I'm a girly girl that has a facial routine...I use a facial cleanser, toner and lotions and yes, I wear cosmetics too. Now comes the hard part, packing it all. What do you put into your carry on? What do you put into your checked baggage? For me anything like pressed powder eyeshadow and blush I put into my carry on baggage, I've put them into checked baggage before and lets just say that they turned into a fine powdery mess (good thing they were inside of a makeup bag, so at least it was a contained mess).
Now for the "other stuff" -there's body wash, body lotion, the anti-frizz hair cream, shampoo and condition and lets not forget the sunscreen (yes I do use those things every day). I bought the thicker "freezer" 1 gallon zip-lock bags for the things that get packed into checked baggage (all the stuff I just mentioned. Of course I have to go through the "guy stuff" and see what they need to have with them and what can be in checked baggage. Andrew and his contact lens stuff, since that stuff doesn't come in 3 ounce bottles it has to go into checked baggage.
Being that I'm really looking hard at what I'm taking, I'm amazed at it all. I keep looking at the shoes and thinking to myself...do I need to bring 5 pairs? My answer... Um, yes I do, LOL! This isn't like going to visit family, where you can pop on over to the grocery store and pick up things like shampoo and toothpaste- this is a cruise ship that will charge you $12 for a 4 ounce bottle of some no name shampoo, LOL! I remember paying $8 for a 2 ounce tube of sunscreen at the Zoo last summer (I never told my husband how much it was, or he would have had a COW right there on the spot) I can only imagine how much it will be on a cruise ship where there isn't any where else to shop but there. Talk about captive shoppers, LOL!
I refuse to even attempt doing laundry, I did this once and it's the stuff nightmares are made out of. So I'd rather bring a couple more outfits than I think I need...in case I spill on myself and that sort of thing, LOL! Come on, it's vacation time - who doesn't spill something on themselves? Heck I've got kids, I know that at least one of them will spill an entire drink on me (it happens on every vacation). So I think that I'm being smart in planning ahead, LOL!
Now to get with the program and have those suit cases well on their way of being packed.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Happy Valentines Day
Here it is, the day we profess our love and also the day in which I have to get my family ready to leave for our vacation. I've got a list of supplies I need to purchase today. "List of Supplies", eek- sounds more like I'm going camping expedition rather than going on an all inclusive cruise. The things I can't go on a vacation without...things like sunscreen, Tide stain pens and travel pocket tissues plus we need another medium sized suitcase. Seems that since our last family outing back in August 2006 our children have grown hence the need for another suitcase since both of their clothes won't fit into one suitcase, LOL!
I have zero intentions of doing any laundry on this trip- my motto..."bring more underwear kids", LOL! Hannah and I will be bringing 1 pair of socks each and that's for the return trip to Denver/Rapid City. Other than that it's sandals and heels all the way baby! It's a whopping 5º with the windchill bringing it down to -13º...I'm so ready to be someplace where the temperatures are in the 80º's and none of this freezing cold stuff is going on. I just checked...it's 85º in St. Thomas, I'm soooo ready to feel warm!
Well off I go, tons of stuff to do and a limited amount of time in which to get it all done.
I have zero intentions of doing any laundry on this trip- my motto..."bring more underwear kids", LOL! Hannah and I will be bringing 1 pair of socks each and that's for the return trip to Denver/Rapid City. Other than that it's sandals and heels all the way baby! It's a whopping 5º with the windchill bringing it down to -13º...I'm so ready to be someplace where the temperatures are in the 80º's and none of this freezing cold stuff is going on. I just checked...it's 85º in St. Thomas, I'm soooo ready to feel warm!
Well off I go, tons of stuff to do and a limited amount of time in which to get it all done.
Quote of the Day
There is no remedy for love but to love more.
Henry David Thoreau (1817 - 1862), Journal, July 25, 1839
Henry David Thoreau (1817 - 1862), Journal, July 25, 1839
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
What to know...before you go
So I go to the TSA web site to see if anything has changed since I flew last June. It doesn't look like anything has changed but it's always good to have an updated account of what you can and can not bring with you on the plane. Here's the scoop on What to know before you go, This is pretty interesting stuff. For those of you that didn't know, you can now bring your knitting with you on the plane (actually you could do it last year). I plan on bringing a needlework project with me to keep me from being bored out of my mind and also as a break from reading too much.
grief, sadness and even anger
I still feel sick from the accident I had yesterday. Every time I try to blog about I start crying... again. I thank God for my terrific friends and neighbors who came to my rescue when I called them for help (Cindy and Allen you ARE the BEST). The whole ordeal has left me with these weird feelings, of grief, sadness and even anger.
