MrsLeftyFixIt and Her Ramblings

I really need......

2011-02-18T20:34:00.001-08:00

to start using this blog again. I have so much to share, but can't find the energy or time.

Maybe Sunday I'll give it a try again.

Stay tuned.............

'Getti and A Word

2010-08-15T23:01:00.000-07:00

OK...so I don't blog everyday. But really...who has THAT much time? I surely don't.

We took Vincent and Kaydence school supply shopping Saturday then off to lunch at Bob's Big Boy. We would have taken Phillip, but he was napping when we got to the house. Next time.

Grandpa Duane taught Vincent how to make a spitwad straw blower thingy. Vincent was over the top excited to be able to show his dad later. I'm sure Robert will get a kick out that one, LOL.

Kaydence loves 'getti. Everytime she would take a bite, she had to put more cheese on it. Hysterical to watch.

Both kids then had dessert - hot fudge sundae's. Afterwards, both were pretty wound up, so it was time to take them home. LOL Being a grandparent does have its perks....wind them up..then send them home.

Sunday was a quiet day. Church in the morning and relaxing in the afternoon. Church was awesome. We had a new worship leader - Mario. He is amazing. You could feel that he just connected with everyone. His voice was quite soothing to listen to. He didn't sing too high, or too low. It was so easy to follow.

Duane had a word for us all. He said that God had shown him that when you are given stumbling blocks, God makes them into stepping stones. Fit in with the guest speaker and with the message that Pastor Eddie gave. I love the fact that Duane is such a man of God. I am amazed at what he teaches me.

That's about all for this weekend. Should be pretty busy again at work...so long days are in store.

A Lot Has Happened

2010-08-08T17:34:00.000-07:00

WOW...it's been over a year since I have blogged. A lot has happened this past year..some for the good, some for the not so good.

I want to get back into blogging, and will try to be dilegent about it. Not that I am promising anything...but I will try.

First I wanted to change the layout. I'm looking for something that says ME. This layout will do for now but it's not really me. I am designing my own layout, and that will take a bit of time.

Anyway...I'm back. I missed y'all too.

You Better Not Pout....

2008-12-13T09:26:00.000-08:00

I guess Kaydence wasn't having anything to do with Santa. The kids took the grandkids to see Santa at the mall, and the line as a tad too long. They had to wait for 45 minutes. From what I understand, Kaydence is one that DOES NOT LIKE TO WAIT for anything. If she wants something, she wants it NOW. Afterall, she IS a princess, and princesses GET WHAT THEY WANT. At least this little princess does, LOL.

Anyway, she didn't have her nap, and being one that does not suck her thumb, all she wanted to do was suck her toe. Yes, you read that right, she's a toe sucker. I guess she doesn't like shoes either, (she gets that from her Mema, :::giggle::: ). So check out this picture of her and Vincent. He didn't mind waiting, after all, it was Santa. And Santa knows if he has been good or not. He didn't pout either...unlike someone else that we all know and love dearly. I just can't believe how much she looks like her daddy. Those eyes. My son STILL has those eyes. Love 'em!

Halloween Goodies

2008-11-25T05:18:00.000-08:00

How cute is this? Last year Kaydence was a fairy princess. This year, a Pirate Princess. See the similarity here? Yep...she's a princess - Daddy's princess.

Here, she is helping her big brother. Vincent love his sister, but I'm thinking she may have her work cut out for her when other brother arrives in February. Vincent is all set for his arrival. He said that he was going to teach him all about sisters. LOL

Dropping Like Flies - We Need Your Support

2008-11-13T05:25:00.000-08:00

I was reading one of my friends blogs the other morning, and read carefully what she had posted. Being a store owner, I can tell you...this is scary. It seems that all the LSS around are dropping like flies. I'm still open...doing good, but it's still scary.

I asked her if I could just copy her entry into mine, and she gave me the go ahead. So here is what she wrote:

Something has been weighing really heavily on me the last year or so and especially in the last 4 months. So I have quite a few words to share about it.

Last night I got an email from It's About Time...Scrapbooks and More in Murrieta, CA. It was their newsletter. Announcing that they were closing. For good. On Tuesday. I had just gotten home from teaching a class at Now & Then Scrapbooks in Wildomar where the staff and customers were talking about It's About Time closing. I had suspected something was up with all of the sales they were having but was hoping it was just to get the store busy and drum up more capital. But I was wrong.

So today I drove back down to Murrieta and went shopping. Spent $133.07. Money I don't really need to be spending -- my brakes are being fixed tomorrow so I probably should have not spent it. As I was driving down there I was thinking of all the other things I should be doing with the money. The one thing that kept going around my head was that I should be saving it, not spending it.

But if EVERYONE did that then we would never get out of this economy!! I knew my budget could allow me to spend just a little so I did. And it is too little too late. Because with or without my $133.07, It's About Time is closing.

Just like Pages of Time (sorry I never get this name correct) in Murrieta closed a few weeks ago.

Just like Auntie Amy's closed two months ago.

Just like The Loft closed in July.

Just like Among Friends in Highland closed last year.

Just like Screamin' Susie's in Whittier closed this summer.

Just like Scrapbooks N More in Canyon Lake closed in June.

Just like Black Eyed Susan's in Loma Linda did.

Just like Scrapbook Story in Rancho Cucamonga closed in summer 2006.

Just like Now & Then's second location in Temecula closed in May.

Just like Scrapbooks Unlimited in Temecula closed last summer.

Just like the Crop Circle closed.

Just like Paper Pansies closed.

Just like Angel's Scrapbook Garden closed.

Just like Urban Scrapper closed.

Just like Kandy Scrappers closed.

Just like Mad Scrapper closed.

Just like Once Upon A Time closed.

Just like Strictly Scrapbooking closed their Torrance location.

Just like Scrapbook Corner closed their Hemet location.

Just like Stamp Your Heart Out closed their scrapbooking store location.

Just like A Little Bazaar closed....

Well, you get the picture.

Of the SEVEN scrapbook stores in the Murrieta/Temecula area Scrapbook Royalty had on their "Black, White, & Scrap All Over" tour in June 2008 only ONE is still open. ONE. That was only FOUR months ago.

SIX stores closed in one geographic area in FOUR months.

Yikes.

I know we can't all afford to just shop for the sake of shopping to keep all these stores afloat. I know it is a "sign of the times" that stores are closing--Mervyn's, Circuit City, and others are having a hard time keeping their doors open and they are retail giants compared to an LSS. Even Michael's and Joann's are offering 20% off your ENTIRE purchase coupons. Have they ever done that, in all of your memory? I think not.

I might be preaching to the choir because if you read my blog, you likely shop at an LSS. Or two or three...or ten! But I know some people in my own circle of friends who rarely go into an LSS but religiously trek to M's every week with their coupon in hand. I am not condemning anyone that does this. Just keep reading to see what I am asking...

Speaking of Michael's and Joann's, here is where my plea to you comes in.

We have money to spend. It may only be $10, but we have it and we spend it on scrapbooking stuff. YOU are in control of where you spend that $10. Does it go to Walmart? Do you go to Target? Do you use your 40% off coupon at Michael's to buy a $25 item? Do you go online to shop because you can get free shipping?

I'll admit. I can get more bang for my buck at the "box" stores (mentioned above). But why don't I shop there on a regular basis?

Because I love my LSS. I like coming in the door and everyone knows my name--it is like our own "Cheers"!! I like being able to go into a shop where people there share the SAME passion as I do for papercrafting--they aren't some teeny-bopper who doesn't know a Crop-A-Dile from an alligator. I like being able to CROP somewhere for a decent amount of time for a decent price. I like having a place where I can make friends. Some of my best friends I MET at a scrapbooking store!! And most of all, and this is the most self-serving reason but I gotta be real, I like having a place where I can teach the classes I want to teach. I get requests to teach certain topics and techniques in classes all the time--at an LSS I have the freedom to do that. At the box store, I have to teach their curriculum, not mine.

If we do not shop at the LSS, they will close.

It is just plain economics, They have to make money to stay open. While we are off "saving money" and "using our coupons" at the box stores, the LSS is not getting any customers. They will die off. They will all close. Well, maybe I am being a little extreme. MOST of them will close but a few will remain. And they will be FAR AWAY, not in every neighborhood like they were last year and the year before. They will be crowded on crop nights. The LSS won't still be there waiting for us when we get the economy back on track. We can't just put them up on a shelf and expect to come back next year to crop and shop at them.

I have heard people say things like, "Well, other people can shop there to keep it in business. I just can't afford it." This is as they sit in the LSS cropping with all the goodies they got at M's and J's and Target. I am not saying those places are bad--I shop there too! Love those Martha Border Punches. But everyone can't start shopping the box stores, stop shopping at the LSS, and still expect the LSS to be there for crop nights.

I think that was a luxury people had the last few years. Some of us did "carry the load", supporting the LSS so that everyone didn't HAVE to. It's not like we were asked to--we just like shopping there and getting the products, service, and knowledge that only the LSS could offer. But now that everyone's belts are tightening, we can't do it ourselves. We just don't have the money either! LOL I used to spend several hundred dollars a WEEK on scrapbooking supplies. There are some ladies I know who spend $1000 a pop!! I know I just can't do that anymore. We don't make any less money. It just doesn't go as far once the utilities, food, gasoline, mortgage and other bills are paid, there isn't as much left over. So I totally get it!! Believe me!

In order to keep our LSSs available, we ALL have to shop there.

Otherwise, they won't be able to survive and they won't be there when we decide to go back to them next year or in 2010, whenever this recession/economic downturn/whatever-you-wanna-call-it is over.

So back to your $10. Do we really NEED anything? Adhesive, maybe I'll give you that. But REALLY? Do we NEED anything? No. We WANT things. New things, new paper, new tools, new embellies. So I am proposing we blend TWO ideas.

I had a scrapbook store owner contact me about a blog post I made earlier this year. It was about going on a "stash diet". Use the items you have in your scrapbooking supply stash at home before you go out and buy more. She was perturbed that I was even proposing such an idea! That would take business away from her store if no one shopped--acckk!! I can see her point but I have mine as well - hehe. And I can;t stay on a strict stash diet anyways. I go into stores wayy to often and see too many cool new things that I can't "not buy" completely!

We all know we over-bought the last few years. There was just so much great stuff to buy! We have ROOMS to store it in, there is so much of it! So yes, I needed a stash diet then and I need one now too. I don't have anywhere to put that $133.07 worth of stuff I bought today but I still bought it. Don't even have plans for any of it. Just bought it. It was good price and I WANTED it. Can't break the obsessive nature of a scrapbooker, can ya?! LOL We need to address this over-buying we all did the last few years and USE the stuff we have. We just have to. Or there'll be a whole lotta women getting divorced in these parts if we keep on buying and we have ROOMS of stuff we still haven't even taken out of the bag.

So let's blend these two ideas -- your $10 you have to spend and the need for a stash diet.

How about you go on a partial stash diet. It's like you're doing South Beach instead of Atkins so you can have a little carbs but you're still watching what you eat.

Here's what I am going to do to help my LSS stay OPEN (and I am asking you to do the same or something similar):

Use the stuff in my stash. I have alot of it, I need to use it. If I use it, that will make room for more stuff that I can buy!

Go to crop nights at the LSS. Paying for a crop night helps the LSS stay open because they usually make a little bit of money off of them if they are sold out. If we all go to them, that will help make them "sold out". Also that will give you time to get some pages done to use up what is in your stash. And you can see what is new in the store to stay on top of the trends and to get the good stuff when it comes in.

Split packs of stuff with your friends. I can thank Anne Fisher for helping me to do this. If you and your friend like something, buy it and then split the pack. Most things come with multiples in the package. You'll get more stuff and can buy a larger variety of items at the LSS than if you just bought one thing each. I can see some LSS owners cringing at this but in the end, you will sell more product because people will use up the split packs faster than they use a whole pack of something. Then they will have room in their stash to buy more. See?

Spend your $10 at the LSS INSTEAD of at the box stores. Yes, $10 will only get you $10 worth of stuff at the LSS. But sometimes they have sales. Some stores offer discounts on the day of a class if you take a class. Some stores have customer rewards programs where you get coupons after you spend a certain amount. Just buy something you really really like at the LSS. Let that purchase be one you will really use. Face it. We don't need this great huge pile of stuff. We need GREAT products to put in our books. So get them at the LSS. Plus they are usually better quality products at the LSS than at the box store.

Use your box store coupons to buy stuff the LSS does not have. That way you can still use your coupon, just not on stuff you could buy at the LSS.
Ask the LSS what you can do to help. Do they need more people to know about their store? Where can you spread the word? Bring a new friend to a crop each week to introduce them to the store. Let your LSS owner know you are behind them and want them to stay open. Are there clearance papers or back stock they'll make you a deal on? Do they have fixtures laying around they need to sell for extra cash? Some of that stuff you can use and sometimes they don't think to sell it unless you ask. Unlike the box stores, you can actually talk to the owner of your LSS and make a deal.
So please, right now is the time to make sure your LSS doesn't close. It is all up to us, the customers, to keep the stores in business so they will be here for us in the years to come.

A place for us to crop.
A place for us to take classes.
A place to make new friends.
A place to go talk to the "experts" in papercrafting.
A place where everyone knows your name.
A place that is our own.

Because if we don't shop there, all we will be left with is the box stores. And that would be sad indeed.

Bad, bad blogger

2008-09-22T19:04:00.000-07:00

I know, I know. I have let this blog go by the wayside. I try to find the time, but there just isn't enough minutes or hours in a day.

Things have been so busy with the store, which is a GOOD thing. Be sure to stop by Scrapper's Cafe to check out what's happening.

I started off to work this morning, and had a bit of an accident. LOL I started out of the shower, and our dog, Ricoshay, just happened to be laying in front. So as I started out, I tripped, and fell. WAS NOT A PRETTY SIGHT. As it was, I was sprawled ALL OVER the bathroom. Duane took me to Urgent Care, to get xrays, and lucky for me, nothing was broken. Thank goodness. Just badly bruised my butt, and of course, my pride. So I took the muscle relaxers and Motrin as prescribed, and slept most of the day. I feel pretty good now, with the exception of of being a tad stiff.

My daughter recently babysat Vincent and Kaydence, and shot me this picture. Just how cute is that? A faux-hawk. LOL She is getting so big now. My how time flies.

Alix is loving high school. She made the volleyball team, horray!!! I am going to have to go to a few games, as I am needed more pictures.

That's about it here on the homefront. I'm telling you.....it's work, work, work, but we are loving it.

Color Creation Studio.....

2008-07-28T05:12:00.001-07:00

Business is doing GREAT. I am having so much fun meeting new scrappers, gathering new ideas for the store, looking at all the NEW papers that are coming in. The customer flow has more than quadrupled in the last few weeks. They come in and tell me how happy they are that I have bought this. That's good to hear too. My customer's are GREAT!!

One customer/friend has helped me tremendously. Reta has been my left-hand so to speak. She came late friday night before the grand opening to help me put out all the new paper, arrange the store a bit differently. She has some wonderful idea's....and I am so fortunate to know her. She's an AWESOME person to know, a friendship that is to be treasured.

Duane is having a time of all this. As y'all know, the 'spare' room has always been known as the 'gun room'. It's a man thing, don't ask, LOL. Well, circumstances have slightly changed that. He was busy the other night, and the dog went into the 'gun room' to keep him company, and all I heard was bottle caps being spilled all over the place. He comes out...and looks at me, and tells me that the dog must stay out of the 'color creation studio'. I nearly died laughing....he has renamed his precious room. I guess when one paints bottle caps and brads, one has to call it something.

Be sure to stop by Scrapper's Cafe to check out what's happening.

So Excited !!!

2008-07-08T20:19:00.001-07:00

I'm taking a quick breather. So much to do, so little time to do it all in.

I placed my orders last week, and they are beginning to come in. A lot of the vendors have included a GREAT door prize for my GRAND OPENING. How exciting is that?

I can hardly wait to make a list of everything and post them.

This is all so new to me. I have never ran a business before, let alone own one. I have lots of help tho. So many vendors, friends, designers have all come forward with their help. I do appreciate all that I can get.

So I have the food ordered, the balloons on order, my new store floor plan....all waiting. I need more time...just a few more hours. Saturday is coming quick.

I'm also having a lot of fun. Talking to customers, to my vendors, they are all so cool. And better yet....they are all so excited as they know I have GREAT plans for Scrapper's Cafe. They see my vision even when at times I can't.

I'm just so excited for the future. The future that God has opened up with GREAT blessings.

Dreams Do Come True...

2008-06-24T19:46:00.000-07:00

WOW, the last few weeks have been busy. Graduations, birthdays, new business.

New Business? Yep, you read that right. I am the PROUD OWNER of my very own scrapbook store, Scrapper's Cafe. This has been a dream 20 years in the making. I used to pray and pray for this all the time. I know that God listens to prayers, and I know that God answers them. I also know that when He answers prayer, it is in His time, not mine.

God opened this window with such a mighty wind, that I am still trying to regain my footing. This opportunity has moved so smoothly, no kinks, no roadblocks. Everyone involved is so happy for me, and has been so helpful. I mean, it's almost 8:00pm here, and my bank just called and we have gotten everything set up for my business account. How cool is that?

My husband is such a remarkable man. He has been running around, doing all the errands for me. Turning in my paperwork at the Board of Equalization, then off to City Hall, then off to publish the fictitious name. In between all the errands, he has had to come to my office for me to sign this or that. Honey....you are AWESOME!!

I am still in such awe of God's mighty work - that at the moment, words kind of fail me.

I give all the praise and glory to my God. Thank you for this answered prayer!!

Slow Down a bit....

2008-06-16T19:55:00.000-07:00

Just a quick one here. I promise to do a longer post in the next day or so.

Saturday we went to my niece's graduation party. So nice to see the family again. We just haven't been all that close, but as the years pass us by, we all felt the need to get close again. I hope so. Family is so important.

Anyway...Marlene is now college bound. She was accepted to Boston University. So proud of her. I'm thinking tho, that she is going to stay local and go U.C.of Irvine here.

She has grown so much. Well, not really grown, as she now holds the family record of being 'vertically challenged', LOL. She's 5'1". My granddaughter's goal ((one of her #1 goals at the age of 15, LOL)) is to be taller than her cousin. Well, guess what.....you judge. Yep, that's a good 2". LOL BAREFOOT too. It made Alix's day. She's no longer the shortest one in the family. Well, girls, I hate to burt your bubbles, BUT my sister Vicki, even tho she is not with us anymore, STILL holds the record. She was 4'11. But you asked Vicki how tall she was, she would tell you 4'11 and 3/4". Like 3/4 of an inch made a difference? I'm still teh tallest of the girls, 5'7". I guess I can sleep another night, knowing I still have the TALL record, LOL

Here is our family, well, minus my son and his family and my brother and his wife. We are such a nice bunch if you ask me. We have my sister, MaryJane, Myself, Marlene, Alix, Heather, Nichole, Chris, and his wife Serena. The kids are Heather's and Chris'.

