that's what counts. Keeping my fingers and toes crossed at this point...

My not-so-beach day....

I never got the chance to walk the beach. I barely got the chance to take a photo because my dh never stopped. We drove by restaurant after restaurant. We settled for one that was decent but very family-ish. The lobster roll was delish but the ambiance just wasn't there. I laughed while I was drinking water and choked. I had a coughing fit and couldn't breathe out. It was just a bunch of large gulps of air going in. This happened to me before and my dh almost called 911. Not sure why I get those spasms but I guess I should find out.

So, I should have started to say we got off the wrong exit because my dh was talking about his interview today. So we got lost, ended up on this street that had lots of beaches and guess what? The speed limit went down to 25 and we got pulled over. Luckily we got a warning. DH told the cop that we were looking at the map because we were lost and didn't notice the 25 sign. Whew!

So we continued down the Maine coast through Old Orchard Beach (no stops), Kennebunkport (no GW sightings, thank God), Kennebunk, Ogunquit and finally stopped in Wells for lunch (this was 3:45). Drove the rest of the way down the coast, got on the highway and home.

We may or may not end up going for the fried clams in Gloucester today. My dh has an informal interview and I'm a nervous wreck....

More later.

This is from the other trip to Maine....Moooooooo! Which is what I feel like after eating all this food!