You see- I hit a white dog coming out of a snow bank. I didn't even see him until it was too late. There is ice on the roads out here and snow all around. When I got out of my vehicle to check on the dog, it had on a collar but no tags, and when the animal control unit came out, the dog was scanned and it didn't have a microchip. There was no way of knowing who the owner was.
Myself and another kind soul who stopped to help me went around to all of the neighboring homes knocking on doors to see if the dog belonged to any of them- no one would answer their door (and I was pounding very hard). That right there is frightening, what if it was a really bad car accident and that there were people who were severely hurt or even dieing? People just do not want to get involved these days.
The police came out but no report was made. Then a woman in a truck stopped by that said that she was taking care of the dog and she made it very clear that it's not her dog. She saw the damaged done to the front of my vehicle and asked if it was caused by the accident and through my sobs I said yes. She said that she didn't think that her insurance would cover the accident, she then scooped up the dog, put it in the back of her truck and drove off. I was told by the animal control officer that I need to drive up the road a bit and pull off so I can compose myself. If it weren't for my friend sending her husband out to make sure I was okay I would have felt that no one gave a rats ass about how I was feeling (I was sobbing my eyes out). The police and animal control agent sure didn't seem to care that I was so upset about hurting an animal nor the fact that my car is damaged. Believe it or not but no report was written about the accident. I had to actually go into the police department and request that they write one up- they looked at me as if I was from Mars. Then the two of them told me, "Lady, it was only a dog- it'll cost you more in labor then it's worth in filing a claim with your insurance company". There's no mention if the lady who took the dog was even it's care taker or if it was taken to a veterinarian. I cried off and on all day long yesterday. It's still got me feeling rather shaken today. By all means make sure that your gates are closed when letting your dog out to go potty or if you don't have a fence be sure to put them on a leash! This ordeal has shaken me to the core and I'll be writing something about this very thing (leaving out the fact that I hit an animal with my car). Please keep me in your prayers so that I am able to move past this.
and on an even sadder note- I have to take pictures of the front of my vehicle today for the insurance company and there's dog hair stuck in the front of it- I swear I'm going to start crying again!
You see- I hit a white dog coming out of a snow bank. I didn't even see him until it was too late. There is ice on the roads out here and snow all around. When I got out of my vehicle to check on the dog, it had on a collar but no tags, and when the animal control unit came out, the dog was scanned and it didn't have a microchip. There was no way of knowing who the owner was.
Myself and another kind soul who stopped to help me went around to all of the neighboring homes knocking on doors to see if the dog belonged to any of them- no one would answer their door (and I was pounding very hard). That right there is frightening, what if it was a really bad car accident and that there were people who were severely hurt or even dieing? People just do not want to get involved these days.
The police came out but no report was made. Then a woman in a truck stopped by that said that she was taking care of the dog and she made it very clear that it's not her dog. She saw the damaged done to the front of my vehicle and asked if it was caused by the accident and through my sobs I said yes. She said that she didn't think that her insurance would cover the accident, she then scooped up the dog, put it in the back of her truck and drove off. I was told by the animal control officer that I need to drive up the road a bit and pull off so I can compose myself. If it weren't for my friend sending her husband out to make sure I was okay I would have felt that no one gave a rats ass about how I was feeling (I was sobbing my eyes out). The police and animal control agent sure didn't seem to care that I was so upset about hurting an animal nor the fact that my car is damaged. Believe it or not but no report was written about the accident. I had to actually go into the police department and request that they write one up- they looked at me as if I was from Mars. Then the two of them told me, "Lady, it was only a dog- it'll cost you more in labor then it's worth in filing a claim with your insurance company". There's no mention if the lady who took the dog was even it's care taker or if it was taken to a veterinarian. I cried off and on all day long yesterday. It's still got me feeling rather shaken today. By all means make sure that your gates are closed when letting your dog out to go potty or if you don't have a fence be sure to put them on a leash! This ordeal has shaken me to the core and I'll be writing something about this very thing (leaving out the fact that I hit an animal with my car). Please keep me in your prayers so that I am able to move past this.
and on an even sadder note- I have to take pictures of the front of my vehicle today for the insurance company and there's dog hair stuck in the front of it- I swear I'm going to start crying again!