It was a VERY nice day....one that ended too soon. We are all getting together again...real soon too.

Next graduation - Alixandra's. She's now entering High School. UGH!! Time sure flies. Kids grow too fast.

I miss you.....

2008-06-08T13:04:00.001-07:00

Yesterday would have been my sister Vicki's 51st birthday. She has been gone now for 6 years. She lived a good life tho. She raised 2 awesome kids, Christopher and Heather, got to love and cherish her first grandson, and fell deeply in love with Mike. She was happy. Happier than she had been in a long time.

I have a few pictures of her...but none on my computer except for one. She went with George to his Senior Prom. I think she was just a Sophmore here, not sure. Look at that hair tho, lol. I love it!!

The other pictures I have of her are on her motorcycle, 1969 Meter Maid, fully restored. I tried to post it, but for some reason, it's not loading up. I will have scan it again, and try for another post. Just the thought of her riding that thing cracked me up. She lived in Bullhead City, AZ, and her hubby Mike worked at a motorcycle shop, so every year they got to participate in the Laughlin's River Run...where HUNDREDS and HUNDREDS of Harley's came through town. Mike had his custom Harley and she on the trike. And yes...she even had a gun strapped to her hip, because it's legal where they are at. I do have pictures, but I need to re-scan them.

We had long chats on the phone, chatting like friends, then chatting like sisters. I miss her. I miss talking to her. I miss her laughter, and the way she would talk of her grandson, the love of her life.

I miss you Vicki. I'll see you soon.

A visit to Posh Spice's home....

2008-04-28T20:13:00.000-07:00

Just a quick little post about our adventure on Saturday. After Santa Monica Pier, we went to Beverly Hills / BelAir and just toodled around. Alix just HAD to have one of them Map To The Stars map...so of course, grandpa being who he is, stopped and bought her one. Ok, ok, so are now the tourist, LOL.

Anyway, after about an hour of trying to find a bunch of places, she found a home that she just just loved, and HAD to have her picture taken at. Yes, the one and only - David & Victoria Beckhams's, aka POSH SPICE. She just HAD to have her picture taken at POSH SPICE's home.

So here she is....ON THE DRIVEWAY. LOL You will never guess where we are going to get a picture at next. Yep..you guess it. Johnny Depp's. What kind of grandmother will I be if I denied her? LOL

Bad blogger.....

2008-04-26T07:14:00.000-07:00

BAD BLOGGER. Yep, that's me. It's not that I haven't had anything to write about, I have plenty, it's just that when I sit down to blog, I'm tired. Dead tired. So instead of blogging, I just click the little button that says sign off....and off to bed I go. I have to really discipline myself to sit and blog every day.

Last night was a bit exciting. We had a car chase through our neighborhood. It lasted for about 45 minutes. Helicopters overhead, police cars zooming down the streets. At one time, we counted 14 police cards chasing this one little white car. Seems he had drugs in the car, and didn't want to stop. So why put everyone's life in jeopardy? I mean, he could have spun out and hit a child or something. It finally ended out front when his wife, (found out that they live a street over from us) walked out into the street, and stood there, hoping her husband would turn down their street. Well, that he did. That is when he finally stopped. The police not only arrested him, but they arrested her as well. Other than that, our neighborhood is kinda quiet. Makes good conversation I guess with the neighbors.

Today we are taking Vincent and Alix to the Santa Monica Pier. We thought we best go now for a few reasons....we saw how much fun it could be, and they finally sold the ferris wheel on ebay to some guy in Oklahoma for $132,000.00. That ferris wheel has been there for as long as I can remember...and it will be gone. So, batteries are charged on all the camera's so that a ton of pictures can be taken of the grandkids. We wanted to take Kaydence, but she's still a bit too young. Which reminds me, she is going to be 1 year old on May 10th. WOW Time sure flew. She's walking now, so Robert and Sheena will for sure have their hands full. She's just a little pistol, full of energy, LOL

I wanted to leave you with a picture that I took of some apples . I entered this is a digital photography magazine, and found out that I took 2nd place. Not bad for an amateur, huh? I will post when I can find it on my other hard drive. I switched all my pictures to a portable hard drive instead of this one so that I can free of space...and I have to hook it up, and to be honest, I'm tired, LOL. Actually, the kids will be here in a moment with Vincent, and I need to put my shoes on. I'll post LOTS of pictures later.

LEAH FUNG is coming to......

2008-04-14T20:23:00.000-07:00

Yep, the word is out......

LEAH FUNG

is coming to my LSS

Once Upon A Time.

Talk about exciting. I love her work, and I love the fact that we are making her rolodex. It has got to be the cutest ever!!

Ladies, RUN...or actually, CLICK FAST on the above link and sign up NOW...I know that space is limited and filling fast.

Hurry and heal my eyes...

2008-04-13T20:56:00.001-07:00

Our neighbors have that night blooming jasmine, and while I love the frangrance, my eyes don't. OMG, you should see my eyes. They are swollen, watery, burning, and extremely RED. They hurt so bad.

I sure do wish that this medication works. I have done 4 applications of the drops so far, and nothing better. I have taken the pills, and nothing. Now, I know that this stuff doesn't work overnight, but I did expect a slight improvment.

We will see tomorrow.

Artichokes and Stitches

2008-04-13T09:37:00.000-07:00

I can't say that I have been diligent about blogging. I get home in the evening, and I am so tired that I usually just sit with my hubby for a few hours before dragging myself off to bed. My allergies are hell this year. The pollens in the air have wrecked havoc on my eyes. They are so swollen and red, and extremely tender to the touch. They itch all the time. I finally had to go to Urgent Care to get some eye drops to stop the itching. I hope this works.

My daughter and her family came over the other night for dinner. We had bbq'd steaks, potatoes, and ummmm artichokes. To make a long story short, she was in doing dishes and a glass broke and cut her hand really bad. It required about 10 stitches. Does not look pretty.

We are once again making plans for another Hawaiian vacation. This time, we are taking my granddaughter, Alix with us. It will be her 16th birthday next year, and what better way to celebrate it, huh? She will just love it. I mean, what 16 year old won't?

Can you guess who it is???

2008-04-13T09:14:00.000-07:00

I am so excited about who's coming to my LSS, Once Upon A Time Scrapbooking. I love this lady's work. I can't exactly tell you who she is until the BIG REVEAL...but if you are in Southern California, Corona area to be exact, you best hurry and sign up for her class. It's going to fill fast.

Here are a few hints....

She's a contributing editor to Better Homes and Gardens, Scrapbooks Etc.

She's a designer for Making Memories

She is a 2005 Creating Keepsakes Hall of Fame Winner

Can you guess who she is? Want one more hint?

She just got back from an exciting trip to Africa.

If you think you know who we are talking about... post a comment with your answer at Once Upon A Time.

Just for a battery pack...that's all, LOL

2008-03-21T18:14:00.000-07:00

Boy, have I neglected my blog. And here I was doing so well there for a time. Forgive me.

I have been in so much pain the last 2 weeks. We thought it was my siatic, because the pain was running down my ummm right butt cheek, into my hip and then down my thigh and leg. Turns out I have a torn muscle. How on earth did I do that? I haven't for the life of me done anything that would do that. Hubby just smiles. ((eyeroll))

We had to go out and buy the rechargable battery pack for my 'dorky' camera today. A small $15 dollar purchase. Hubby says, let's go to Best Buy. They ought to have it. So off to Best Buy we go. About $600 dollars later, we're home. What kind of battery pack did we buy? LOL Well, let me tell you.

*Western Digital 1 terabyte external hard drive
*Adobe Photoshop 6
*Bamboo Fun Pack Tablet w/Pen and Mouse
*Internal LightScribe DVD Rewriter
*Kodak NIMH Battery

That should teach him to take me to Best Buy for just a friggin battery, LOL.

We put my son on our phone program when we changed providers. So, we all got camera phones, and do you think that he can remember to send me a daily picture of my grandkids? LOL Ummmm, no, not unless I ask. So he did send me these the other day.

This one is of Vincent. He was a bit upset and sat on the kitchen floor, because school was out for Spring Break. He told everyone...."I want to go back to school. I'm not done learning". How cute is that? He's so bright, and so eager to learn.

Here are a few of Kaydence (Grizz, these are for you). The first one she just learned how to pull herself up on daddy's leg. This other one is of her two, count 'em. 1, 2 teeth. She just got finished eating, so she has food all over the place. She is such a happy baby. She's almost a year now, May 10th. Time sure flies.

Talking about time flying...check out Alix. She is going to be 15 on April 3rd. Here she is at her track meet. Five schools in her district got together for a track/field event. Out of 50 some girls running the mile, she came in 4th. YOU GO GIRL!!! She loves to run, and next time, she will be running the 2-mile. She's sure she can win that one. She is unstoppable.

60 Things About Me

2008-03-06T19:32:00.000-08:00

I saw this on a friends blog and thought, Hey, why not...so here it goes:

1. What is in the back seat of your car right now?
Snow chains, a pair of running shoes, and a few albums that I am taking to a freinds house.

2. When was the last time you threw up?
Hmmm, the last time I was sick, a few months ago.

3. What's your favorite curse word?
Me? Curse? Dayum, you have got to be kidding me,

4. Name 3 people who made you smile today?
Ginny, 'Becca, and Arleen

5. What were you doing at 8 am this morning?
On the phone with Traffic wondering why they couldn't send me a container.

6. What were you doing 30 minutes ago?
Sitting on the sofa petting Ricoshay

7. What will you be doing 3 hours from now?
Watching either the news or sleeping

8. Have you ever been to a strip club?
Oh my...yes, so many years ago too

9. What is the last thing you said aloud?
You're so pretty....I always say that when petting my dog

10. What is the best ice cream flavor?
Would have to be chocolate with walnuts

11. What was the last thing you had to drink?
A glass of water to swallow my pills

12. What are you wearing right now?
You have got to be kidding. A camoflauge t-shirt, LOL

13. What was the last thing you ate?
A piece of left-over chicken, a salad, and some green beans

14. Have you bought any new clothing items this week?
Not this week....should have asked me last week

15. When was the last time you ran?
Ummm that would have to be 1980 something

16. What's the last sporting event you watched?
Not sure

18. Who is the last person you emailed?
Teresa Collins

19. Ever go camping?
I love to camp!! Used to go tons of times when I was younger

20. Do you have a tan?
Yep...the tan of a vampire, LOL

24. Do you drink your soda from a straw?
Most of the time, I drink from a straw. If at home tho, I drink my soda in a wine glass, LOL

25. What did your last IM say?
Hi sexy (it was from hubby in the next room, lol)

26. Are you someone's best friend?
Yes, most definitley.

27. What are you doing tomorrow?
Tomorrow is Friday, so I will be working, then off to dinner with my hubby

28. Where is your mom right now?
About 6 feet under.

29. Look to your left, what do you see?
The 'fridge, sliding glass doors, and a cobweb above. (I think I need to dust that)

30. What color is your watch?
I don't wear one.

31. What do you think of when you think of Australia ?
Down under, lol

32. Would you consider plastic surgery?
No need...I'm quite happy with myself.

33. What is your birthstone?
Garnet. I have lots of garnets...earrings, rings, toerings, bracelts, etc..

34. Do you go in at a fast food place or just hit the drive thru?
I usually hit the drive thru.

35.How many kids do you want?
Want? Please don't tell me you're giving them away.

36. Do you have a dog?
Yeppers, Ricoshay...the cutest poodle you have ever seen.

37. Last person you talked to on the phone?
My daughter

38. Have you met anyone famous?
Yes..LOT'S of 'em too. Met Ronald Reagan, Lorenzo Llamas, got kissed by Trace Atkins, Blake Shelton, I could go on and on...

39. Any plans today?
Being that it is almot 8:00pm, just a few shows on TV, then off to bed.

40. How many states have you lived in?
Just California.

41. Ever go to college?
Yep...got my degree in Electronics

42. Where are you right now?
Sitting inbetween the dining and living rooms

43. Biggest annoyance in your life right now?
Nothing really....pretty satisfied.

44. Last song listened to?
He Stopped Loving Her Today by George Jones

46. Are you allergic to anything?
Found out a few weeks ago that I'm allergic to Penicillin

47. Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time?
I usually go barefoot...but would have to say flip flops

48. Are you jealous of anyone?
Nope, no need to be

50. Is anyone jealous of you?
Not sure, LOL

51. What time is it?
It is Thursday evening at 7:58pm

52. Do any of your friends have children?
Yes...they do

53. Do you eat healthy?
I try, but then again...

54. What do you usually do during the day?
Work..unless I'm home, then I'm usually off somewhere with my hubby

55. Do you hate anyone right now?
Hate? I don't hate anyone.

56. Do you use the word 'hello' daily?
Usually...

58. How old will you be turning on your next birthday?
Oh my.... 53

59. Have you ever been to Six Flags?
A few times..not fond of the roller coasters

60. How did you get one of your scars?
I was playing cowboys and indians when I was a little girl, and tied myself up to my rocking chair, fell, and got a bad cut on my chin.

OK....there are 60 things about me...how about you?

Sucks getting old....

2008-02-25T19:18:00.000-08:00

Not much happening today. I left work early to go to the Dr to get a shot of cortisone in my heel for a heel spur. Last time I had one, within 30 minutes, my heel felt brand new. This time around tho, we are opting for physical therapy. We will see how this goes...but I'm sure that in 2 weeks, I'm getting a shot.

While I was there, the Dr asked how my cough was since I did nothing but cough, LOL. I told her that it hadn't gotten better, then went on about how out of breath I get sometime just talking on the phone. Well, that's not right, so she left and came back with this little machine...and told me to take a cleansing breath, and on the next breath blow into this thing until all air was out. After a few times of this, she left, printed the results, and came back. Seems I now have asthma. So she gave me this purple inhaler called Advair that I need to breath in twice a day. We will check that now in about two weeks to see if I am getting better or not.

At least my blood pressure was normal. Sucks when you reach 50.

Potato Girl

2008-02-24T18:52:00.000-08:00

Just had to share this picture....especially w/GrizzBabe.

This is the first time that Kaydence tries to feed herself. Cute, huh? One doesn't see the green beans in her ear tho. I just love this picture....knowing what's up ahead, LOL.

Love the smell.......

2008-02-23T14:51:00.000-08:00

Not much happening today. I plan on cleaning my scraproom. Not that it needs cleaning, more like organizing it. I bet if I were to tell hubby that I would make him a pot of crablegs, he would organize it for me. He's good at that. He's a very organized man.

We went to Michael's today in search of wedding invitations that I am going to make for my son's wedding in July. I found some pretty ones, but I'm going to wait until I have a coupon. I did find some really cute charms to put on the ribbon, and a few photo boxes that were $3.99 then marked 30% off. Also, bought a few magazines, and walked out of Michael's only spending $21.00. Something is wrong, LOL.

I called all over the place looking for Teresa Collins chipboard. No one has it. They don't even have her line yet. My LSS does, but they were short shipped on the chipboard. I NEED THE CHIPBOARD!!! Anyone have it? Please email me. I NEED IT NOW!!!

It's still raining off and on. This morning was beautiful tho. Now it's very dark outside. I love the rain. It washes the air out. I love the smell of fresh cut grass and the smell of rain. How much cleaner smelling can you smell?

Rain, Rain and more Rain....

2008-02-22T05:19:00.000-08:00

It's raining!! It has been raining since last night and hasn't let up at all. I'm not complaining because we so need it, but I need new windshield wipers, LOL. I'm thinking that I am going to have to run out at lunch later today and buy some. Little things that one just doesn't think of.

Did I show y'all what my 'secret valentine' made for me? Check this out. Isn't it cute? My very own SECRET STASH. Filled with lots of goodies too. I haven't heard if my secret valentine has received hers yet. She should have....since it was mailed Monday of last week. And the post office wonders why people email instead of using snail mail.

Going to another crop tomorrow. I bought TONS of kits and stuff at the Expo, and am quite anxious to use them. I'm thinking tho, to save them for our Big Bear retreat. That way I can pack light, LOL. Ok, who am I kidding? Packing light? To a retreat? HaHaHaHa. I have been the last two years, and have had a total blast. I can hardly wait for May to get here.

Well, I'm off to work......in the rain.

T.C. IS ON DA BLOG

2008-02-19T20:25:00.000-08:00

This has got to be my most FAVORITE line of all this year!

TERESA COLLINS 'BELLA'.

As y'all know, I'm an avid reader of her blog. I was ESTATIC when I read that she was designing her own line. I knew it from the start that it was going to be awesome. As I looked at the papers on her blog, it looked fantastic. But now that I have it here, sitting in front of me, it not only look fantastic, it smells just as yummy!!

When I saw her line, I had to tell Tammy to order it, order it all. I needed it. I just HAD to have it. She just got it in today, and hadn't even unpacked it when she called me. I had to leave work early just to go pick it up. I was so afraid that it would be all sold out. LOL

I have so many ideas...so many layouts...that I just need to sketch out, and start to cut. I just hate to even think of cutting this paper, that is how fantastic I think it is. I could just paper the walls of my scraproom with it, LOL. Thank goodness tho that I have two (2) granddaughters that I can make albums/layouts for.

The BEST part - Teresa is designing MORE lines. I am just so excited.

Dropped a pile of money on stuff.....

2008-02-17T21:41:00.001-08:00

What a busy day yesterday. I went to the Scrapbook Expo in Costa Mesa and had a blast. I met so many people that I know on and off the message boards. It's so nice to put faces with names.

Just as I thought I would, I dropped a 'bundle' at the Basic Grey booth. I bought their new collection packs along with the matching Bazzill. They had a bunch of kits made up with the 'new' stuff, utilizing the luggage tags, so of course I HAD to buy those. Then, they had a bunch of 2-page layouts with the new papers, and of course, I couldn't resist those either. As a matter of fact, I had already finished shopping and was sitting outside waiting for my friends, when I just kept thinking how much I really liked those new collection packs they had. So,being in a weak moment, I went back inside, and that is when I bought them all. I also bought their new rub-on tool.

I bought a few of the collection packs from Paper Loft. Yummy papers too. I can hardly wait to use those. I wasn't really looking for anything particular, but when I got to The Treasure Box booth, weakness once again fell over me. I just had to join their monthly kit program. I love their kits. I wonder how I had never heard about them before.