The Weather
Since being married to my husband, we've only traveled once before to some place warm in the winter. It too was a cruise to the Caribbean. As I'm looking at weather.com I can see how warm it's going to be (in the 80's) where we are going on our vacation. This is such a pleasant change for where we are now, cold blowing winds and snow, ugh!
I look at this vacation as a way to get away from the things that cause me stress, anxiety and worry. A way to bond and get in touch with the things that matter most in my life- my husband and children. To let the things that tend to give me undo stress t simply melt away from my mind. Because all too soon I'll have to come back to reality and deal with it all again.
I look at this vacation as a way to get away from the things that cause me stress, anxiety and worry. A way to bond and get in touch with the things that matter most in my life- my husband and children. To let the things that tend to give me undo stress t simply melt away from my mind. Because all too soon I'll have to come back to reality and deal with it all again.
The humor in a bottle of shampoo
Why is it that my husband can have a bottle of shampoo last 6 months and I can't make one last longer than 10 days? Really why is that? Oh wait I know the answer...it's because I actually have hair on my head, LOL! The same goes for hair gel, his tube lasts for what seems to be an eternity and my hair stuff is lucky if it last 2 weeks. Granted his is a 6 or 8 ounce tube of hair gel and I have a 4 ounce bottle of anti frizz cream. Still it's just odd how men don't seem to go through the hair care products the way women do.
Quote of the Day
Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.
John Lennon (1940 - 1980)
John Lennon (1940 - 1980)
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Quote of the day
I decided to use two quotes today, it's all about energy and inspiration for me today. I feel that these 2 quotes go hand in hand.
You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.
~Jack London (1876 - 1916)
Energy is the essence of life. Every day you decide how you're going to use it by knowing what you want and what it takes to reach that goal, and by maintaining focus.
~Oprah Winfrey
You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.
~Jack London (1876 - 1916)
Energy is the essence of life. Every day you decide how you're going to use it by knowing what you want and what it takes to reach that goal, and by maintaining focus.
~Oprah Winfrey
Monday, February 11, 2008
Boy oh Boy it's windy today!
I don't know about the weather where you are but here there hardly is a day where the wind doesn't BLOW. I'm here in my office and the wind is nonstop. Whoosh, whoosh whoosh...I see some fluffy bunnies in my backyard all huddled together trying to stay warm (good luck). I can not for the life of me make myself go out and shovel the snow from the drive way, maybe if I'm lucky the wind will blow it away.
Fun with Peggy!
I can't tell you how much I look forward to making neat things with my Stampin Up lady Peggy. Today was our Stamp Group meet up (she has several and today was the meet up day for the group I'm in). I can not begin to tell you how excited I was to make the little projects that she had ready for us. Here is the little peek-a-boo tin with a nice piece of Stampin Up grosgrain ribbon tied around it.
Here is the peek-a-boo tin w/o the ribbon, see the cute card inside...what a nice this this would make for someone.
Card1 is a happy birthday card using the Stampin Up scallop punch and one of the sale-a-bration stamp sets- cute city! The 2nd card was done using a new to me technique (Peggy always has something new to teach us- I love it!). This was done using a water brush pen and a classic stamp pad. You know how you sometimes get ink on the lid, well use your water brush that's just a little wet and use it like you would water colors and there you have it. The result is a nice water color effect on your wartercolor paper- too cute!
Card 3 (another stamp from the sale catalog- heck they all are from the sale-a-bration catalog), these colors are just too yummy! Card #4 a classi combonation, Pink and Black- what is not to like?
card #5 this one you take the square punch and make a peek-a-book window and mouint your stamped piece from the back. Using the fine glitter from stampin up and a glue pen, fill the glasses and the bubbles with glitter. I poked a hole through the side of the card and put my ribbon thorugh it and tied it on the side with some silver cording. Using a rub-on (also from Stampin Up) I have the word "celebrate" on my ribbon.
Card #6 Happy Hellos, using the sprial hole punch and the scallop punch from Stampin Up, this card was fun to make! Put them all in the little tin and they make a wonder little gift for just about any friend!
I have one more card to post but alas...I need to charge the camera battery before I can take another picture. I have the BEST time with my STampin Up consultant and the group of ladies that she has put togehter, we do a lot of laughing, chatting and just having fun! So Peggy if you're reading this...THANKS, you're the Best!