Advantus wasn't busy at all. I guess Heidi Swapp isn't as hot as she thinks she is. I know I never went to their booth. I just can't stand her stuff...or the Cropper Hopper stuff.

Lots of people tho. A lot of great deals for all.

Last night I went to my crop. Of course, I had a GREAT time, we always do. Judy has a great sense of humor, and I jsut love her to death. She makes me laugh everytime I am around her. It's just her nature I guess - to always make others smile or laugh. She's a hoot.

Going shooting in the morning. We are taking 'Becca for the first time. She's pretty excited as she has never shot a gun before. Duane will go over safety with her first tho, as he does with everyone. Once he comfortable with how she gasps that info, he will let her pick one up. Of course, I will have the camera. I want to make her a small album of her first 'Annie Oakley' experience, LOL.

Trying for every day......

2008-02-15T16:44:00.000-08:00

Been quite busy but I am trying to blog every other day, if not daily. So I joined a challenge, and now I need to blog more often than I do now, LOL. It's not like I have nothing to say....I just don't have the time. So now I need to make time. I can do that, I think.

Tomorrow I'm going to the Scrapbook Expo in Costa Mesa. I happen to have won a ticket from Jennifer, ( million more thank you's too) and since I have never been before, I'm going. Some friends and I are going to meet up and carpool there. After the Expo, CROP TIME! I so love to go to Tammy's. She has awesome classes and just about the greatest and funnest (is that a word, LOL) crops around.

Sunday, I plan on relaxing after Duane and I go grocery shopping. We haven't been in a long time, and we need to stock up on a few items. I'm usually quite exhausted after cropping...so Sunday's are my laid back and get ready for the week days. I'm off on Monday for President's Day...which is very nice. We are taking 'Becca with us to the range and gonna teach her to shoot. She is so excited, as she has never shot a gun before. Duane loaded up some 'light loads' just for her. I'm definately taking pictures of her and make her a small album.

So, how did everyone like Teresa Collins new line? I can hardly wait to start this album that I have in mind. Truly a wonderful woman, and a FANTASTIC line.

Other than Teresa's new line, I wasn't all that excited this year as last year. I agree with a few others out there - too many manufacturers coping each other. Everything looks similar.

I'm watching the funeral for Officer Simmons, the S.W.A.T. officer that was killed in the line of duty. How sad. I can not fathom the grief that this wife must be feeling. I am so glad that my husband is now retired. I know there were several times when I stayed awake at night, just worried sick. My heart goes out to her.

For Valentine's Day yestday, Duane comes to work and surprised me with oodles of HUGE chocolate covered strawberries. I just love 'em!! Of course I had to share with the other girls, as who could possible eat that many? He also brought me balloons and a dish packed with Hershey Kisses. That morning, before I left for work, he gave me a beautiful pink sweater. Needless to say, I had to change, and that is what I wore yesterday. WHAT A MAN!! I'm not much of a cook, and we don't care to go out on the holdiays itself, so I stopped at the market and bought 6 pounds of Alaskan King Crab legs and steamed them for dinner. I wouldn't let him in the kitchen, but had to finally cave in because I couldn't figure out how to get everything in the pot. I have never seen so many legs - going every which way, LOL. It was definately a sight to behold. He surely was surprised tho. He's still talking about dinner - and how great it was. I'm happy he loved it. I do love that man.

Well, it's about time for dinner, and we're going out. (( I was going to post pictures, but I can't get the pictures out of my camera. I'm guessing that I am going to have to take it to the camera shop and have them look at it. Thank goodness it's not my Canon, I would be lost without that one. So, I'm going to post a few of old pictures, just so that you get the idea. ))

She Was Pleasant....

2008-02-13T18:23:00.001-08:00

It was bound to happen. Sooner or later, but I had hoped for later. Oh well, it happened.

I was walking around at CHA, and yes, I ran into HER. I knew instantly who it was. I have kinda liked her work, not all of it, but enough. Anyway, I grabbed my camera, and went to turn it on, and nothing. I mean NOTHING happened. Seems I forgot to charge the battery from the previous day of taking over 300 pictures. Win some, you lose some.

I did introduce myself, and she did say HI. Pleasant. Cordial. I really don't think it clicked, LOL. At least I said something, and smiled. I guess she had a lot on her mind to really bother, but again, oh well.

SUPER CROP!!!

2008-01-31T20:05:00.000-08:00

Saturday is the BIG Super Bowl Crop!! I love all day crops. Gives you time to actually start and complete a few projects. I just love to crop period! Hanging with friends, catching up on all the ~~gossip~~ news, gettng ideas/suggestions from others. It's awesome! And what's even better, Alixandra is coming to crop with us. Yep, her first ALL DAY Crop. She's home busy printing out pictures, gathering her stuff, organizing her tote, which by the way she has already called Grandpa to inform him that she is going to need a BIGGER tote since she has so much stuff. Looks like the kid just might get a BIG Mimi to drag her stuff around, LOL.

I love it when Alix comes over. Not only does it mean we get to scrap together, it also means snuggle time. She's a GREAT snuggler. She always has been. She would always need a snuggling regardless what was happening. I loved it when she and my daughter lived downstairs and she would run up the stairs right before her bedtime just to get a snuggle from me. She's almost 15 now, and still loves to snuggle. I'm 52, and I still love to snuggle with her too.

I suppose she will be bringing a few changes of clothes also. She will fiddle around with her hair and outfit, and say, "Mema, how about a photo shoot? You never know how much I can change in a few weeks". Then she fixes a 'background' with a black sheet, and brings in a few props for her 'shoot'. Personally, I think she watches America's Next Top Model too much, LOL. That girl can pose!! If Tara Banks is still doing this show in a few years, I'm sending in a portfolio of Alix. I'm sure that she will win - HANDS DOWN!!

They Love Me....

2008-01-29T20:52:00.000-08:00

Just look, and you tell me. THEY LOVE ME!!

And I love them too....I really do!!

God Country Up There....

2008-01-26T10:49:00.000-08:00

Well, at least I'm feeling a bit better. I have been so sick for the last few weeks, and have even been off from from work for the last 2 weeks. Upper respiratory infection. This cough is about to make me go mad. Can't do anything without coughing, and even worse, there's nothing to cough up. Just a dry, nagging cough. Grrrr.

On the home front tho...Robert and Sheena have settled on a date. July 5, 2008. WOW, only 6 months away, but will come at me at lightning speed. Everything does now days, LOL. So now we're planning a wedding. A GREAT wedding!! My baby is finally, yes, finally, getting married. I'm so proud of him. He's been a good daddy, now he will be a good husband. He's a good man that son of mine. Yep...he sure is.

For my birthday, we went to Hollye's a few weeks ago, even tho my b-day is the 22nd, hers is the 16th, we celebrate 'em together. Of course we did our Red Lobster dinner, which was fantastic. My brother, Dan and his wife, Patty went with us also. We left Friday morning, and got back late Sunday evening because we stopped in Hollywood to view a few sites, like the star's homes, etc.. Yes, before you ask, we did buy a map, LOL. The biggest site that we saw was Steven Spielberg on his cell phone phoning 911 because of an accident this kid was in. Seems the telephone pole 'jumped' out into his way. We didn't stop, but just to make sure that it was Steven S., we went back and forth like 8 times...yep, it was him. Took a picture, but because I was driving, my picture is of the asphalt. (eyeroll)

So, back to our visit with Hollye. Saturday, we decided to go eat breakfast in Solvang. We went through Los Olivos and came in the back way of Solvang. BREATHTAKING That part of the country is God's Country for sure. It's just so pretty, so colorful, just so....

We are definitely going back up there in a few weeks just to do the wine tour. I can hardly wait until it's harvesting season again. I have some GREAT photo's of a year ago, but I need more. It's for an album that I am doing, and need more of the vines.

Solvang is pretty too....but much prettier in the spring. The weather was GREAT, actually perfect for when we went. Had we gone now, it would have been a disappointment as the rains are really bad right now. So I'm glad we went when we did.

I need to go finish cutting some chipboard for a few albums, so I will post a bit later.

First Layouts of the Year

2008-01-06T19:01:00.001-08:00

I just created these two (2) layouts from Christmas. I am loving the Creative Imaginations overlays. The pictures didn't turn out as good as I would like them to have, but I guess one can't be perfect all the time.

I'm Invisible

2008-01-03T18:27:00.000-08:00

I got this in an email today, and thought of my BEST FREIND. I sent this to her, and her reply was just a smile in an email. No words, nothing, just a smile. So, this is for you...

I'm Invisible

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, "Can't you see I'm on the phone?" Obviously not; no one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible. The invisible Mom.

Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this? Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, "What time is it?" I'm a satellite guide to answer, "What number is the Disney Channel?" I'm a car to order, "Right around 5:30, please."

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again.

She's going,
she's going,
she's gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a hair clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, "I brought you this." It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: "To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of w hat you are building when no one sees."

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything. A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, "Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it." And the workman replied,"Because God sees."

I closed the book, feeling the missing pieces fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, "I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become."

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sac rifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, "My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table." That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, "You're gonna love it there."

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

Great Job, MOM! Share this with all the Invisible Moms you know.... I just did.

Goodbye 2007, Hello 2008

2007-12-31T13:01:00.000-08:00

Where has the time gone? So much has happened this past year, yet it only seems that the year just started a few months ago. Reflecting back....I thought I would just post some memorable pictures.

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Merry Christmas

2007-12-25T07:20:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was by far the BEST EVER Christmas Eve that I have had in over 5 years. The reason? My daughter and her family spent the day with us. To some of you, that may not be a big deal, but when your relationship has been strained to the point where you haven't spoken in 5 years, this it IS a big deal.

I love my daughter so much, more than words can convey. I've missed her, and I'm glad we are mending our relationship.

Today, my son and his family, and my brother and his new bride and her brother come over. That will make it a total of 9 people today.

I love my family. They are the world to me. Oh, and shhhh, but the word has been put out that there will be another grandchild before November. It's a wonderful season indeed.

Merry Christmas everyone.

I still believe in Santa Claus...

2007-12-22T08:51:00.000-08:00

A friend posted this and it's too good not to share.

I remember my first Christmas adventure with Grandma...I was just a kid.

I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit her on the day my big sister dropped the bomb: "There is no Santa Claus," she jeered. "Even dummies know that!"

My Grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been. I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight with me. I knew Grandma always told the truth, and I knew that the truth always went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her 'world-famous' cinnamon buns. I knew they were world-famous, because Grandma said so. It had to be true!!!!!!

Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm. Between bites, I told her everything. She was ready for me. "No Santa Claus?" She snorted..."Ridiculous!
Don't believe it. That rumor has been going around for years, and it makes me
mad, plain mad!! Now, put on your coat, and let's go."

"Go? Go where, Grandma?" I asked. I hadn't even finished my second 'world-famous' cinnamon bun. "Where" turned out to be Kerby's General Store, the one store in town that had a little bit of just about everything. As we walked through its doors,
Grandma handed me ten dollars.

That was a bundle in those days. "Take this money," she said, "and buy something for someone who needs it. I'll wait for you in the car." Then she turned and walked out of Kerby's. I was only eight years old.

I'd often gone shopping with my mother, but NEVER had I shopped for anything all by myself. The store seemed big and crowded, full of people scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping.

For a few moments I just stood there, confused, clutching that ten-dollar bill, wondering what to buy, and who on earth to buy it for. I thought of everybody I knew: my family, my friends, my neighbors, the kids at school, and the people who went to my church.

I was just about thought out, when I suddenly thought of Bobby Decker. He was a kid with bad breath and messy hair, and he sat right behind me in Mrs. Pollock's grade-two class.

Bobby Decker didn't have a coat.

I knew that because he never went out to recess during the winter. His mother always wrote a note, telling the teacher that he had a cough, but all we kids knew that Bobby Decker didn't have a cough; he just didn't have a good warm coat.

I fingered the ten-dollar bill with growing excitement. I would buy Bobby Decker a coat! I settled on a red corduroy one that had a hood to it. It looked real warm, and he would like that.

"Is this a Christmas present for someone?" the lady behind the counter asked kindly, as I laid my ten dollars down. "Yes, ma'am," I replied shyly. "It's for Bobby."
The nice lady smiled at me, as I told her about how Bobby really needed a good warm winter coat. I didn't get any change, but she put the coat in a bag, smiled again and
wished me a Merry Christmas.

That evening, Grandma helped me wrap the coat (a little tag fell out of the coat, and Grandma tucked it in her Bible) in Christmas paper and ribbons and wrote, "To Bobby, From Santa Claus" on it. Grandma said that Santa ALWAYS insisted on secrecy!

Then she drove me over to Bobby Decker's house, explaining as we went that I was now and forever officially, one of Santa's helpers. Grandma parked down the street from Bobby's house, and she and I crept noiselessly and hid in the bushes by his front walk. Then Grandma gave me a nudge. "All right, Santa Claus," she whispered,"get going." I took a deep breath, dashed for his front door, threw the present down
on his step, pounded his door and flew back to the safety of the bushes and Grandma.

Together we waited breathlessly in the darkness for the front door to open!!!! Finally it did, and there stood Bobby.

Well...

Fifty years haven't dimmed the thrill of those moments spent shivering, beside my Grandma, in Bobby Decker's bushes. That night, I realized that those awful rumors about Santa Claus were just what Grandma said they were: 'ridiculous'! Santa WAS alive and well, and WE were on HIS team!!!

I STILL have Grandma's Bible, with the coat tag tucked inside: $29.95.

May you always have LOVE to share, HEALTH to spare and FRIENDS that care...And may you always believe in the magic of Santa Claus!

Author Unknown

The Day Santa Came...

2007-12-16T19:37:00.000-08:00

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Who is in my living room?

2007-12-16T12:23:00.001-08:00

You're young, you have kids. What do you do when you can't afford to take the kids to go see Santa? You make a new plan. You improvise. That is exactly what the kids did...they improvised, with the help of Grandpa of course.

I go to Walgreen's and buy this Santa outfit for $14.99, hoping that it will do the trick. Ok, so it's a bit cheezy, but what the heck. We're improving here, remember?

We go to the kids house yesterday for the BIG VISIT, and Duane decides it's time to go to Walgreen's to pick up my pictures, (wink). He makes his departure, and Sheena calls Vincent into the bathroom to 'do his hair'. Duane sneeks back in, and goes into one of the bedrooms to do his 'magical transformation'. Next thing I hear is him calling out with a touch of panic to his voice. I go into the bedroom, and there he stands, with knickers. LOL I guess the makers of the costume had 5'6" guys in mind when they designed these things, not 6'3" guys. So, once again, we make a new plan, and we improvised. Thank goodness the top was long. He runs out to the living room, and quickly sits, candy canes in hand, and waits. Vincent makes his way out to the living room, and just couldn't beleive his eyes.

SANTA WAS SITTING IN HIS LIVING ROOM.

Santa calls him up to his lap, and the pictures begin. Lighting isn't good, but what the heck. I guess every photographer has an off day. I know I sure did. The pictures turn out ok, with a little adjusting here and there....they are passible.

Kaydence had a GREAT time with Santa. At one point, she reached up and did the unthinkable....yep...the beard almost came off.

Below is a GREAT shot of all the kids by their tree...it was a GREAT day afterall.

The Grandkids...

2007-12-10T19:05:00.000-08:00

I have a couple new pictures of the grandkids and thought that I would share.

I took this one of Alixandra when she was here last week. We had a great time scrapping and making Christmas cards. I feel that in time, she will be published as her work is really cute for a 14 year old. I'm going to have to take a few photo's and post them. She's turning into a very beautiful young woman. My daughter has done a wonderful job in raising her.

Here are a few of my son's kids. Vincent and Kaydence are truly brother/sister. She adores her big brother as he adores his little sister. She's only 7 months here, and look at her...don't you just want to reach out and pinch them cheeks? LOL

He's got the most cutest dimples ever.

I love all three grandkids.....

Thank you Rusty Pickle..

2007-12-08T08:06:00.001-08:00

The mail came yesterday, and boy did I ever get a surprise!! Look at what I got from Rusty Pickle. I had taken some pictures of Lance when he was here at my LSS, Once Upon A Time, and sent them to Casey, (who happens to be a Rusty Pickle Chef) and look what they sent me. Could these papers get any yummier? Yes...wait until you see their Valentine line. OMG...it just keeps getting better and better. Now you know why I think Rusty Pickle is the BEST EVER line of paper out there. Their stuff is amazing!!

Thank you Casey and the rest of the crew at Rusty Pickle!!

The applause dies....

2007-11-27T05:12:00.000-08:00

I saw this on a friend of mine's blog, and just loved it and wanted to share with y'all.

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read the paragraphs straight through, and you'll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America Contest.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. They are not second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier?

The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are NOT the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones who care.

That ain't a store bought one...

2007-11-23T15:12:00.000-08:00

Sorry that I haven't posted in awhile, but I have been a tad too busy to even get on the internet.

Let's see...we got new tile for the floor, and installed it through-out the house except for the bedrooms, his gun room, and my scraproom. Looks pretty good, now all I have to do is run a quick damp mop over it, and instant clean.

The dog, aptly named Rikoshay, is living up to her God-given name, as she just can't get traction anymore to go chasing the cat. Which, by the way, is only here temporarily as we are cat-sitting for Alixandra. Those two animals love each other, but at times, I wonder. Always something going on between them.

This year for Thanksgiving, my son and his family went to his grandmothers and my daughter and her family went down to San Diego. So Duane and I, being the nomads of the family, decided to go up to my bestest ever friend, Hollye, and stay at the ranch for the Thanksgiving weekend. We are always so used to having LOTS of family around, but this year, it's just friends. Nice. Only 4 plates to wash, 4 bowls, 4 forks, you get the picture. It made it even better since both husbands did all the dishes.

Duane prides himself in being the provider of the family, and this year, which is his first year of retirement, he thought he would be the one to supply the turkey. Now, I'm not one to question Duane as to where that turkey came from, but I can tell you this....it was no store bought bird. As you can see by the picture, I thought he was just calling the bird over so that he could maybe feed from his hand...but I'm thinking, as I looked at what he had behind his back, Duane had other thoughts.

We had a GREAT Thanksgiving, GREAT food, and most importantly GREAT friends to spend it with.

Then early this morning, with our lists in one hand, a plethora of charge cards in the other......Hollye and I venture out for the Black Friday sales. We get in the truck, making sure that nothing else is in it, as to make room for our DEALS, and head off to the Big City, Santa Maria. Our first stop, Michaels, as they had a Cricut on sale that I needed to get for a friend, and their Cricut cartridges were all marked to $49.00, we run inside, only to find the area that held all the Cricut stuff empty. Not wanting to walk out of Michaels empty handed, I did manage to buy a black Stayz-On stamp pad, and Hollye found a few Christmas bells. So much for our big coupon use. We didn't even hit the minimum purchase. So being the nice people that we are, we gave it to a senior citizen lady behind us in line. She was most grateful.

Now we head on over to Target, knowing that we will find a oodles and oodles of bargains there, we literally had to fight for a parking spot. We had all this planned. When we spot a most coveted parking lot space, Hollye would jump out of the truck, and position herself in the spot so that all who tried to park there couldn't while I made the parking lot rounds in order to zero in on our space. WE gather up our purse, lists, and charge cards, find a shopping cart, because those women just can't seem to put the cart back in the cart corrals, and head off into the store. First mistake. Sign on the door said OPEN AT 6:00am, and here it was 9:30am. We look at each other, and think, like who in their right minds would actually get up that early just to shop at Target? Now come one, I ask you....would you? We run to the electronics department, well, ok, maybe not run, but we did briskly walk...only to see bare shelving where our much researched items would have laid. Holly did find some Christmas candy that she had been wanting for a few years now, and went ahead and bought some. We left there, a bit discouraged, but determined.

We head on off now to our next destination.....Best Buy. There, again, we found the PERFECT parking spot, so once again, Hollye jumps out of the truck, and claimed it as ours. The look on her face told others that they had better not dare enter our spot. Needless to say, they didn't know she had stepped in a HUGE wad of gum and was stuck. We push our way through Best Buy, and head on over to the Digital Camera and Camcorder department. After dang near throwing Hollye threw the throngs of people, we found that they had sold out long before we even woke this morning. Hollye did however, walk out with Faith Hill's Greatest Hits CD. I guess she is having a bit of luck with her list....cuz I haven't gotten a dang thing yet.

A bit of discouragement now sets in. I feel a tad bit panicked as I haven't been able to cross out anything on my list. I haven't even broke out a charge card. Hollye assures me that I will find everything at our next destination, Circuit City.

We pull into the parking lot, but this time we had to make a few trips around before coming into a shoppers dream - the first spot. I had somewhat passed it up, and Hollye once again, had to jump out and save it. So as I was able to back up, and jockey into it, Hollye went around the back of the truck trying to get out of my way when some friggin Prima Dona comes out of the store, not watching where she was going, and almost runs her cart into my truck. I had to put the brakes on quickly, only to have Duane's rifle dang near decapitate me as it falls from the Easy Rider Rifle Rack, when I hear Hollye let out a God-awful scream as she quickly disappears from my rear view mirror. I jump from the truck, only to realize that Hollye had run into the trailer hitch. Boy was she in pain. I managed to pull her up to a shopping cart so that she could balance herself on her one good remaining leg (the other leg had the residual gum wad still intact) as she help me locate my gifts that I needed. We quickly find a store clerk to help us, only to be disappointed once again as I showed him the sales paper with the items that I needed to purchase circled, and he telling us that they had sold out, again, very early in the morning. He told us that people were lined up in front of the store since 1:00am. I laughed, because that is when we had finally called it a night. Don't these people have lives beyond shopping? They must not have cable or the internet. Hollye did manage to find Reba McEntire's Duets CD.

Panicked, discouraged, and a feeling of Bah Humbug, mixed with gloom and despair, and did I mention some depression, we head on home. As we are heading back to the ranch, enjoying the ever changing leaves of the vines from the recent wine harvests, when all of a sudden......

BEEP

the alarm goes off....and I awake from my turkey induced slumber, I realize that the turmoils of Black Friday, was only a dream. Duane was nice enough to set the alarm for 5:00am for me, knowing I had things to accomplish. I flew from the bed, put on a nightie, and sit at my computer, and within 15 minutes, I had purchased all that I needed to get. With confirmations from all purchases securely in my email....I pour myself a cup of hot tea, and go sit out in the courtyard with my bestest ever friend, and we plan our Thanksgiving layouts. Our hubbies come by in the truck, and tell us that they are headed out to the Big City, yes, Santa Maria, to go shopping at some mystical store that is having a HUMONGOUS Black Friday sale on Makita. Makita? Hmmmmmm is that a new scrapping item?

I hope y'all had a GREAT Thanksgiving and all your shopping adventures were memorable.

The Little Princess

2007-11-05T05:00:00.000-08:00

Just a short, little post about Kaydence.

Check out her first halloween costume.

Tinkerbelle

She's about the cutest little fairy a grandparent could have.

Duane and I love our grandchildren, especially now, in our 'gold years', as Alix says, LOL.

She's a handful too...almost 15 now. Time sure flies while they grown.

Cherish it all.....

2007-10-27T09:10:00.000-07:00

I totally love cropping. I love being with my scrapping friends till wee hours of the night, talking about whatever comes to mind, watching their pages come to life. That's what I get to do tonight. I hate leaving hubby home, but sometimes, I just need to be with the girls.

I also find that it is so therapeutic being that it 'cleanses my mind' from all stuff that happened during the week. This week, in particular, was a rough one. There are the fires, all the evacuations going on, the people returning to what was their home, a few returning to find a loved one just didn't make it out in time. One tends to take things for granted sometimes. Like the key that opens your front door. Now there are literally thousands that don't have that front door to open. Like that old rag that your loved one wears that you wish one day would burn. Now there are hundreds who wish they even had an old rag to put on while sifting through the remains of once was their closet. Little things, everyday things, things that one tends to take for granted, lost. My heart goes out to them.

The other night, I make Duane drag out the boxes of pictures...and start to go through them. I look at them differently now. Even the ones that bring up bad memories. I look for the good things connected with those pictures. It's all that we have of our past....memories, and pictures for the most part. I hold one picture in particular. One of my mom, my dad, and my middle sister, Vicki. It's her senior prom. Tears run down my face as I sit there and listen to them discuss what time she should be home that night with her date. I pick up another one of Vicki, and this one is like 20 years later. She's sitting on her motorcycle (actually a '69 Meter Maid, totally refurbished) with her first grandson as an infant. Little did I know that a year later she would not be with us anymore. I pick up a funny one of my mom playing Nitendo, two years later, she also would be gone.

This one of my dad is the most precious one of all to me.

Journaling says: This happens to be the last picture of my dad before he passed away 2 days later. The starfish is the last thing that my dad ever caught. I have the actual starfish, which sits in a huge brandy snifter full of sand from Hawaii.

As we fished, we spoke about his recent heart attack, the past, the future, which he knew wasn't going to be a long one for him. Then I looked up at him, and asked him, "Dad, do you believe in Jesus"? He smiled and said yes, and started to tell me about his religious beliefs and stuff. It was an AWESOME conversation. For the first time, I got to pray with my Dad. We finished praying, and he looked at me, and told me that he had a great day, and that this would probably be the last time fishing for him. I didn't question that statement, and I just let it be. He was right...it was. Little did I know, it was the last time I was to see him alive.

I miss my dad...so very much

Happy Father's Day, Dad...I love you!!

People tend to take things for granted. Once you have lost something...you can't ever get it back. So during our crop tonight, I need to finish up on the layouts that I have started, the albums that need to be finished, because I need to start a whole new batch of layouts. My Family, Our Times Together.

Life is short. so cherish what you have now...for you never know.

When Pigs Fly....

2007-10-23T18:54:00.001-07:00

With all the fires and stuff going around, I forgot to let y'all know what our granddaughter bet us. She knows that Grandpa and I are ones of our word. We give it, and that's that.

Well, as we were sitting at lunch Saturday, she was talking about the fact that she will need a car in less than 2 years, (my, how time flies). After a much heated debate, Grandpa told her that he would buy her a BRAND NEW car when pigs fly. Without missing a beat, she says, "do you give me your word"? "Of course I do."

She lets that particular conversation die down. I thought that something might be up, but shrugged it off. After all, he did say when pigs fly. We finish up lunch, go get into the truck. We no sooner drive around the parking lot, when she yells to stop. We come to a quick stop, she jumps out........

Need I say more???

God Bless Our Firemen...

2007-10-22T19:43:00.000-07:00

What a day in California. Seems the entire Southern California is on fire. People are losing their homes, which is really sad. I haven't heard of any loss of life, so that's a good thing. There were 12 firemen who had to take cover under the fire blankets as they got caught up in a fire storm. I'm so glad that they walked out of there alive.

I got to work this morning, which was a feat in itself with all the wind blowing, only to see this. I am so glad this happened while I wasn't at work or my truck would have gotten it for sure. It was everything that we could do just to walk in the building. I was afraid more of the tree was going to come down.

This is one looking from inside the office to the outside.

There was a few fires also just a few miles from where I work. A lot of dairy land went up in flames too. I got this while driving by on my way home. You need to click on the picture in order to see the firemen there.

God Bless Our Firemen. You know, their job IS really dangerous. They put their lives on the line everyday for us....and many of us just take it for granted. Thank goodness my Dad taught us kids at a young age to respect the Police and Fire Department.

Aunty Em, Aunty Em...

2007-10-22T05:14:00.000-07:00

Went to bed at a decent hour last night, but that wind is about to keep anyone awake. My windows shook so hard at one point, that I thought they were going to bust. I'm watching the news, and all I can say is WOW. The fires are a mess. Everything is out of control. That Malibu fire I think is the worse of all. The freeway closures are bad, all because of the wind. Thank goodness I have about 4-5 routes I can take to work. I'm staying away from the freeway, so it's off through dairyland. I just hope I don't get pelted by cow patties. They say only a few more days of this wind. I hope so, as my allergies can't take anymore.

OK, I'm off as I think it's going to be awful on any route that I happen to take to work.

Wind, Lobster, A Good Book....

2007-10-21T19:29:00.001-07:00

As we were taking my granddaughter home this afternoon, we thought we had better feed the scrawny thing, so off to Red Lobster we went. As we go down the 15 freeway, we encounter winds like never before. I had the gas peddle floored, and we were only moving not even 10 miles per hour. That is how strong the winds were blowing today. Over the news it was stated that the winds were about 80-100mph. Look at what we drove through. I'm sorry that the pictures aren't any clearer, but my granddaughter was scared as she took the pictures because my truck was literally going all over the place. It was harder than heck to control it. At one point, the visibility as zero. You can see in the first picture, as the dust/dirt just started...and within 20 minutes, my windshield was being pelted with gravel, rocks, paper, and anything else that could be air born.

It was a strange feeling, knowing that you are in this heavy duty truck, and you can't keep it on the road. The little cars in from of me were going from one lane to another. The dust bowl effect lasted from about the Santa Ana River all the way where I got off the freeway at 4th, just one exit north of the 10 freeway. I imagine it was worse as you got closer to the Cajon Pass, which by the way, has a HUGE fire. Then we got to noticing, the sky was particularly quiet. No airplanes in/out of Ontario Airport. WOW. For some reason, I immediately thought of Sept. 11, when all planes were grounded. It was just surreal.

We made it to drop her off after we dined on lobster, shrimp and crab legs without incident. I'm so glad to be home. Now, as I sit here, I can hear the wind whip through the trees outside, and I am thankful I have my cozy blankie to curl up in.

I'm off...to make me some nice hot tea, gather my glasses and my book, and then to curl up on the sofa, while hubby rubs my feet. Awww, life is grand indeed.

He's the BEST....

2007-10-18T22:23:00.000-07:00

How do you like the 'new look'? It still needs a bit of tweaking, but for now, this will do.

Dan is here tonight, moving the last of his stuff out. It's sad to see him leave, yet I'm so very happy for him. He and his new wife are so very happy...and that's a good thing. He deserves it. He's a good brother....one that I wouldn't change for anything.

I often think of my sister, Vicki. I miss her. She was so young when God called her home. She was only 42. She was in the prime of her life. Because of her death, and because of my dad's, I have been obsessed with my heart. I feel every little beat, every palpitation, every skipped beat. It's scary. One just never knows when their time is up.

My granddaughter is coming for the weekend. I'm always eager to have her. She's a handful, but then what 14 year old isn't? LOL I can hardly wait for Duane and I to get our RV and take all 3 grandkids traveling. You know, like grandparents should. Take them to see the sights and wonders of the United States. I love the way our grandkids love Duane. They call him grandpa and always seem to want to be around him. Look at the way Kaydence looks up at grandpa. I love that. He's the best ever grandpa around too. Just ask the grandkids, they will you.

We're going to take Alix to Oak Glen this weekend so that I can get some more pictures of her. She's so photogenic....and loves to have her picture taken. She knows that I will use them on a layout, and she gets really excited when I have entered the layout(s) in a contest. She tells me that if I win (and I have won my share) that I have to split all the winnings. LOL I usually do.

Work was rather slow today. When it's slow like this, I actually have the time to write all the 'HOW TO' manuals for the department.

It's a bit late for me....and the only reason why I am up so late is because I took a nice, long nap earlier. Sucks getting old, I guess. LOL

Take This Job.....

2007-10-18T05:16:00.000-07:00

PARENT - Job Description

This is hysterical. If it had been presented this way, I don't believe any of us would have done it!!!!

POSITION :
Mom, Mommy, Mama, Ma
Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop

JOB DESCRIPTION :

Long term, team players needed, for challenging permanent work in an, often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on r ain y weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities! Travel expenses not reimbursed.
Extensive courier duties also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

The rest of your life. Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homewo rk projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next. Must hand le assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.
Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product.
Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION :

None. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE :

None required unfortunately. On-the- j ob training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

WAGES AND COMPENSATION :

Get this! You pay them! Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially inde pendent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that
you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.

BENEFITS :

While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth, unconditional love, and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.

Forward this on to all the PARENTS you know, in appreciation for everything they do on a daily basis, letting them know they are appreciated for the fabulous job they do... or forward with love to anyone thinking of applying for the job.

** AND A FOOTNOTE THERE IS NO RETIREMENT -- EVER!!! **

Sad day indeed

2007-10-11T05:24:00.000-07:00

All I can say is "WOW". Lot going on over on that message board. I sit and read it with my mouth hanging open in total disbelief. I mean, I have heard rumors of this happening, but to actually SEE IT in print. WOW. Someone has a lot of explaining to do.

It is just totally sad. Will it change my view on them? Yes. Will it change my buying habits when I go to buy products? Yes. I just don't have time in my life for liars, cheats, or other negative crap like this.

Check out what I am referring to. http://www.creatingkeepsakes.com/mb/viewtopic.php?t=73414 Just a sad day on the old MB.

Personal Training Session

2007-10-02T19:26:00.000-07:00

Dear Diary,

For my fiftieth birthday this year, my daughter Nichole(the dear)purchased a week of personal training at the local health club for me. Although I am still in great shape since being a high school football cheerleader 43 years ago, I decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and give it a try.

I called the club and made my reservations with a personal trainer named Belinda, who identified herself as a 26-year-old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swim wear. My daughter seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get started! The club encouraged me to keep a diary to chart my progress.

MONDAY :
Started my day at 6:00 a.m. Tough to get out of bed, but found it was well worth it when I arrived at the health club to find Belinda waiting for me. She is something of a Greek goddess - with blonde hair, dancing eyes and a dazzling white smile. Woo Hoo!! Belinda gave me a tour and showed me the machines. I enjoyed watching the skillful way in which she conducted her aerobics class after my workout today.

Very inspiring! Belinda was encouraging as I did my sit-ups, although my gut was already aching from holding it in the whole time she was around. This is going to be a FANTASTIC week-!!

TUESDAY :
I drank a whole pot of coffee, but I finally made it out the door. Belinda made me lie on my back and push a heavy iron bar into the air - then she put weights on it! My legs were a little wobbly on the treadmill, but I made the full mile. Belinda's rewarding smile made it all worthwhile. I feel GREAT-!! It's a whole new life for me.

WEDNESDAY :
The only way I can brush my teeth is by laying the toothbrush on the counter and moving my mouth back and forth over it. I believe I have a hernia in both pectorals. Driving was OK as long as I didn't try to steer or stop. I parked on top of a GEO in the club parking lot.

Belinda was impatient with me, insisting that my screams bothered other club members. Her voice is a little too perky for early in the morning; and when she scolds, she gets this nasally whine that is VERY annoying. My chest hurt when I got on the treadmill, so Belinda put me on the stair 'monster'. Why the h*** would anyone invent a machine to simulate an activity rendered obsolete by elevators?

Belinda told me it would help me get in shape and enjoy life. She said some other s*** too.

THURSDAY :
Belinda was waiting for me with her vampire-like teeth exposed as her thin, cruel lips were pulled back in a full snarl. I couldn't help being a half an hour late, it took me that long to tie my shoes. Belinda took me to work out with dumbbells. When she was not looking, I ran and hid in the restroom. She sent another skinny b**** to find me. Then, as punishment, she put me on the rowing machine -- which I sank.

FRIDAY :
I hate that b**** Belinda more than any human being has ever hated any other human being in the history of the world. Stupid, skinny, anemic, anorexic little cheerleader. If there was a part of my body I could move without unbearable pain, I would beat her with it.

Belinda wanted me to work on my triceps. I don't have any triceps! And if you don't want dents in the floor, don't hand me the D*** barbells or anything that weighs more than a sandwich. The treadmill flung me off and I landed on a health and nutrition teacher. Why couldn't it have been someone softer, like the drama coach or the choir director?

SATURDAY :
Belinda left a message on my answering machine in her grating, shrilly voice wondering why I did not show up today. Just hearing her made me want to smash the machine with my planner. However, I lacked the strength to even use the TV remote and ended up catching eleven straight hours of the Weather Channel.

SUNDAY :
I'm having the Church van pick me up for services today so I can go and thank GOD that this week is over. I will also pray that next year my daughter Nichole(the little s***) will choose a gift for me that is fun -- like a root canal or a hysterectomy. I still say if God had wanted me to bend over, he would have sprinkled the floor with diamonds.

Jammies on a honeymoon???

2007-09-30T20:11:00.001-07:00

WOW, I am glad that this weekend is over. Well, not quite, but for the most part.

Friday, we went to the courthouse with my brother and 'fiancee'. When we walked out, they were husband and wife. I just never thought I would see the day that he got married. It was totally awesome. She is so tiny and shy...and my brother is a bit heavy,(not much tho) and also shy. It was just awesome seeing them together. They were so happy, so full of smiles, so excited, so in love.

Funny story...I was at our Scrap For Pink crop, and he called Friday night to ask where a KMart or a WalMart was up in Big Bear. I told him, and when he called back, I asked why. They were cold and had to go buy some flannel pajamas. LOL It's the FIRST night of their honeymoon, and they go buy flannel pajamas. LOL I told him, Dan, if you're cold, you need to cuddle to canoodle. I just thought that was the funniest thing....jammies on your honeymoon. They will learn I guess.