Here is the peek-a-boo tin w/o the ribbon, see the cute card inside...what a nice this this would make for someone.
Card1 is a happy birthday card using the Stampin Up scallop punch and one of the sale-a-bration stamp sets- cute city! The 2nd card was done using a new to me technique (Peggy always has something new to teach us- I love it!). This was done using a water brush pen and a classic stamp pad. You know how you sometimes get ink on the lid, well use your water brush that's just a little wet and use it like you would water colors and there you have it. The result is a nice water color effect on your wartercolor paper- too cute!
Card 3 (another stamp from the sale catalog- heck they all are from the sale-a-bration catalog), these colors are just too yummy! Card #4 a classi combonation, Pink and Black- what is not to like?
card #5 this one you take the square punch and make a peek-a-book window and mouint your stamped piece from the back. Using the fine glitter from stampin up and a glue pen, fill the glasses and the bubbles with glitter. I poked a hole through the side of the card and put my ribbon thorugh it and tied it on the side with some silver cording. Using a rub-on (also from Stampin Up) I have the word "celebrate" on my ribbon.
Card #6 Happy Hellos, using the sprial hole punch and the scallop punch from Stampin Up, this card was fun to make! Put them all in the little tin and they make a wonder little gift for just about any friend!
I have one more card to post but alas...I need to charge the camera battery before I can take another picture. I have the BEST time with my STampin Up consultant and the group of ladies that she has put togehter, we do a lot of laughing, chatting and just having fun! So Peggy if you're reading this...THANKS, you're the Best!
Tripod- to bring it or not...
Now do I bring the tripod or not? I really want to bring it so I can get a level picture of us and having a steady picture of a sunset would be rather nice too, LOL! My husband wonders at how much I will use the tripod, you know what...I'd much rather have it with me than be somewhere wishing I had packed it
Quote of the Day
We think having faith means being convinced God exists in the same way we are convinced a chair exists. People who cannot be completely convinced of God’s existence think faith is impossible for them. Not so. People who doubt can have great faith because faith is something you do, not something you think. In fact, the greater your doubt the more heroic your faith.
~Real Live Preacher, Weblog, December 26, 2002
~Real Live Preacher, Weblog, December 26, 2002
Sunday, February 10, 2008
An interesting news article, one to make you smile
With all the sad and terrible news that seems to be reported day in and day out, it's refreshing (for me any way) to read an article that brings to light, new hope and love in an off beat and unusual way. I'm happy for all of the folks in this story and the many more who will find love though this unique service. Please read the article Surrendering to the Tractor Pull of Love over at Fox News to find out what it's all about.
Quote of the Day
"Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature.... Life is either a daring adventure or nothing".
~Helen Keller, The Open Door (1957)
~Helen Keller, The Open Door (1957)
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Getting ready for vacation
Hannah and I have started going through clothes, picking out what we're wearing on this Caribbean vacation. Seeing that it'll be in the 80's during the day and in the mid 70's at night...well one can only think of "summer" clothes. So we pulled out her summer clothes and went through what's appropriate for during the day and island excursions and then dinner wear. I'm starting the pick and choose thing too. What do wear on formal night and what to wear on non formal evenings. I love to dress up and I'm in heaven at the thought of dressing up for and entire week. Of course I'll be bringing casual wear such as Skorts and Capri pants and my pink Columbia sandals (I just love love love those sandals).
Hannah was so sweet, "Mom, we've got to co-ordinate out formal wear" I have to tell ya that matching her Black and White dress was pretty easy, LOL! It was finding something that looks well with that pretty spring green dress of hers. I think I've found it, a beautiful floral print skirt and I'll wear one of my more formal looking tops with it. I plan on getting in the sun every single day unless it's raining. I'll be in the pool right there with my kids having fun in the sun! Now on to shoes...I always want to bring my entire closet with me when I go on one of these trips. I need to tell myself that I can not have more than 4 pairs of shoes with me (not including what I have on my feet), LOL! Now my secret is out...I have a different pair of shoes for every outfit, now is the time to downsize...before I start packing my suit case.
Hannah has all of her clothes picked out and ready to be packed, the boy is on his way to getting to that point. The spouse, he likes to pack at the very last minute (he's always been that way). Hannah and I will have our stuff packed and ready to go by Tuesday at the latest, the guys, probably by Friday morning, LOL!