I had the grandest time at our Scrap for Pink crop this weekend. We cropped Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I made my brother and sister-in-law a wedding album with pictures that I taken. It turned out quite nice...I am very pleased with it. I did a few page layouts, including a 2-page layout for the store's contest. I'm happy with it...so here's to hoping that I win!!

I'm tired...as it was a long weekend. I'm off to bed.

24 hours left....

2007-09-27T05:02:00.000-07:00

Sorry...the rest of my stuff is in my laptop. I have the rest of my trip all on there. Something is wrong with it...and I had to put it in the 'shop' for repairs. I get it out tho in a few days. Then I will be able to post pictures and everything else. Woohooo!!!!

He has only 24 hours of 'freedom' left. LOL We are on the count-down for my brother. HE'S GETTING MARRIED FRIDAY MORNING!! That's tomorrow. WOW. I never thought that I would see this day. He's only 42...and the last with the our family name, and trust me, we all thought it would end with him. He assures me tho, that it won't. They want to start a family soon...say in about a year. I love to hear the words, Aunty Carol. I can hardly wait!!

My puppy is so terribly sick. She has no energy, just lays there. Duane took her to the vet yesterday....and said that it was something she ate. So now he has to take a syringe to get some pedialyte down her. The vet said to also feed her baby food...that is strained meats only. She won't eat...so we don't force her. He tries to see if she will eat every other hour, and gives her pedialyte every half hour or so. It's just so sad to see the very energetic puppy just lay there. So please just say a prayer for her... I would appreciate it.

Well, I'm off to work, just thought that I would post something here. Have a grand day y'all!!

He stepped in what????

2007-09-06T12:07:00.000-07:00

Here we are in Juneau. This time, when we got off the ship, we were able to walk down the gangplanks to shore. We sat in the cold waiting for the shuttle for our tour, The Mendenhal Glacier and Gold Coast Salmon Bake. I have never been so cold in my life….well, a few times, but that’s another story.

Seems like everyone was going to the glacier, as there were about 20 buses. We arrive, and of course, it’s drizzling. We didn’t mind tho…knowing that when we returned home, there would be no rain.

Biggest dang chunk of ice I ever laid eyes upon. We are told that you can look at it, walk on it, walk under it, fly over it, you just can’t chip at it. We opted to look at it from a safe distance, only because I’m not walking on anything that could at any moment, melt or break up. So I kept my feet planted firmly on the cement.

As many of you know…the one thing that I want to see while in Alaska, is a bear. Well, guess what? When you get to the site of Mendenhal, there are signs EVERYWHERE warning about bear. Do not run if approached by a bear. Do not feed the bears. Do not touch the bear. Just leave the bear alone. Well, guess what walks into the parking lot? Yep, not one but three bear. A mama bear and her two cubs. Women panicked and ran, men started to through food at them, and a few others wanted to pet them. Where was I? I was up in the observatory, looking at the big chunk of ice….oblivious to what is happening outside about 50 yards from me. I didn’t find this out until we got back on the bus, and most of the other people were talking about it. If it’s any consolation, I did see a pile of bear dung, and from the looks of it…it was pretty fresh.

Next stop was the Salmon Bake and BBQ. Duane loves salmon, so he feasted like a king….while I nibbled on a few ribs. We had to eat under canopy’s, as it was pouring. We had to hurry and eat…as we had something else that needed more of our time……S H O P P I NG.

By the time we got downtown Juneau, it had stopped raining….and the sun was trying to come out. Duane bought me a most gorgeous Tanzanite ring. Gems are one of Alaska’s hot commodities, and being that this is almost the end of their season, all prices were marked down. We also shopped for the kids, and were able to get them all something. I was also able to pick something up for the girls back in the office.

We really weren’t able to spend a lot of time in Juneau, as we had to be back on board by 1:00 to go to yet another glacier. As we sailed into one of the fjords, I noticed that we were passing by chunks of ice and icebergs. It was rather unsettling as they kept playing the theme song from The Titanic movie. Some of these chunks were larger than my house. The blue ice just glistened in the water. The blue was so blue. We also saw lots of seals sitting on the ice. At first we didn’t know what they were…until they started to move and slide off the iceberg and into the water. The ship went into the middle of the fjord, and did what they call a spin on their axis. This way, it would give the whole ship a chance to view everything.

We were watching the glacier as it calved…and what a noise that made. Impressive. Seeing tons of ice falling off, and hitting the ocean, and since it was so quiet….the noise made the huge rumbling sound, much like an earthquake when it hits. These fjords and the most calmest waters around, and the most beautiful lest also. The water looks an emerald green. I’m told that the fjords are like a hundred feet deep, and hundreds of feet high. As we traveled out of the fjord, the wake of the ship caused some of the chunks of ice to roll. Now that is a sight to see.

We dined this evening in lobster and steak. We had some wine, which by the way we are not used to. If it doesn’t come with a screw cap or in a six-pack, then we’re lost. LOL. We just are not the connoisseurs of the vino like others we know, LOL

Onto Skagway….

Ketchikan....

2007-09-06T10:55:00.000-07:00

First stop of the cruise was Ketchikan. From all weather reports that I looked at, the weather was to be horrid..raining, cloudy, and very cold. We did sail into Ketchikan under drizzly, cloudy skies, but it didn’t seem all that bad.

We woke up to the ships engine not running, and a bit of commotion outside. So Duane goes out onto the balcony in his all togethers and notice that all the lifeboats were being lowered into the water. After he frantically called the front desk, he was informed that the lifeboats were being used to ferry the people to shore as I guess NCL forgot to pay dock fees for the week. After a bit of investigative questioning, and after he found someone that spoke understandable English, it seems that the different cruise lines trade off weeks for dock space. It wasn’t our week…so we had to get into the lifeboats in order to go to shore, and let me tell you..THAT was an experience. A word to all future cruise participants…TAKE HIKING SHOES in case this happens to you. Duane got a bit excited again…thinking we were going to have to don those dang life jackets with the nipple beacon and whistle. I can tell you this…they sure do pack you into those things like sardines.

We make it to shore…and we have a few hours to kill before our excursion begins. Off we go shopping…and what is Alaska known for? Yep…diamonds, gold, and tanzanite. All of these stores offer all kinds of freebies just to get you in, and once in…they start to haggle for prices. Who can offer the best price for what gem….that depends on how bad you want it. So I look around and find the pieces that I kinda want, haggle the price, which was pretty darn good, look around for Duane, because he has the money on him…and where is he? He’s in the t-shirt shop eyeing the most hideous t-shirt you ever laid eyes on. It was of a moose and when I say it was ugly, well, that is an understatement. He ain’t gonna buy it, let alone wear it, and me admitting to knowing him if he did. After persuading him to go back to the jewelry store, we find out that plastic won’t do…they want cash. We are in Alaska. It’s Labor Day. The banks are closed, and they want cash for a $5 trinket. So Duane runs the 3 blocks to the bank, pulls out some cash, hurries back, and buys me this stupid trinket that I want, just so that I can get the free gold chain. What a man!!! LOL

We now hurry to out excursion pick up point, and after waiting for Duane again, because he found it necessary to back to the ship to drop off our purchases, we almost miss our tour, because he has the tickets. We board our bus, and head off to the Lighthouse and Eagle Excursion. In order to get on the boat that will take you on the tour, the bus has to do a bit of 4-wheeling down this dirt path through rainforest. After passing by some pretty run down boats, we came to our boat. Once on the water, we had the time of our lives.

We saw the pulp mills that are now closed, the lumberjacks homes, and then to the much awaited…eagles and their nests. What spectacular sights there were. Some of the nests were 25 feet across. We even saw eagles in flight. One young eaglet was out drying its wings…which I heard was a rare sighting. Some of the homes on the shore line were awesome. There was one house in particular, where the wife saw an article in Better Homes and Gardens about garage doors, so she had one built that was quite huge. Needless to say. The family couldn’t park any of the vehicles in it as there was no way to drive to the front of house…so instead…they have their helicopters housed in there.

We were able to cruise by Guard Island and Gravina Island. The Guard Island Lighthouse was much smaller than I thought, but it was nice none-the-less. We didn’t see any seals, but there was a spotting of an orca, which of course, I missed.

We got to see The Northern Lights last night. It was so spectacular, that words can’t even begin to describe it. I got a few pictures of the moon with its lights on the ocean, (which I will post once I get home).

Ok…off I go to play a few rounds of shuffleboard…chat later….

Out for a Cruise

2007-09-02T21:37:00.000-07:00

The plane trip was most interesting to say the least. While we went through security to board our plane, for some stupid reason, Duane and I were singled out and brought into a special area where we were told to stand on painted footprints on the floor. We were then physically searched, a wand swept over our bodies, and our carry-ons gone through. Finding nothing, they told us we could put our shoes back on and hurry and catch our plane. As we left the area, the one dude tells us to have a nice flight. (eye roll) Of course I wanted a window seat as I like to look at what we are flying over. Needless to say..the view that I got was the engine itself Every rivet, chipped pieces of paint, and a lot of grease stains you can imagine on an engine. If you tilted your head just right…you would catch a glimpse of the sky. That is the fist and last time I will sit in the tail section.

We get to Sea-Tac airport, and if you haven’t ever walked it…wear comfy shoes. It’s long. After gathering our luggage, and getting it to cruise line’s area, we are set to go. We board the bus that will take us to the ship, and believe me, I have seen better vehicles than that. We make it safely…and we embark the ship.

Ok…so far so good. Well, with one exception. We are standing on the side deck of the ship, when we notice 3 Washington Deputy Sheriffs board. Ut oh…What did Duane do now, I thought. We have only been in the state for about an hour, I didn’t think he could do anything THAT BAD, THAT QUICK. We stood there watching the ships security escort an individual with all of his possessions to the boarding ramp where the deputies promptly read him his rights, cuffed him, patted him down, handcuffed him to a deputy on each side of him, and escort him off. I guess he did something wrong.

We have a great view of the Space Needle, the dock front, and the Edgewater Hotel, where by the way, The Beatles stayed when they played back then in Washington. Did you know that they were at one time considering tearing down the Space Needle after the World’s Fair? Glad they didn’t…it sure is interesting to look at.

Before the ship can set sail….they do a life boat drill…where everyone is REQUIRED to attend. You even had to bring your life vest from your room and wear it. I’m telling you…they are not flattering to any figure. But they do come with a nipple beacon and a whistle. Duane was highly amused.

We now set sail…and that feeling is just awesome. The view alone of Seattle’s skyline was breathtaking. The weather, the temperature, everything…was just what God had recommended for us. PERFECTION. There we were, on deck, Duane adorned with 2 camera bags and the laptop, waiting for our room which wouldn’t be ready until 5:00pm. Those things sure do get heavy fast when toting them around all day.

We went ahead and made the time count, as we traveled around the ship not once, but twice. Did you know that if you start out at one end…and go completely around the ship…you have traveled apprx. 1.3 miles? And that was just to find out room. We kinda got lost, well, not we, Duane did. But then again….he wouldn’t stop for directions. Does this sound like a typical man? So after 2.6 miles, 8 trips in an elevator, 2 flights of steps, a trip to the bar, we finally found out that our room was 50 feet from the elevator, and the 10th level, which was 6 elevator trips ago. Last time I let him have the ships map. He couldn’t find his port from his starboard if it bit him in the aft.

We get to our room…and it’s nice. We have a balcony off our room, so we can sit out there and just enjoy while listening to the sounds of the ocean. There was a bottle of sparkling wine and chocolate covered strawberries waiting for us. Duane had ordered them when he booked our cruise…as an early anniversary gift to me. And for everyone that knows him…he does enjoy spoiling me, like I love to spoil him. (He’s so awesome, I just love that man.)

Since we both like the fresh air at night, we left the door open just a tad, and let me tell you…IT GOT COLD!!!

Below are some more pictures that I hope all will enjoy. UPDATE..couldn't upload pics, will later.)

Today is now Sunday, and not much happening as we are at sea all day again. We will be arriving in Ketchican, Alaska. We are going on the Lighthouse, Eagles & Totems Excursion. I’m hoping to get a few great pictures of eagles for my brother.

Awesome sunset just over British Columbia.

What has Big Brown done for you???

2007-08-31T20:41:00.000-07:00

So I order a really nice coat, specifically for Alaska. I pay to have it shipped UPS NEXT DAY AIR. I order it on Tuesday...so it should be here no later than Thursday, right? Wrong! Seems that my coat is a bit lost, and is in need of a map.

I call UPS to find out the status. Not that I trust the tracking system they have online...but I need to 'hear' it. I give them my tracking #, and Tanya tells me that it is out for delivery. I breathe a sigh of relief. I call hubby, who has sat patiently at home awaiting the BIG ARRIVAL, and relay this message.

Three hours go by...no delivery. I call UPS again, speak to a different person by the name of Edweena. She tells me that my coat hasn't gotten to the Ontario Hub, that it is still 'in transit' from the airport. The airport? For goodness sake...the airport and the 'hub' share the same runways and tarmac. It takes gawd knows how many hours to make it across a space of what...a half a block? ((insert eyeroll here)) She states that my coat won't be delivered until Tuesday. She does add tho, that I should call back...that maybe they hadn't updated the system on its' status. Not a problem.

I call two hours later...speak to Kemeka, who proceeds to tell me that my coat is ON THE TRUCK and out for delivery. Hallelujah!!! I am ecstatic!!

Two more hours go by...I get a bit nervous, and call UPS back to maybe see if they have another update. They do. My coat is 'in transit'. It is still on the way from the airport to the hub. I darn near blew a gasket. I speak to a supervisor, Jeremiah. Ok, Jeremiah now tells me the same thing that Edweena told me. He also adds that if I had called earlier, I could have maybe stopped it and I could have picked it up at the hub. Now I really blow a gasket because I work not even 10 minutes away. I'm home now...a good 45 minutes (with no traffic) away, and their WILL CALL section is now closed. This does NOT set well with me at all. NOT AT ALL!

I sit and stew about this..knowing full well, that there is nothing I can do. I decide to call UPS and now I want to talk to a manager, not a supervisor. I give Jamall (yep, another person) my tracking #, and he tells me that it is on the truck, and that I should get the coat tonight. What time do they stop delivering, I ask. Jamall tells me that they will stop when they deliver the last package...and has been known to deliver around 10pm. I question this dude like like a detective questioning an inmate under hot lights. Finally, I ask him if he was willing to bet his paycheck. He laughs, and says sure...you will have your package tonight.

Well, guess what. It's now after 9pm...and you guessed it. NO UPS NO PACKAGE

I call back. I now speak to Willard (eyeroll)..who tells me that who ever I spoke to that told me that I would be getting it tonight was mistaken. The package is still 'in transit'.

Thank goodness Ginny at work lent me her coat to take. Not that she will be needing it in this weather...where it has been over 100* during the day...and about 80* at night. THANK YOU GINNY!!!

Looks like Jamall owes me a paycheck.

Catch Up Time.....

2007-08-30T21:11:00.000-07:00

It has been a few since I blogged last. I need to develop the habit of blogging everyday. Some of my best friends blog 1-3 times a day...so I need to try at least to 1 a day.

Anyway...I have been quite busy. I'm packing, making final preparations for our big trip. I am so excited...and yet I really haven't mentioned it here online. For a good reason too...but that we can go into later.

My granddaughter is at church camp. I miss her...and I know that she is having the time of her life. I made her a prayer journal so that she can write in daily. She loved the fact that hers was unique and no one would have anything like it. LOL

We went up north to visit my bestest ever friend, Hollye. It was her grandson's 8th birthday. I haven't seen Vincent since he moved to North Carolina. He is growing into a fine young man. He's very well mannered...and is very polite. He's an awesome kid. Allister is adorable and a little hell-on-wheels. LOL Definitely has his own agenda. He sure looks up to Vincent. Two great boys they are.

It's been a long time too since I have seen Selena. We had a great visit...and of course...sadly, we had to go. I miss having Hollye down here. Duane and I love making that trip tho. Nice drive - nice scenery - nice friends.

I got a few pictures of the lunar eclipse. I didn't have the camera on a tripod, so of course they didn't turn out as I would like...but oh well. I totally forgot about it too. I was standing in the shower and happened to look out the window when I thought I saw the moon disappearing. I yelled to Duane..and he says, Oh yeah, the eclipse. Needless to say..I hurried, and dressed and stuff...and went outside to view this. AWESOME. I stood there trying to imagine what it would like to see the Northern Lights. Only 48 more hours...and I can say I saw those too.

Nothing much else is happening. OH yeah... my 42 year old brother asked his girlfriend to marry him. Dang...didn't think they were THAT serious. I am going to have to start paying closer attention.

Well, I'm off to finish packing. Keep checking back, as I plan to blog the entire trip. WoooHoooo!!!!

Night in the Cemetery

2007-08-17T04:44:00.001-07:00

We took my granddaughter home the other night. WOW, it's so quiet here. I do miss her. She's a 'hoot' to be with. Before we took her home tho, there were a few things that we needed to do. She has never seen a shooting star, so being the grandparents that we are, we 'arranged' for her to see some. We took her up to the cemetery at about 10:30pm Monday night, laid in the back of the truck and watched the skies. She saw TONS of them. What she didn't know at the time, was that she was watching a meteor shower. How convenient, huh? She didn't mind....she oooo'ed and aaaaa'ed just the same.

We are going up to see my BESTEST EVER friend, Hollye, this weekend. It's her grandson's 8th birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY VINCENT! I love going up there. I miss the days when she lived just a few miles away. I'm also excited because Selena is here also. Now we all need to gather our 'stuff', and have a weekend of nothing but scrapping. That won't happen tho until the end of September. We leave in 15 days on our cruise, then it's the SoCalShopHop, the Scrapping Pink Weekend, the Spook-TourDeCrop, and a few other exciting events that I can't even remember. I have them all written on my calendar tho.

My brother is watching my puppy while we are gone. I really need to do something for him, LOL. That puppy is ALL PUPPY too. All over the place...but that's another post at another time.

Ok...I'm off. Y'all have a GREAT weekend!!

Got the feeds....

2007-08-13T04:40:00.000-07:00

My granddaughter finally talked me into it. I now have the LIVE FEEDS for Big Brother 8. We literally sat all day yesterday, glue to the computer to watch a whole lot of boring. Evel Dick must have taken his meds, as he was quite civil to be around. I think all the other houseguests just hibernated and stayed out of his way. We got to watch Zack continually pick his nose. Now THAT was exciting. (eyeroll) I hope that Dustin gets his up and comings - he needs to leave. I'm telling you...that was the BEST $14.95 investment I have ever done, LOL

We got a lot of scrapping done. Actually, Alix did. I watched her. She's becoming quite the scrapper too. I am now going to have to show her how to incorporate more fiber/ribbons on her layouts. I'm also going to have to show her how to pick up all the papers once she is done. Typical teenager - messy, LOL.