It's hard to imagine that in 1 week we'll be on board a cruise ship going to the Eastern Caribbean. I've got my swim suit, sun glasses, sunscreen and my flips flops...lets go!
Hannah was so sweet, "Mom, we've got to co-ordinate out formal wear" I have to tell ya that matching her Black and White dress was pretty easy, LOL! It was finding something that looks well with that pretty spring green dress of hers. I think I've found it, a beautiful floral print skirt and I'll wear one of my more formal looking tops with it. I plan on getting in the sun every single day unless it's raining. I'll be in the pool right there with my kids having fun in the sun! Now on to shoes...I always want to bring my entire closet with me when I go on one of these trips. I need to tell myself that I can not have more than 4 pairs of shoes with me (not including what I have on my feet), LOL! Now my secret is out...I have a different pair of shoes for every outfit, now is the time to downsize...before I start packing my suit case.
Hannah has all of her clothes picked out and ready to be packed, the boy is on his way to getting to that point. The spouse, he likes to pack at the very last minute (he's always been that way). Hannah and I will have our stuff packed and ready to go by Tuesday at the latest, the guys, probably by Friday morning, LOL!
It's hard to imagine that in 1 week we'll be on board a cruise ship going to the Eastern Caribbean. I've got my swim suit, sun glasses, sunscreen and my flips flops...lets go!
Winter winds
The violent winds woke me up a while ago. I could hear the chairs sliding around and banging into the deck railings. Amazingly enough the grill is still standing, having it anchored to the railings has kept it from falling over in the wind. My cat has been on my lap insisting that I hold her and pet her while I type - this is not as easy as it sounds, as the cat gets up and walks on the keyboard from time to time to stretch her legs.
The wind more than anything else scares me. It can whip up so fast out here, toss things through the air and cause more damage that one can ever think possible. I think about the tornadoes that have occurred down south and how homes and lives have been lost. It's amazing that something we take for granted every day like the weather can cause such horrible destruction and total devastation.
I know that organizations like the American Red Cross are on the scene, helping those folks out after such a disaster. If you don't know what the American Red Cross does, just click on the name and a link will take you to their site to tell you about their disaster services.
The wind more than anything else scares me. It can whip up so fast out here, toss things through the air and cause more damage that one can ever think possible. I think about the tornadoes that have occurred down south and how homes and lives have been lost. It's amazing that something we take for granted every day like the weather can cause such horrible destruction and total devastation.
I know that organizations like the American Red Cross are on the scene, helping those folks out after such a disaster. If you don't know what the American Red Cross does, just click on the name and a link will take you to their site to tell you about their disaster services.
Quote of the Day
I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances.
~Martha Washington (1732 - 1802)
~Martha Washington (1732 - 1802)
Friday, February 08, 2008
My Favorite Scrapbooks Stores
I do have a list of scrapbooking stores that I like to shop at (depending upon the area of the country that I'm currently in of course).
While in Virginia and in the Hampton Roads area it's without a doubt...Picture to Page. The owners Tonya and Collin are a couple of ladies that started a business out of a garage and built it up on reputation for excellent service and the latest merchandise.
Lets talk about Massachusetts- when down on the cape I HAVE to shop at Colorful Creations this place is rivals any Archivers store (and I've been to a few Archivers stores). The selection of scrapbooking and stamping merchandise is fantastic! And the staff is oh so ever helpful too! There's other wonderful places to shop in MA such as Right at Home Scrapbooking in North Attleboro, A time for Memories in Grafton. These places are just YUMMY! Extra nice and knowledgeable staff to help answer any and all of your questions about products they have (and don't have) in their store).
While in California it's Green Tangerines and Mad About Scrapbooks. Talk about being able to buy stuff that just isn't available from a retail store in my own area- I bring paper takers with me when I go home to visit my folks! Green Tangerines is fantastic! VERY helpful staff and what an awesome selection of merchandise! I always come home with oodles of great papers that I can't find anywhere else. I've not been to Mad ABout Scrapbooks since they down sized and moved from Citrus Heights to Roseville. I hope that they still have the same great selection of merchandise.
While in Virginia and in the Hampton Roads area it's without a doubt...Picture to Page. The owners Tonya and Collin are a couple of ladies that started a business out of a garage and built it up on reputation for excellent service and the latest merchandise.