Today, we're taking her school shopping. She needs all kinds of stuff. Her notebooks tho, are all altered. I'm going to have to take a few pictures of those. I did this for her last year, and she said that all her friends we so jealous. LOL

She goes home tomorrow...so I better get all the snuggles I can get. I miss her being so close to me. The place next door is vacant...that would be ideal. I love her so much.

2007-08-10T04:50:00.001-07:00

I won some goodies over at Lickety Splits Scrapbooks . I was one of the first to sign up for their newsletter. I love doing board books....and they have some of the GREATEST and CUTEST around. I can hardly wait to see what I get. I'm sure that whatever it is...I will enjoy it.

Ok... it's about that time again.

LADIES BEWARE! NEW MEDICAL SCARE

2007-08-09T17:37:00.000-07:00

Most of you have read the scare-mail about the person whose kidneys were stolen while he was passed out. Well, read on. While the kidney story was an urban legend, this one is not. It's happening every day.

My thighs were stolen from me during the night a few years ago. It was just that quick. I went to sleep in my body and woke up with someone else's thighs. The new ones had the texture of cooked oatmeal. Who would have done such a cruel thing to legs that had been mine for years? Whose thighs were these and what happened to mine? Hurt and angry, I resigned myself to living out my life in jeans and Sheer Energy pantyhose. Then, just when my guard was down, the thieves struck again.

My butt was next. I knew it was the same gang, because they took pains to match my new rear end to the thighs they stuck me with earlier. I couldn't believe that my new butt was attached at least three inches lower than my original. Now, my rear complemented my legs, lump for lump. Frantic, I prayed that long skirts would stay in fashion.

It was two years ago when I realized my arms had been switched. One morning I was fixing my hair and I watched horrified but fascinated as the flesh of my upper arms swung to and fro with the motion of the hairbrush. This was really getting scary. My body was being replaced one section at a time. How clever and fiendish.

Age? Age had nothing to do with it. Age is supposed to creep up, unnoticed, something like maturity. NO, I was being attacked repeatedly and without warning. In despair, I gave up my T-shirts.

What could they do to me next?

My poor neck suddenly disappeared faster than the Thanksgiving turkey it now resembled. That's why I decided to tell my story. I can't take on the medical profession by myself. Women of the world, wake up and smell the coffee. That really isn't plastic that those surgeons are using.

You KNOW where they are getting those replacement parts, don't you? The next time you suspect someone has had a face "lifted," look again. Was it lifted from you? I think I finally found my thighs - and I hope that Cindy Crawford paid a really good price for them!

This is not a hoax. This is happening to women in every town every night. WARN YOUR FRIENDS!

P.S. I must say that last year I thought someone had stolen my breasts. I was lying in bed and they were gone! As I jumped out of bed, I was relieved to see that they had just been hiding in my armpits as I slept.

Now I keep them hidden in my waistband.

Sticky Stuff......

2007-08-09T04:54:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I just hate 'new'. You have to buy all new things just to go with your 'new' purchase. Well, I had to buy a 'new' adhesive. But this time, I think that I will just love it. I have heard so much about this...I just had to make the plunge. I bought the 3M ATG Tape Gun and 10 rolls of of adhesive. I was impressed with what I have heard over at 2-Peas and at CKMB. We will see if the ATG lives up to all the hype.

Picked up my granddaughter last night.....what a week this is going to be. Will post more on this later...as I need to run.

Ahoy 'Matey....

2007-08-06T19:58:00.000-07:00

Ahoy, I had a blast in Lance's class. Ye'll ne'er get me buried booty! Arrr, he is an excellent teacher, and loads o' fun too. Aye. Aye, Rusty Pickle is one o' my fa'orite lines, and I can hardly wait t' see what is next in comin' out. Gar.

Ok Lance...that was just for you, LOL

He told pirate jokes all night, and just simply had us laughing all night. This line, Cap't Jack is simply FANTASTIC!! I got a preview of their Pirate Princess, OMG, I can hardly wait to get my hands on some. My granddaughter will fall in love with it. I just know that I am going to have to buy a lot of it, because she is coming for another visit, and I'm sure that most will, ummmm, 'disappear'.

Everyone enjoyed the class, had lots of questions for him, and of course, lot of pirate jokes, LOL. If you needed help on a technique, he was right there to help. Of course, most of the them had him cut the window out...cutting through thick chipboard is kinda tough, especially for the young ones.

He gave us the history behind the name, RUSTY PICKLE...which I found quite interesting. If you ever take a class from him...be sure to ask him, I don't want to spoil it.

Before he left, I had the opportunity to buy his Travel Book, and his "Island Summer Slim Jim" books. Both are awesome, and sooo Rusty Pickle!!

Look at my almost finished album. I had pictures to put in it, but only temporary. I want to add some 'booty' through-out, as well as more fibers and strips of material. My grandson made a nice pirate. We had gone to the Pirate Dinner House last October for his 4th birthday, one that he will remember for a long time.

Boring......

2007-08-03T04:42:00.000-07:00

Not much really happening around here. I am just waiting for class on Saturday....as it is with Lance Anderson from Rusty Pickle. He will be teaching his Pirate Book, and I just love it. I want his Travel book also. I'm going to have to ask him if I can buy that one from him, since there is no class nearby for it.

I got a promotion at work, so I am quite jazzed about that. I'm now going to handle all new accounts. Cool.

Duane threw his back out the other day, so he has been 'gingerly' walking about, when he can.

It's still HOT around here. I am so NOT a heat person. Give me a nice spring day or snow, and I'm happy.

Ok...as you can tell, not much happening. Gotta get ready to scoot.......

Ouch, the pain......

2007-07-30T04:46:00.000-07:00

It was so hard to get out of bed this morning. I'm not sleeping all that well lately. I wake up in the middle of the night, and for some reason, I can't go back to sleep, so I just lay there, hoping sleep will come. Maybe I should go to the doctor about it, but I'm just not that crazy about going, but I know that I must just so that I can get something for the pain from my knee. I fell about 5 years ago, and it just hasn't been the same. It hurts when I am sitting and try to get up. Sometimes the pain is just to great, that I have to sit there, and muster up the strength to get up. I can be laying down, and the pain will start to shoot up my thigh or down my calf.

Oh well...I'm off to work, tired.

Eating, Planning, Scrapping....

2007-07-29T10:19:00.000-07:00

Last night at crop....we had the GREATEST time. We ate, we planned, we ate some more, and planned a lot more, then we scrapped a bit, and ate yet some more. Those women sure do cook some great dishes.

Reta won a private crop, so in because Joan is now out of the hospital, and able to come to crop with us again, Reta gave the crop in honor of Joan's return. It was AWESOME! It's so good to see Joan again...as she had a lot of problems early in the year...she is on her way to a fantastic recovery.

It was announced last night that Lance Anderson from Rusty Pickle will be here Saturday, August 4th and till be teaching his FAMOUS Pirate Book. I am so excited. I just love the Rusty Pickle line, and I am REALLY looking forward getting the Pirate Princess papers so that I can do an album of my granddaughters, Alixandra and Kaydence. I am thinking that the Pirate Book that Lance is going to teach, I will use my pictures from Vincent's 5th birthday we had at the Pirate Dinner House. Who could forget Andre? ::::: swoon :::::

Then we talked about how we were all going to do So Cal Shop Hop and win the GRAND Prize. I love prizes....so of course I entered. We are all going to caravan...which will make this so much fun. Duane and I get back from Alaska on the 8th....so I am hoping that I will still have time that day to 'shop hop'. If not, there is always Sunday and through-out the week. You basically have 9 days to to visit at least 12 stores to qualify for the drawing. If you happen to visit all 30 stores, the you will be entered into the GRAND Prize Drawing. 30 stores in 9 days?? Not a problem!!

After we talked about the Lance coming and the So Cal Shop Hop, we talked about a bunch more stuff that Once Upon A Time is doing. Tammy will sure be busy....but it's all good. You need to check her blog to see all the stuff. What a remainder last 5 months it's going to be. What more could a scrapper want? Heheheh....LOTS.

Grandpa's FIRST OFFICIAL Duty

2007-07-27T17:39:00.000-07:00

Grandpa gets his FIRST Grandpa duty, and he's online brushing up.

Sheena called the other day to ask us a HUGE favor. Seems that Vincent is quite the 'talker' now in school. ((hmmmm, reminds me of a certain boy 21 years ago.)) The teacher asked if she could come to school with him, and just sit and observe him for the 4 1/2 hours that he is there. Not a problem, provided she can find a babysitter for Kaydence, who by the way is now 2.5 months old.

She kinda giggles and asks if I am doing anything Monday or Tuesday. Well, I'm working...but Duane is retired now, so he is free....what an we do for you? Then she blurts it out. I need a babysitter for Kaydence. I laugh, and tell her that I will ask Grandpa and will get back with her.

So, I call Duane. Honey? Wanna do a HUGE favor for Sheena? His reply, sure, how much? I tell him it's not $$...but ummmm time. Then I proceed to tell him the situation. He is drawn back a bit....and says, "for 4 hours huh"? Then he proceeds to talk out loud to himself, "4 hours, 3 diapers....hmmmm......pull, pull, wipe, wipe, look, wipe, powder, powder, tape, tape". "Well, I guess I remember how to put a diaper on...but it's been over 20 years." I bust up.....the pull, pull, wipe, wipe, look, wipe, powder, powder, tape, tape is him visualizing doing a diaper.

I love that man..........and yes....he will do his Grandpa duty, and babysit....but she better have a few bottles ready, 'cuz he's NOT equipped the way Kaydence is used to.

Happy Birthday Nichole.....

2007-07-26T04:40:00.001-07:00

Tuesday was my daughter's 30th birthday. She has grown and matured into a fine, remarkable woman. I cannot tell you just how proud of her that I am. She has been a single mom for the last 14 years, and has never let that fact get the best of her.

She has always put her daughter before her...making sure that she had a roof over her head, clothes to wear, and food on the table WITHOUT assistance. When she moved out and onto her own, I was devastated. I couldn't bear it, knowing that she wasn't under my wing anymore so to speak.

She is currently looking to move - to San Diego. It's a little over an hours drive from here...but still, it's far. She's changing jobs, and has got to move closer, I understand that. Leave my granddaughter with me tho. Ok..I just had second thoughts on that one, LOL. For a weekend ... yeah, leave her hear on weekends.

I'm just so proud of my daughter. So very proud.

A Great Weekend....

2007-07-23T04:20:00.000-07:00

I did not sleep well at all last night. I think it's because it is extremely humid outside. All day yesterday, too...the humidity was almost unbearable. The weathermen don't predict rain all that much, but they are predicting fantastic lightning displays. So now I'm thinking this would be great because I want to try out some setting with my camera. I bought a remote thingy for it, so now I can put it on a tripod, step away, and get some pictures of lightning without camera shake. You get a lot of that when you have to open the shutter for as long as it is set to capture the lightning. I hope to be able to share some pictures later.

I think that Duane is going to go back to the Bass Pro Shop today, again, just to look around. Saturday when we went, we walked almost every inch of the place, upstairs and downstairs. Thank goodness I wore comfy shoes...my feet were killing me. He knows how much I hate to walk a mall, which is why we don't go, and this place seems MUCH larger than a mall. I did take a bunch of pictures for his album that I am making, so I will have to post the album later. This is one of my favorites of him. There was only one other lady in there taking pictures, and when she saw me taking pictures, she asked if I scrapbooked. When I said yes, we both started to laugh. Men and their toys stores. Gotta love 'em.

Other than the BIG OUTTING at the Bass Pro Shop, we went to Costco, and found a few good buys there. I did buy me more albums to put my layouts in. I need to start organizing them too by theme. We also found the Kitchen Aid blender my daughter wanted...so we bought that for her birthday tomorrow.

Oh sheeeeesh, she's going to be 30. Time sure flies tho. Doesn't seem that long since she was just a baby. We are going to take her out to dinner this week. My granddaughter wants us to take her to The Roadhouse so that she can tell them it's her moms birthday and they will make her wear the 'official' Roadhouse Birthday attire like my granddaughter had to. LOL

Ok..I'm off...work is calling my name.

Standing by My Man....

2007-07-22T10:11:00.001-07:00

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Class for me....

2007-07-20T04:34:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness it's Friday. This week seemed to have dragged on and on, which it a bit unusual for me. My weeks usually go by very fast. But, it's Friday, and I couldn't be happier.

Tomorrow, a friend from work and I go to a camera class. When hubby bought me my Canon Rebel xti, I got free camera classes, but never took them. So Maria just bought a camera, and where she bought hers, they didn't give her the freebies like I got with mine. I even got a new photo printer, which brings my photo printers to a total of 5 now. LOL I'm told that I take pretty good pictures and that I really don't need the classes, but I have no idea how to use the different things, like the f-stop, the manual setting stuff, etc.. So now I will learn. Yipee!!

I get my granddaughter again in August because of a Mother/Daughter crop. She is so excited. She just loves to go to these. I think it's because she knows I am a sucker and will buy her anything in the store. Last time, I bought her the Cuttlebug and fonts. I also gave her a few of my Sizzix fonts to use. My daughter wants me to take her for another 2 weeks. HaHaHa I told we are old people here...we need our quiet time, not to say that my granddaughter talks a lot, but when she leaves, the dog collapses from exhaustion. LOL

Well, I'm off to work. I have LOTS to do today. Oh, keep Ginny's daughter in prayer. She had to undergo emergency appendectomy late yesterday. The Dr's got it right before it burst, so that's a good thing.

Candy Store Opens.....

2007-07-19T04:39:00.000-07:00

Well, yesterday was the HUGE Grand Opening for my hubby's toy store - Bass Pro Shop in Rancho Cucamonga. It is the only one in California. They estimated that there were about 10,000 plus there for the event. It took an hour just to get in the door....and that was after countless hours of waiting outside in the heat to get in.

That place is just HUGE. I was told that it is about 187,000 square feet. It has a 12,600 gallon freshwater aquarium, an 18,000 gallon saltwater tank, a rock-climbing wall, a 30 yard archery range, a four-station pistol range, and a casting range. Heck, it even has a 22,000 square foot Tracker showroom and service center.

This place is a candy store to men...and to women, if you know what you are looking for. Did you know that those plastic fishing lure thingy's make excellent embellishments?

The silence.....

2007-07-18T04:37:00.000-07:00

We had my granddaughter for a week a few weeks ago. She makes us feel soooo old when she leaves, LOL. We just kinda ride home in silence...oh, the silence...the wonderful silence. Not that she talks a lot....but one would think that her jaws would be slightly sore after a day. We get home...and just collapse. Even Ricoshay has that look of sereness (is that a word) about her. Then I start to look around. There's her shoes, oh, and a sock that Ricoshay got a hold of. Oh, looky there, a blouse. Then as I move towards the bedroom, more stuff. But we had asked her, if she had gathered all her stuff. "Of course I did Mema, I double checked too." She needs glasses.

I'm hoping that church camp is over by the time Kids Scrap Camp happens...or at least starts afterwards. I want her again next next for this. She will have a BLAST.

Time to scoot......

Another Chance???

2007-07-16T22:14:00.000-07:00

Brad? I can't believe that he was the one sent home on Hell's Kitchen. I want Josh off of there so bad. He is just a bumbling idiot if you ask me. He is the one that has brought the whole blue team down. Give him another chance? Sheeeeeeeesh.

On the other hand...I totally love Julia and Jen. Julia has proved herself over and over....and I was so happy to see Chef Ramsey acknowledge her like he did tonight. I would give anything to get reservations for Hell's kitchen. It's not too far from here....but I hear it's booked so far in advance. I'll keep trying tho.

I'm not feeling too well tonight. I think that it's the heat. I am so not a heat person. Give me the rain or snow any day.

I'm off again....just tired. Later

Trip to the Groomer

2007-07-15T18:56:00.000-07:00

Before I went to the crop yesterday, Hubby and I took Ricoshay to the groomers. Since she just had all her shots, our groomer will finally take her. She's five months...and ready for a FULL cut. We did have the vet groom her a few months ago....but just a trim. I didn't think she would look all that different. Boy was I shocked.

So we leave the house....and half way there, I discovered I left the receipt for her rabies shot at home. Luckily, we were a block from the vet's....so we stopped in there so that I could get a copy of it. Of course, Ricoshay recognizes the building, as she immediately jumps in the back seat, out of arms reach. Little did she know....this wasn't her destination.

We get to the groomers, and the look on her poor, pitiful face changes. That smile she had looked like it had changed to a frown. I did tell the groomer that this was her first time, and that she had to get her nails cut the other day, and that it took the vet and 2 others to hold this poodle down. She laughed....and took my puppy, assuring me that Ricoshay would be just fine and for us to pick her up after 2:30. I look at my watch...it was 11:15. Hubby and I look at each other....and slowly walk out, laughing.

Hubby then takes me to the crop, brings my stuff in, and tells me that he will drop back by with Ricoshay when she is finished.

O M G .... he walked in, and I couldn't believe that in his arms, was my puppy. She was no longer the fat little poodle I thought she was. She now looked like a clipped rat. We opted in the very beginning when we got her not to 'bob' her tail. It gives her character, I think.

Oooooooh, isn't she cute tho?? She's so loved here.....yep...happy dog.

CROP TIME!!

2007-07-14T09:56:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for an all day'er. Gonna go crop from 11am - midnite. I have so much stuff to finish up. I had bought a few of kits from this place called Hang Ten. Anyway....the stuff is nice, but you never get the ENTIRE contents. I have bought 5 kits...thinking, ok, maybe this time. But nope...I ALWAYS have to go buy something...whether it's the CORRECT piece of paper, the flower used...something. Always something. I love the instructions, paper, and the project itself...but, when you don't send something complete...it's just not worth it anymore. A few of my friends say they are usually missing something also. Oh well, it's a new company...I'll give it a few more tries.

I have been busy printing pictures this morning. I have a few albums that I want to complete. I also want to make my own WORD BOOK using my new Cricut Expressions machine. Dang, this thing does just about everything. So I want to make a few using the grandkids names. I'll have to post that one later.

Not much last night. I did watch Ice Truckers. Dang...can you imagine hauling that stuff over a FROZEN LAKE? You couldn't pay me enough to walk over it....let alone haul tons of steel like that.

Ok.....I'm off to get ready. Well, I'm ready, but we need to drop the dog off at the groomers, and explain to her that I just want a puppy cut, not a poodle cut. Make Ricoshay look too grown up.