Lets talk about Massachusetts- when down on the cape I HAVE to shop at Colorful Creations this place is rivals any Archivers store (and I've been to a few Archivers stores). The selection of scrapbooking and stamping merchandise is fantastic! And the staff is oh so ever helpful too! There's other wonderful places to shop in MA such as Right at Home Scrapbooking in North Attleboro, A time for Memories in Grafton. These places are just YUMMY! Extra nice and knowledgeable staff to help answer any and all of your questions about products they have (and don't have) in their store).
While in California it's Green Tangerines and Mad About Scrapbooks. Talk about being able to buy stuff that just isn't available from a retail store in my own area- I bring paper takers with me when I go home to visit my folks! Green Tangerines is fantastic! VERY helpful staff and what an awesome selection of merchandise! I always come home with oodles of great papers that I can't find anywhere else. I've not been to Mad ABout Scrapbooks since they down sized and moved from Citrus Heights to Roseville. I hope that they still have the same great selection of merchandise.
one more week...
Last night I was checking the weather for our cruise locations. Oh I'm so ready for 80º weather during the day and 75º at night. As I'm bundled up in flannel Jammie pants, a sweat shirt, heavy socks and a fleece blanket while I'm typing, LOL! I'm just missing a hot mug of coffee (4 am is a wee bit early for it- give me another half hour then I'll indulge myself).
The heat went out at the Thrift Shop yesterday, I personally would have closed the place but Heidi being the dedicated person that she is persevered. I hung out for 1½ hours and left, I couldn't take it any more. My hands were so red and they just ached. I was home a good 2 hours until my hands no longer hurt. I've obviously got issues with working in a building that's got an indoor temperature of around 40º to 45º. I'm a California girl that's been moved all over the USA. I yearn to be warm, to be near the sea and to lead a simple life.
The heat went out at the Thrift Shop yesterday, I personally would have closed the place but Heidi being the dedicated person that she is persevered. I hung out for 1½ hours and left, I couldn't take it any more. My hands were so red and they just ached. I was home a good 2 hours until my hands no longer hurt. I've obviously got issues with working in a building that's got an indoor temperature of around 40º to 45º. I'm a California girl that's been moved all over the USA. I yearn to be warm, to be near the sea and to lead a simple life.
Quote of the Day
I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.
~Christopher Reeve
~Christopher Reeve
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Blog Challenge...How well do you know me?
This just came in my girlfriend René, I think it's pretty cute...I sent my answers back to her and now I'm waiting to see what she says about me. I'm cracking up just thinking about it.
How well do you know me?' Okay, this one is different - this is funny. YOU fill in the blanks about ME and send it back to ME. But FIRST send a blank one out to all your friends, including me, so we can return the favor to you. Be honest. They're really SCARY to get back. It only takes a few minutes, so just do it! First send this survey to everyone you know to see how well he or she knows you. Second, hit 'reply' and fill this survey out about the person who sent it to you and send it back to them.
Where did we meet?_________
Take a stab at my middle name?________________
Do I smoke?______________________
Color of my eyes?_____________________
Do I have any siblings?__________________
What's one of my favorite things to do?__________________
What's my favorite type of music?______________________
Am I shy or outgoing?____________________________
Am I a rebel or do I follow the rules?_______________________
Any special talents?_____________________________
How many children do I have?_______________________
__
If you and I were stranded on a desert island, what is one thing that I would bring?_________________________________
I can't wait to see the answers..
How well do you know me?' Okay, this one is different - this is funny. YOU fill in the blanks about ME and send it back to ME. But FIRST send a blank one out to all your friends, including me, so we can return the favor to you. Be honest. They're really SCARY to get back. It only takes a few minutes, so just do it! First send this survey to everyone you know to see how well he or she knows you. Second, hit 'reply' and fill this survey out about the person who sent it to you and send it back to them.
Where did we meet?_________
Take a stab at my middle name?________________
Do I smoke?______________________
Color of my eyes?_____________________
Do I have any siblings?__________________
What's one of my favorite things to do?__________________
What's my favorite type of music?______________________
Am I shy or outgoing?____________________________
Am I a rebel or do I follow the rules?_______________________
Any special talents?_____________________________
How many children do I have?_______________________
__
If you and I were stranded on a desert island, what is one thing that I would bring?_________________________________
I can't wait to see the answers..
I can't help but to smile...
Take the one on one time I've had with my daughter this afternoon. It's amazing to see her personality reflected in the kinds of things she does. Take our outing to the quilt store (yes we went yet again). Hannah found a quilt pattern for a Amish style table runner that she wanted to make, she asked if I could take her to the quilt store after school so she could get the fabric to make it. We walk into the quilt store and she makes a bee line right for the batik fabrics (they are rather cool looking) and starts getting the fat quarters she needs to make this project. One of the funniest things she says to me is "Mom this is such a cool store", wow what a way to make me smile! I see myself taking many pictures of my daughter while she's creating her first ever quilting project. She and her project and me and my projects...I see a second sewing machine in our future.
What are you today?
My girlfriend Liz sent me one of those "friend surveys" (she always been the one to send that sort of thing, LOL). One of the questions really struck me it was..What are you today? What am I? I thought to myself, well I'm many things to many people. A person is not defined by a mere title on a door, but more of what they do. This is who I am... today
I'm a daughter
a sister
a cousin
an Aunt
a wife
a mother
a friend
a Catholic
a counselor
a healer
the HOA president for our subdivision
the programs director for EOSC
an advisor
a home owner
a pet owner
a care taker
a gourmet cook
a scrapbooker
a quilter (be it the novice that I am)
a volunteer
a home maker
and many more things. So, What are you today?
I'm a daughter
a sister
a cousin
an Aunt
a wife
a mother
a friend
a Catholic
a counselor
a healer
the HOA president for our subdivision
the programs director for EOSC
an advisor
a home owner
a pet owner
a care taker
a gourmet cook
a scrapbooker
a quilter (be it the novice that I am)
a volunteer
a home maker
and many more things. So, What are you today?
Quote of the Day
Level with your child by being honest. Nobody spots a phony quicker than a child.
~Mary MacCracken
There is much truth to this quote, I've always been this way with my children and have to say that it amazes me how many people aren't honest with their children, especially when it comes to deployments.
~Mary MacCracken
There is much truth to this quote, I've always been this way with my children and have to say that it amazes me how many people aren't honest with their children, especially when it comes to deployments.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Things that make you go Hmmmm...
Once upon a time I owned an Olfa cutting mat. It was a large one that I used to cut fabric on a fairly frequent basis. Since moving to to South Dakota I thought that it was one of those casualties of moving that somehow "got lost or misplaced". So I set off in search of my elusive cutting mat a couple of weeks ago and to my surprise (and horror) I finally located it- it was in the garage underneath many bottles of motor oil. I think that my neighbors probably heard me utter the words (in a rather loud and annoyed tone of voice) "You've got to be kidding me" when I finally located the mat. One of the things that is stated on the cutting mat is to NOT expose it to extreme temperature changes. Hmmm, what is the garage but a place of extreme temperature changes, from 130º or more in the summer to zero and below in the winter. So as desperate as I am, I took the mat and scrubbed in the bathtub, I've used all kinds of cleaners on and and nothing is taking those nasty stains off it of nor is it taking off the crayon and ink doodles that someone other than myself put on it. Thank goodness that Hobby Lobby has a 40% off coupon this week, because I am going to get myself a NEW large cutting mat. Some days you just have to shake it off and get on with your day, LOL!
My daughter and the quilt store
Yesterday after school, I took my daughter to the quilt shop downtown...she was in awe of the amazing quilts on display there. She is now wanting to get into quilting and I promised to sign her up for the first kids class that was available. Who knows, I just might break down and get her a little Janome sewing machine of her very own for her birthday this year.
The colors and prints of the fabric were intoxicating. Hannah was everywhere, we ended up buying 12 MORE fat quarters (and we got the 13th free) and another quilt pattern. The new one is really cool, and once I get my Cheese and Crackers quilt projects done I'll work on it. Talk about getting our hearts pumping with excitement!
I'm excited to start these quilting projects and I look forward to doing sewing projects with my daughter.
The colors and prints of the fabric were intoxicating. Hannah was everywhere, we ended up buying 12 MORE fat quarters (and we got the 13th free) and another quilt pattern. The new one is really cool, and once I get my Cheese and Crackers quilt projects done I'll work on it. Talk about getting our hearts pumping with excitement!
I'm excited to start these quilting projects and I look forward to doing sewing projects with my daughter.
Quote of the day
Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted.
~Albert Einstein
~Albert Einstein
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Time...