What a long week!!

2007-07-13T04:42:00.001-07:00

Thank goodness Friday has arrived. I don't now why, but this has seemed to be such a LONG week for me.

Forgot to let y'all know, I finally got my hair done. This time, instead of doing it myself, I went and had it done, only because I needed a cut too. Finally, all of that awful perm has been cut out. I am so grateful for that. I had it 'summerized'....red with LOTS of blond hi-lites. Hubby loves it. Says I look 'sassy'. LOL What does he know? He liked the perm in the beginning too.

Talk about getting hair done...look who goes to the groomer Saturday. She finally has had all her shots, so we can take her. The vet did managed to cut her claws yesterday. Ok, ok..so it took three people to hold her down...but her claws are now nicely trimmed.

We went to the kids last night. Didn't go to class, only because I am going to scrap all day Saturday. So we took Alix the stuff she left here a few weeks ago, then off to our son's. Kaydence is getting just cuter and cuter by the minute. I didn't get any pictures of her, only because she was having a 'bad day". She was so tired, and put up a good fight against the sleep that plagued her....but finally, sleep won.

Vincent started school this week. He's now in kindergarten...and attends a year-round school. He's says he needs to hurry through school, 'cuz he wants to be a cop. He also says that he has lots to teach his little sister. He's a great big brother.

Anyway, we took Sheena my personal Cricut. My honey bought me the NEW Cricut Expressions. I love that machine. You should see all the stuff it can do...it even cuts chipboard. So I was teaching Sheena how to use her 'new' Cricut...talk about being in heaven. I even gave her my New Arrivals cartridge. ((I'm such a good mother-in-law)) She was cutting stuff out all night. Now she is getting together w/her girlfriends in a few days to scrap..and she is so thrilled that she has this to show off a bit, LOL

Ok...enough for this morning....I'm off.

Barely awake...

2007-07-12T04:51:00.000-07:00

GOOD MORNING!!!

Boy did I have a hard time falling asleep last night. I think my eyes finally closed around 1:00am, only to have the alarm go off at 4:00am. It's going to be a long day today, that's for sure.

I get to crop a bit tonight because I missed the Pirate Book class, so I am going to go make it tonight. Alix has been waiting so patiently for this for some time. She has all these pictures of Johnny Depp as Cap't Jack. GREAT PICTURES too...wouldn't you say?

Ok...I need to get out of here....so later!

I'm Back..

2007-07-11T22:13:00.000-07:00

I decided to switch back to Blogger. I just happen to like their features better than Typepad.

Now I just have to condition myself to blog EVERYDAY.

Well, off to bed....

I moved............

2006-06-14T18:49:00.000-07:00

So I made the BIG move. I moved to typepad. I like their features, and they aren't down as much, so I heard. Oh well... I will give it a try.

www.MrsLeftyFixIt.Typepad.com

Make sure to bookmark me.....I plan on daily posts there. Well, I'll try anyway.

BIG...BIG Mail week....

2006-06-04T15:57:00.000-07:00

IMPORTANT NOTE: I re-posted this with the pictures. I hope that everything is up and running.

Boy, was it ever a BIG mail week this past week. For starters, I got my package from a friend that I am in a swap for. She buys Tombow refills by the bulk and asked if anyone would like to go in with her this time. I jumped on it...as much as I go through adhesive, I thought I needed a deal. Well, DID I EVER GET A DEAL!!! These usually retail at Michael's for about $3.99....I got them at $2.10 each. I need to put her on my MUST ORDER FROM list, LOL.

Then on Tuesday..Look at what the UPS man brought me. She's a beauty, huh? My CRICUT that hubby ordered for me. Again....he got a DEAL on it. Michael's and Joanne's won't take the 50% off or 40% off or any coupon for it...so he went online, did a bit of surfing, and VIOLA...$189.00 and FREE SHIPPING!! Not bad Honey. As always, you spoil me....THANK YOU!

So, then we go to Michael's with our coupons, both of us had 50% off...so we buy a few cartridges. Then, I come home from work on Thursday, and he had gone to Michael's again, with his 40%off, and bought me another cartridge, along with some more goodies. WHAT A MAN!! I tell ya, God totally blessed me with this man. He is my TRUE, TRUE soul mate. I just love being in his presence. Talk about feeling safe and secure *sigh*. Yep...I feel safe and secure.

Here is the FIRST thing that I cut out using my Cricut. It's for a swap coming up. I'm telling ya...this is so much easier than the Quickutz or Sizzix. Hubby thinks so too. It was done in a matter of seconds. I have 13 to do... and it normally would have taken a few nights. With the Cricut, it took less than 5 minutes. I am a cutting fool now. I will have to post later the finished product. I am quite pleased. GOOD INVESTMENT.

So, now the mailman comes yesterday, Saturday...and I have a box! OMG.. from who? Then I notice the name...Hollye. She's my VERY BESTEST friend ever! We keep telling each other that we are twins....she being born first (6 days), cuz when you're pretty like her, you're born first. Me on the other hand, I was born last...and that's only cuz I needed the nourishment and I have the brains.

Anyway.... I get this box. LOOK at what she sent me. The lunchtin was made by Selena, her daughter (sign of the cross for mercy for her). Isn't that pretty? I think so. Selena... I just love it girl!!

Then I look inside the box and there are more goodies. I love the chick in the cup....it has meaning. Chick w/HATTitude. LOL (I will explain more of that later) Then there is this exquisite figurine. I totally love it. Hollye, you are the bestest!! Needless to say.. .that figurine will have a special place in my china cupboard. I love it, Hollye....again, THANK YOU Sister!!

My son called about an hour ago. He took my daughter to the airport this morning. She's off to Hawaii with about 5 other girls. Her best friends mother paid for them all to go in celebration of her daughter's 30th birthday. WOW. We just booked our trip for the two of us, and I know how much it cost....paying for 6 girls to go? WOW I'm speechless. WOW I guess I am gonna have to send my son somewhere now. Hubby suggested Sidney, Australia. That is my son's fantasy trip. He wants to see the Sidney Opery house so bad. Hmmmmm he just may like that trip. Will have to think about that one.

Thank you to those who served.....

2006-05-29T13:13:00.000-07:00

For all the men/women that have served protecting you and me...

I never thought that this is where I'd settle down,

I thought I'd die an old man back in my hometown,

They gave me this plot of land, me and some other men, for a job well done,

there's a big white house sits on a hill just up the road,

the man inside he cried the day they brought me home,

they folded up a flag and told my mom and dad, we're proud of your son

Chorus:

And I'm proud to be on this peaceful piece of property,

I'm on sacred ground and I'm in the best of company,

I'm thankful for those things I've done,

I can rest in piece, I'm one of the chosen ones, I made it to Arlington

I remember daddy brought me here when I was eight,

we searched all day to find out where my granddad lay,

and when we finally found that cross,

he said, "son this is what it cost to keep us free" Now here I am,

a thousand stones away from him,

he recognized me on the first day I came in,

and it gave me a chill when he clicked his heels, and saluted me.

(Repeat Chorus)

and everytime I hear twenty-one guns,

I know they brought another hero home to us

we're thankful for those thankful for the things we've done,

we can rest in peace, 'cause we are the chosen ones,

we made it to Arlington, yea dust to dust,

don't cry for us, we made it to Arlington

The countdown has begun....

2006-05-26T16:39:00.000-07:00

FINALLY!!!! The 3-day weekend is here!! I so need a vacation, LOL. Ok, so I have been back to work for a week, and I'm already begging for a vacation.

I have 6 more months before I can 'retire'. Hubby has already said that I can retire at the end of the year and stay home to tend to him. Ok, so all I have to do is make sure his lunch is packed for work, his uniforms are picked up from the dry cleaners, fix him breakfast or dinner before he leaves for work, and to 'tidy' up a bit before the housekeepers get here. How hard can that be? I guess I will find out in 6 months. Woohooooo

OK.. I'm off to finish up a few more albums that I have sold. Not bad for having fun at a hobby that I love to do.

Chat later.........

Finally, out of bed.......

2006-05-24T22:27:00.000-07:00

I finally went back to work this week. This illness really kicked my butt this time. I'm not quite up to par, still have a squeak for a voice....but I got tired of staying in bed, being waited on hand and foot. Gawd, that man spoils me. But then again, I spoil him just as much. Honey...when you read this, YOU ARE MY VERY NEXT BREATH. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!

American Idol was like the BEST EVER. Did y'all see Clay? O M G What a transformation!! His voice tho....is AWESOME! I was a Chris and Kelly fan...and when they were voted off, I became a McPhee fan. When she sang Somewhere Over The Rainbow, I thought she would win it right then and there. Taylor does, tho, put on a good show. I just wish he would learn to stand up instead of singing all hunched over. Looks retarded if ya ask me.

I'm getting caught up on my scrapping and swaps. I think I have taken a whole new direction in my swaps too. I am only going to join the 6x6 or 8x8 page kit swaps, or the stuff I really, really need. No more joining to get one or two items that I want... I need at LEAST 6-8 items to make it worth my while. (Sorry ladies)

Going to a friend's house over the weekend for a crop!! Talk about exciting. I love meeting new people, especially ones that share your hobby. I have a few projects and swaps that I need to work on and get in the mail, so I guess I will take that with me.

It's kinda late, and my hubby is on his way home from work, and should be home anytime now. I miss that man when he's working. I just wish his shift would change...but we all know, he's NOT a morning person. LOL I keep teasing him when he gets up early (early to him is 10:00am) that the sun isn't straight up yet, so he has a few more hours to sleep.

Here is the new tower at the place where he works. I worry about him, even tho he can (and has) take care of himself. He got a Medal of Valor for his actions during a riot. WHAT A MAN!!!

I'm going to leave you with this song...it's the FIRST song my hubby sang to me. It still does something to me every time I hear it....

The Keeper Of The Stars
(Dickey Lee/Danny Mayo/Karen Staley)

It was no accident me finding you
Someone had a hand in it
Long before we ever knew
Now I just can't believe you're in my life
Heaven's smilin' down on me
As I look at you tonight

I tip my hat to the keeper of the stars
He sure knew what he was doin'
When he joined these two hearts
I hold everything
When I hold you in my arms
I've got all I'll ever need
Thanks to the keeper of the stars

Soft moonlight on your face oh how you shine
It takes my breath away
Just to look into your eyes
I know I don't deserve a treasure like you
There really are no words
To show my gratitude

So I tip my hat to the keeper of the stars
He sure knew what he was doin'
When he joined these two hearts
I hold everything
When I hold you in my arms
I've got all I'll ever need
Thanks to the keeper of the stars

It was no accident me finding you
Someone had a hand in it
Long before we ever knew

A gift for my Son......

2006-05-23T22:03:00.000-07:00

I have the son that every mom wants. I am so proud of this boy, well, not boy, man. I think I did a good job raising him, yep, I think so.

As a surprise, hubby decided the kid was old enough. He has shown us that he is responsible, trustworthy, etc., that the time has come. Look at this face....does that face show just how much he loves his gift? Yep....his FIRST gun....a 30-06 Ruger Mark V for a lefty at that. AND it has a Leopold scope. That was given to him for his birthday. For Christmas, hubby gave him a Springfield 4006 Satin Finish Semi-Auto pistol. This kid is loving life!!

He thinks I'm a GREAT mom......never thought in a million years that I would be putting my name on a gift tag for my son that was attached to a gun. I guess I've soften throughout the years.

She's Tinier Than a Minute....

2006-05-20T21:04:00.000-07:00

I have the GREATEST granddaughter of all time. Honest!! Why would I lie about something like that?

She calls me Mema and one of her favorite things to do with me is to snuggle. We have snuggled for 13 years now. At one time, when she lived downstairs from us, she would run up the stairs right before bedtime, and tell me that she needed to snuggled before she went to bed. How cute is that?

Even tho she's 13, she still likes to snuggle. When she comes to spend the weekends with us, in the morning, she will crawl up into our bed.....for that snuggle. You're never too old to snuggle I guess...at least this Mema isn't.

Alix is in 'Travel Softball'. Out of all the girl's softball teams in Orange County, she was one of the 10 girls chosen. She is traveling all over. She plays either Second base or Catcher...depending on the pitcher. Last week, she had a tournament in Arizona. WHIPPED THEIR BUTTS !!! So now, they move on.....this time to Utah. They will be playing there in July. WATCH OUT UTAH....O.C. KRUSH IS ON THE WAY. When they win in Utah... they will be going to either Oklahoma or Texas next. (This picture is of her at practice.)

For her birthday, we took her out for a steak dinner. We told the waitress that it was her 13th birthday...and she said leave it to her. LOL

All the waiters and waitresses came over to sign Happy Birthday to her.. but before they could sing, she had to put on the OFFICIAL BIRTHDAY ATTIRE.
So the slapped a toilet seat cover around her neck, and a coffee filter on her head. Then one of the waiters announced that it was a very SPECIAL birthday...a 13th birthday. "BIG TEENAGER IN THE RESTAURANT." Everyone sang....even the other customers.

We then gave her one of our gifts...$130.00. Ten bucks for every year. Talk about surprise!!

After dinner, we took her for a shopping spree at the local scrapbook store. (Actually, we took her to the MOTHERLODE.) And shopping she did.

She took Grandpa all over...wanting this and wanting that. Oh she needed this and that too. Oh, and look at this. "I must have this too" All in all...she had a GREAT birthday.

Here is her FIRST layout. We took her and her girlfriend to Disneyland last October. She did a GREAT job, huh? She even used the tickets and receipt. Expect her book How To Scrap on the shelves in a few years, LOL

Before I Was A Mom.....

2006-05-13T20:04:00.000-07:00

Before I was a Mom
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.
Before I was a Mom -
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.
Before I was a Mom
I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.
Before I was a Mom
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put it down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.
Before I was a Mom -
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.
Before I was a Mom -
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much before I was a Mom.
And before I was a Grandma,
I didn't know that all those "Mom" feelings more than doubled when you see that little bundle being held by "your baby"...

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

UGH!!! I have NO VOICE!!!

2006-05-11T19:10:00.000-07:00

I have just a moment on the computer, so I thought I would update this a bit and let y'all know what's happening.

I have been so sick the last few weeks. It started out with allergies and went into pneumonia. Now that that is a bit over, the cough that I have had has literally left me with no voice. I get to coughing so violently it seems, that it's a wonder it hasn't ripped my vocal cords to pieces.

My hubby has taken over all my swaps it seems. I only wonder what he has done once I get back online to look things over.

I have been off work, and with this new cough medicine that Dr. has given me, I sleep most of the time now anyways. The Dr. says that is good, as he does not want me to utter one word so that my voice can start to mend itself. It got to the place that when I did speak, it hurt my head from the strain. My throat doesn't hurt, but the sinus pressure is almost unbearable at times.

Oh well....that is what's happening with me. What's happening with you??

Things I've Learned From My Son....

2006-04-12T06:30:00.000-07:00

Things I've learned from my son (honest and not kidding) who will be 25 in about 2 months......

1.) A king size waterbed holds enough water to fill a 2000 sq.ft. house 4 inches deep.

2.) If you spray hair spray on dust bunnies and run over them with roller blades, they can ignite.

3.) A 3-year old Boy's voice is louder than 200 adults in a crowded restaurant.

4.) If you hook a dog leash over a ceiling fan, the motor is not strong enough to rotate 42 pound Boy wearing Batman underwear and a Superman cape It is strong enough, however, if tied to a paint can, to spread paint on all four walls of a 20x20 ft. room.

5.) You should not throw baseballs up when the ceiling fan is on. When using a ceiling fan as a bat, you have to throw the ball up afew times before you get a hit. A ceiling fan can hit a baseball a long way.

6.) The glass in windows (even double-pane) doesn't stop a baseball hit by a ceiling fan.

7.) When you hear the toilet flush and the words "uh oh", it's already too late

8.) Brake fluid mixed with Clorox makes smoke, and lots of it.

9.) A six-year old Boy can start a fire with a flint rock even though a 36-year old man says they can only do it in the movies.

10.) Certain Lego's will pass through the digestive tract of a 4-year old Boy.

11.) Play dough and microwave should not be used in the same sentence.

12.) Super glue is forever.

13.) No matter how much Jell-O you put in a swimming pool you still can't walk on water.

14.) Pool filters do not like Jell-O.

15.) VCR's do not eject "PB &J" sandwiches even though TV commercials show they do.

16.) Garbage bags do not make good parachutes.

17.) Marbles in gas tanks make lots of noise when driving.

18.) You probably DO NOT want to know what that odor is.

19.) Always look in the oven before you turn it on; plastic toysdo not like ovens.

20.) The fire department in Riverside, CA has a 5-minute response time.

21.) The spin cycle on the washing machine does not make earthworms dizzy.

22.) It will, however, make cats dizzy.

23.) Cats throw up twice their body weight when dizzy.

24.) 80% of Men who read this will try mixing the Clorox andbrake fluid.Those who pass this on to almost all of their friends, with or without boys do it because:
a) For those with no children - this is totally hysterical!
b) For those who already have children past this age, this is hilarious.
c) For those who have children this age, this is not funny.
d) For those who have children nearing this age, this is a warning.
e) For those who have not yet had children, this is birth control.

In Honor of April 1st.....

2006-04-01T16:15:00.000-08:00

Some examples of why the human race has probably evolved as far as possible. These are actual instruction labels on consumer goods...

On Sears hairdryer: Do not use while sleeping. (Gee, that's the only time I have to work on my hair!)

On a bag of Fritos: You could be a winner! No purchase necessary. Details inside. (The shoplifter special!)

On a bar of Dial soap: Directions: Use like regular soap. (and that would be how?)

On some Swann frozen dinners: Serving suggestion: Defrost. (But it's 'just' a suggestion!)

On Tesco's Tiramisu dessert: (printed on bottom of the box) Do not turn upside down. (Too late! you lose!)

On Marks & Spencer Bread Pudding: Product will be hot after heating. (Are you sure? Let's experiment.)

On packaging for a Rowenta iron: Do not iron clothes on body. (But wouldn't that save more time?) (Whose body?)

On Boot's Children's cough medicine: Do not drive car or operate machinery. (We could do a lot to reduce the construction accidents if we just kept those 5 year olds off those fork lifts.)

On Nytol sleep aid: Warning: may cause drowsiness. (One would hope!)

On a Korean kitchen knife: Warning: keep out of children. (hmm...something must have gotten lost in the translation...)

On a string of Christmas lights: For indoor or outdoor use only. (As opposed to use in outer space.)

On a food processor: Not to be used for the other use. (Now I'm curious.)

On Sainsbury's peanuts: Warning: contains nuts. (but no peas?)

On an American Airlines packet of nuts: Instructions: open packet, eat nuts. (somebody got paid big bucks to write this one...)

On a Swedish chainsaw: Do not attempt to stop chain with your hands. (Raise your hand if you've tried this...)

On a child's Superman costume: Wearing of this garment does not enable you to fly. (Oh go ahead! That's right, destroy a universal childhood belief.)

For Trade

2006-03-26T20:20:00.000-08:00

My Breasts For Yours

Yes, I have large breasts. Not excessively huge, but big, nonetheless. "A fine rack," you may say. "Big hooters." "Baywatch material." "Nicely stacked." "Melons." "Lovely grapefruits." Or my favorite, "TORPEDOES!".

The fact is, I hate them. Loathe and detest. Despise. I want them off my body and gone! Not only do they give me backaches, but I can't sleep on my stomach. I find it hard to kiss someone, as there's always this "mass" between us. Sex is a bitch. I can no longer jog. My cat actually WALKS down out of the window onto my lap by way of my breasts! Unfortunately, I don't have much lap left. I have a hard time buttoning shirts, since those two buttons at chest-level are stretched tight and constantly break off and the rest are loose. I often find leftovers lingering there. And odd things, like leaves and Post-It notes.

Yeah, you're probably laughing at this point, but it's really NOT FUNNY! (Well, not unless you laugh at the fact that I actually have a T-shirt that my left nipple has *rubbed a hole in* -- not unlike the way guys pumice their jeans to make their 'manhood' look bigger and burlier, like it actually wore through their trousers and is about to chase you down the street. I'm not talking a white, faded spot, though; I'm talking an *actual* HOLE in my T-shirt! You know, so my nipple can look out and see the world (and perhaps chase you down the street), thus mocking me even more.)

Guys, how would you like to have balls so big that you couldn't lay on your stomach or see your shoes when standing? Or jog? Or hug someone without them jutting into the other person, forcing you to lean over or else stand several inches away. Wait, stupid question, why did I ask? Forget I said that.

Girls with small(er) breasts, you don't know how lucky you are! Why in the hell would you want to *increase* the size of them?!? Especially with some gelatinous unknown substance in a plastic baggie, blech! Wait, stupid question. Forget I said that.

But that's the reason I'm here! I want to trade my large breasts for your smaller ones! Mine are pasty white, but I don't really care what color yours are, as long as they're comfortable and I can sleep face-down... and reclaim my lap. No reasonable offer refused.

E-mail me now, if you would like to swap.

Letter from the daughter

2006-03-25T16:42:00.000-08:00

Dear Ma and Pa:

I am well. Hope you are. Tell Brother Walt and Brother Elmer the Marine Corps beats working for old man Minch by a mile. Tell them to join up quick before maybe all of the places are filled.

I was restless at first because you got to stay in bed till nearly 6 a.m., but am getting so I like to sleep late. Tell Walt and Elmer all you do before breakfast is smooth your cot and shine some things. No hogs to slop, feed to pitch, mash to mix, wood to split, fire to lay. Practically nothing. Men got to shave but it is not so bad, there's warm water.

Breakfast is strong on trimmings like fruit juice, cereal, eggs, bacon, and stuff, but kind of weak on chops, potatoes, ham, steak, fried eggplant, pie and other regular food. But tell Walt and Elmer you can always sit by two city boys that live on coffee. Their food plus yours holds you till noon, when you get fed again.

It's no wonder these city boys can't walk much. We go on "route" marches, which the Platoon Sergeant says are long walks to harden us. If he thinks so, it is not my place to tell him different. A "route march" is about as far as to our mailbox at home. Then the city guys get sore feet and we all ride back in trucks. The country is nice, but awful flat.

The Sergeant is like a schoolteacher. He nags some. The Capt. is like the school board. Majors and Colonels just ride around and frown. They don't bother you none.

This next will kill Walt and Elmer with laughing. I keep getting medals for shooting. I don't know why. The bulls-eye is near as big as a chipmunk head and don't move. And it ain't shooting at you, like the Higgett boys at home. All you got to do is lie there all comfortable and hit it. You don't even load your own cartridges. They come in little metal boxes.

Then we have what they call hand-to-hand combat training. You get to wrestle with them city boys. I have to be real careful though, they break easy. It ain't like fighting with that ole bull at home. I'm about the best they got in this except for that Tug Jordan from over in Silver Lake. He joined up the same time as me. But I'm only 5'6" and 130 pounds and he's 6'8" and weighs near 300 pounds dry.

Be sure to tell Walt and Elmer to hurry and join before other fellers get onto this setup and come stampeding in.

Your loving daughter, Gail

Back by Popular Demand

2006-03-24T19:21:00.000-08:00

Subject: Alone with a Tazer

Hubby is always saying, “Well, I have FINALLY outdone myself”. I swear those will be his last words on earth. No doubt you will see this true story chronicled in a Lifetime movie in the near future. Here goes.

Last weekend Hubby spied something at a pawn shop that tickled his fancy. (Note: Keep in mind that his "fancy" is easily tickled.) Hubby bought something really cool for me, his wife. The occasion was our 2nd anniversary of being together and I guess he was looking for a little something extra for his girl.What he came across was a 100,000-volt, pocket/purse-sized Tazer gun with a clip. For those of you who are not familiar with this product, it is a less-than-lethal stun gun with two metal prongs designed to incapacitate an assailant with a shock of high-voltage, low amperage electricity while you flee to safety. The effects are supposed to be short lived, with no long-term adverse affect on your assailant, but allowing you adequate time to retreat to safety. You simply jab the prongs into your 250 lb. tattooed assailant, push the button, and it will render him a slobbering, google-eyed, muscle-twitching, whimpering, pencil-neck geek. If you've never seen one of these things in action, then you're truly missing out--way too cool!

Long story short, he bought the device and brought it home. He loaded two AAA batteries in the darn thing and pushed the button. Nothing! Talk about disappointed. Upon reading the directions (REAL men don't need no stinkin' directions), he found, much to his chagrin, that this particular model would not create an arch between the prongs. How disappointing! He does love fire for effect.

Hubby learned that if he pushed the button, however, and pressed it against a metal surface that he'd get the blue arch of electricity darting back and forth between the prongs that he was so looking forward to. He did so.

Awesome!!! Sparks, a blue arch of electricity, and a loud pop!!! Yipeeeeee. For y’all that know Hubby, he’s easily amused, but for your information, he has yet to explain to me what that burn spot is on the face of my microwave.

Okay, so Hubby was home alone with this new toy, thinking to himself that it couldn't be all that bad with only two triple-A batteries, etc. There he sat in his recliner, his dog looking on intently (trusting little soul), reading the directions (that would be him reading, not the dog) and thinking that he really needed to try this thing out on a flesh and blood target. I must admit Hubby thought about zapping the dog for a fraction of a second and thought better of it. She is such a sweet pup, after all. But, if he was going to give this thing to me to protect myself against a mugger, he did want some assurance that it would work as advertised. Was he wrong? Was Hubby wrong to think that? Seemed reasonable to him at the time, but then again, that’s just Hubby.

So, there he sat in a pair of shorts and a t-shirt, with his reading glasses perched delicately on the bridge of his nose, directions in one hand, Tazer in another. The directions said that a one-second burst would shock and disorient your assailant; a two-second burst was supposed to cause muscle spasms and a loss of bodily control; a three-second burst would purportedly make your assailant flop on the ground like a fish out of water.

Let me add, the directions did NOT state anywhere that this device was idiot proof. For goodness sakes, this man is from Iowa, need I say more?

All the while he’s looking at this little device (measuring about 5" long, less than 3/4 inch in circumference, pretty cute really, and loaded with two itsy, bitsy AAA batteries) thinking to himself, "no friggin' way!" Trust me, I know the way Hubby thinks (or fails to think at times) but I'm getting ahead of myself.

What happened next is almost beyond description, but I'll do my best.

You have a pretty good idea of what followed. He’s sitting there, alone, the dog looking on with her head cocked to one side as to say, "Don't do it buddy," reasoning that a one-second burst from such a tiny lil' ole thing couldn't hurt all that bad (sound, rational thinking under the circumstances, wouldn't you agree?).

Hubby decided to give himself a one-second burst just for the heck of it.

Note: You know, a bad decision is like hindsight—always twenty-twenty. It is so obvious that it was a bad decision after the fact, even though it seemed so right at the time. Don't ya hate that?)

He touched the prongs to his naked thigh, pushed the button, and HOLY XXXX! He’s pretty sure Jessie Ventura ran in through the front door, picked him up out of that recliner, then body-slammed his 6 foot, 3 inch body on the carpet over and over again.

Hubby vaguely recalls waking up on his side in the fetal position, his chest hair singed, his ‘man-parts’ nowhere to be found, soaking wet, with his left arm tucked under his body in the oddest position.

The dog was standing over him, making sounds he said he had never heard before, licking his face, undoubtedly thinking to herself, "Do it again! Do it again!"

(Note: If you ever feel compelled to mug yourself with a Tazer, one note of caution. There is no such thing as a one-second burst when you zap yourself. You're not going to let go of that thing until it is dislodged from your hand by a violent thrashing about on the floor. Then, if you're lucky, you won't wedge one of the prongs 1/4" deep in your thigh like yours truly.)

XXXXXXXXX that hurt! A minute or so later (He can't be sure, as time was a relative thing at this point), he collected his wits (what little he had left), sat up and surveyed the landscape.

His reading glasses were on the mantel of the fireplace. How did they get there??? His triceps, right thigh and both pecs were still twitching. His face felt like it had been shot up with Novocain, as his bottom lip weighed 8 ounces give or take an ounce.

By the way, has anyone seen his ummm ‘man-parts’? He thinks they flew away. I'm offering a reward. He sure misses 'em . . .sure would like to get'em back for him for his birthday.

Texas Hunting Regulations........

2006-03-23T20:50:00.000-08:00

As a result of the shooting incident in South Texas when a lawyer was shot by the Vice President, a new set of Hunting Regulations Regarding the Taking and Harvesting of Attorneys will be enforced by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Services:

Sec 370.01
Any person with a valid in-state rodent or snake hunting license may also hunt and harvest attorneys for recreational and sport (non-commercial) purposes.

Sec 370.02
Taking of attorneys with traps or dead falls is permitted. The use of United States currency as bait, however, is prohibited.

Sec 370.03
Stuffed or mounted attorneys must have a state health department inspection for rabies and vermin.

Sec 370.04
The willful killing of attorneys with a motor vehicle is prohibited, unless such vehicle is an ambulance being driven in reverse. If an attorney is accidentally struck by a motor vehicle, the dead attorney should be removed to the roadside and the vehicle should proceed immediately to the nearest car wash.

Sec 370.05
It is unlawful to chase, herd or harvest attorneys from a power boat, helicopter or aircraft.

Sec 370.06
It is unlawful to shout, "WHIPLASH", "AMBULANCE", or "FREE SCOTCH" for the purposes of trapping attorneys.

Sec 370.07
It is unlawful to hunt attorneys within 100 yards of BMW, Mercedes or Porsche dealerships except on Wednesday afternoon.

Sec 370.08
It is unlawful to hunt attorneys within 200 yards of courtrooms, law libraries, health clubs, country clubs, hospitals or brothels except on Saturday and Sunday.

Sec 370.09
If an attorney gains elective office, it is not necessary to have a license to hunt, trap, bag, shoot or possess the same. Use of any type killing device is legal including shotguns with the choke removed, highpowered rifles, handguns of any caliber, all types and kinds of game traps and snares. Poisoning is prohibited because of the danger to rattlesnakes, coyotes and skunks.

Sec 370.10
It is unlawful for a hunter to wear a disguise such as a reporter, drug dealer, pimp, female legal clerk, sheep, accident victim, bookie, physician, chiropractor or tax accountant for the purpose of hunting attorneys.

Sec 370.11
Bag and Possession Limits per day:
Yellow-bellied sidewinders,
2 Two-faced tort feasors,
1 Back-stabbing divorce litigators,
3 Horn-rimmed cut-throats,
2 Minutiae-advocating dirtbags,
4 Honest attorneys are protected under the Endangered Species Act and can normally be
identified because they do not wear Rolex watches, drive a Porsche, BMW or other
expensive luxury automobile or wear $500 shoes and $1500 suits.

Happy St. Patty's Day

2006-03-17T04:39:00.000-08:00

Friday is here at last!! It's been a long week here, and I'm so happy that this one is finally over.

We are planning a visit up at Oak Glen this weekend. I just love it up there. Hubby wants to buy some land up there and build. It's just so beautiful. Especially when all the apple orchards are in full bloom. Can't get any prettier than that, now can ya?

Oh well, off to work I go. I had to post this picture again, keeping with the day's theme, LOL. I jut love Gumby, LOL

Enough already........

2006-03-12T15:58:00.000-08:00

I would have thought that by now all the hoopla on the Message Boards would have died down a bit. Most of it has, but I have noticed that the ones that want to be left alone to make their own decisions, are constantly bringing it up. They are constantly posting that this is their last post. Then they go on to the 3-4 different message boards posting their last farewell address. I bet they are sitting back, toggling between all the message boards to see all the posts saying oh please don't leave, we'll miss you, etc.. Is their life that dreary? That boring? They really need some help, and I don't mean help that comes from a computer.....they need some serious phych help.

On to better things....

We finally got the house painted. Hubby insisted that it had to be blue with white trim. He said that it will give it character. He told me, "Honey, trust me". Well, I did trust him. And I will be the first to admit, it looks pretty nice. I'm quite happy with the colors he chose. It goes with the decor inside, all victorian. I finished our room (which I will post later). I love what I have done. I chose hunter green and cranberry. Very romantic, if I may say so. The rest of the house is done in shades of greens and cranberry, with splashes of blue/mauve/gold. It's nice, not too feminine so that men will feel very comfortable. The only room that I wanted that WOW factor was our bedroom. I wanted it totally romantic. The fireplace in the corner of our room is nice. Hubby had specially made a nice fireplace screen that fits in nicely too, glass and wrought iron.

So in keeping in the 'holiday' spirit, the neighbors have changed Gumby. I so want one of these, but hubby just laughs and says not in HIS yard. I crack up everytime I pass Gumby. I'm dying to know what they are going to do for Easter. Have him hold an easter basket? LOL

I'm currently making an album about my 50th year. I am really liking how this is turning out. I will have to post that too when I get in the mood to take more pictures. I have so many, that it will take me a year of doing nothing but continuously scrapping. And to think I went through all the pictures and have them sorted into a MUST USE bin.

Here is a picture that I took yesterday of the snow on the mountains not too far from us. This is looking into Orange County, at the Cleveland National Forest. Quite rare to see snow on them. It's cold enough that when we went out today, the snow was still there. AWESOME.

I guess I should get off here and do a bit of scrapping if I am going to stick to my timeline. Yes, I made a scrapping timeline. There are certain things that I want to accomplish in a certain amount of time and that includes my swaps and some albums and layouts. So until then...........

Gloomy day on the message boards.....

2006-03-11T16:13:00.000-08:00

I signed onto the message board the other night, and OMG.....You would have thought that Hillary Clinton had just gotten caught having an affair with her secretary.

So I cautiously read the 'old' message board to get a sense of what the heck was happening..then even more cautiously, I signed onto the 'new' message board. I have never seen so much chaos, so many women up in arms, the crying, the anger, the spewing of hostility. You would thought that they were just asked to give up their left boob, their first born (frankly, I think some would have given them up without a fight), or worse, their computer.

Some were threatening to leave the message boards all together (like that would happen), some threatened to never post at all on the 'new' one (ok, so they posted on the 'new' one to tell others that they weren't gonna post and then answered all that did post to let them know why they weren't gonna post), some even posted that they were gonna give the 'new' board a chance, and some just didn't care as long as they could post.

Some were upset that the 'new' board was hard to navigate through. Some posted that the 'blinkies' made the 'new' board look like a place of junk. Some posted that the 'new' board wasn't user-friendly. There were some that posted with great joy in the change. They liked the idea of being able to 'decorate' the board with their blinkies and stuff.

I remember reading back on the 'old' message board that some wanted to learn how to 'color' their posts. Now that they have the chance to do that with just a click of their mouse instead of writing the 3 mile long HTML code, they aren't happy.

I remember reading back on the 'old' message board that some wanted to know how to post pictures directly on their posts. Now that they have the chance to do that with just a click of their mouse, they are upset.

I remember reading back on the 'old' message board that some didn't think that anyone was reading their posts. Now that they have that option, they aren't happy.

I remember reading back on the 'old' message that some wondered if someone was online so that they could message each other, and now that they have that chance, yep, you guessed it....they aren't happy.

I guess no one is happy with changes. Personally, I don't care. A message board is a message board. You meet some nice women on them, form a relationship with them, bond...and someone throws in a wrench to throw them off kilter. Not fair. But then....sometimes, life isn't fair. All I can suggest is pick yourself up, dust off the seat of your pants, plant your feet firmly, and continue on lifes' journey.

Well, I'm off to the message boards....to see if all the commotion has calmed down any.

HOW TO TELL IF YOU NEED TO PRAY AT WORK

2006-03-09T15:31:00.000-08:00

· When a co-worker comes in a little too happy singing "good morning" to everyone and you think, "Somebody needs to slap the s#@! out of her"...

You need to pray at work.

· When someone comes in and announces, "office meeting in 5 minutes," and you think, "what the f*&% do they want now?".....

You need to pray at work.

· When your computer is mysteriously turned off and you want to say, "which one of you sons of b*&^%$# turned off my computer?".....

You need to pray at work.

· When you and a co-worker are discussing something, and a third person comes in and says, "well at my last office....," and you want to throw a stapler at him......

You need to pray at work.

· When you hear a co-worker call your name and the first thing that crosses your mind is, "what the h*&^ does she want now?" and you try to hide underneath your desk.........

You need to pray at work.

· When you are asked to stay late and help do someone else's work and the first thing that pops in your head is, "both of y'all can kiss my a@@!!"....

You need to pray at work.

· When you're in the elevator and it stops to pick up someone who stood for five minutes waiting for the darn thing only to go DOWN one floor, and you say "that lazy b*&%$#"......

You need to pray at work.

· When you take some vacation time and come back to find a mountain of paperwork sitting on your desk because no one else would do it and you think, "sorry a## M#$^%F%&#s"........

You need to pray at work.

· If you have ever thought about poisoning, choking, punching, slapping or flattening someone's tires that you work with......

You need to pray at work.

· If you avoid saying more than hello or how are you doing to someone because you know it's going to lead to their life story .......

You need to pray at work.

· If you know all the words that have been bleeped out....You need to pray at work!

LET US ALL BOW OUR HEADS