We either have too little of it or too much of it. I really dislike it when people tell me "Oh Sandie, you've got way too much time on your hands", now I usually hear this about my cooking endeavours or some craft project I've recently completed. I'm here to let you all know, that I have just as much "time" as everyone else, it's just that I like to be doing "something" with the time I have on hands, LOL! Granted there are times when I'd rather be snuggled up on the sofa under a heap of blankets sipping hot mint tea and nibbling on shortbread cookies while reading a book, but I also think of that as time well spent :-)
I'm getting ready to give some of my time to our military community today. Whatever you do with your time today... be sure to have fun!
I'm getting ready to give some of my time to our military community today. Whatever you do with your time today... be sure to have fun!
Monday, February 04, 2008
Here they are...pictures of my Scrapbook Nook
The view out of the front window today is a snow filled one. You also see my large wooden clothes pins holding up some layouts, my quote about Character, and some other odds and ends. Movie on the portable DVD player is Notting Hill.
Here's a better view of that corner of the room. That tall shelf is from Lowe's and it holds a lot...volume and weight wise. Behind my Wallace and Gromit toys on the top shelf are my empty waiting to be filled albums.
here are the 12x12 stack able drawers (purchased from Hobby Lobby), I've got oodles of stamps stored in them and about 3 drawers for layouts that are in the "works" or are finished that I need to photograph and then put into albums. Now for the bottom of the chrome rack...all of those albums you see. Those are finished albums. The rainbow of albums on the 2nd to the top of the chrome shelf, those too have many scrapbook layouts in them. The sad truth is that I create many more scrapbook pages/layouts than I share with others.
My shorter unit is actually the lower half of a gourmet bakers rack type thing (again from Lowe's). I love the heavy wooden top that came with it, makes for an excellent work surface. We sealed the wood to make it stain resistant and washable. You also see my green tote on wheels, it's my Cricut tote bag and I've had to put my Cricut in there since I've got my quiting stuff perched where my Cricut usually goes. Those are Cropper Hopper paper holders for all of my cardstock, love them! You can also see my Sizzix dies of various fonts and shapes. This little shelf can hold a lot!
Here's my new Janome Heart Truth sewing machine, I'm getting ready to sew on a few projects. You can also see my plug in strip, I can't tell you how convent it is having a power strip right there on the top of my counter top. No more trying to plug things into extension cords. I've got 2 large windows in this room, it's such a new concept for me over my last scrapbook nook - it didn't have windows...what it did have was the water heater and furnace, LOL!
Here is a side view, this is a VERY long counter top. My fluorescent light and it's cord coming down and plugging into the power strip. A side view of my Ott light, what a wonderful light it is too! You can also see last years school pictures of my children, my crazy ceramic parrots that my husband brought back from Bogota and of course a slight view of my Prima flower collection and some stamp pads.
I adore my dinosaur sign "Think Big", I got this little gem at the OSC Scholarship Auction last November. You also see my wrought iron shelf and little baskets (yes it's Longaberger stuff) and my Prima flowers. I adore Prima flowers and try to use them on most of my projects. For those just now meeting me, I'm all about flowers!
The top of my plastic carts is another place for colorful storage. I love using those 1 gallon cracker jars (I got mine at Wal-Mart). They hold a lot more then you think they would and the price is under $5. I've got them filled with things like- spools of thread, ribbon, Prima Flowers, one with chipboard letters and another with chipboard shapes. The things you can put in them is endless.
Here's that front window again, to think that this scrapbooking space has 2 large windows (my last one was 4 feet wide by 10 feet long and NO windows). I can see the blowing snow and in the spring/summer months I'll be seeing blooming flowers and busy little bumble bees. You can also see my 2 big prize ribbons from last years state fair (Best in Show and Judges Choice). My magazines and idea books are weeded out on a fairly regular basis. Where the rack of thread is currently is where I usually perch my Cricut machine. And everyone needs a lava lamp in their scrapbook space, LOL! My Rolodex with my little index cards of inspirational quotes that I traded for while at CKU-Masters in Boston back in August 2006.
My latest find...the 8½x11 wire paper rack for my cardstock. I was surprised to find out that not all of my cardstock fit on this rack. That tells me that I need to stop hoarding and to get back to making cards! But seriously, this really is the way to go for me, it puts my cardstock right out there for me to use.
My McCormick Spice racks- what a terrific deal they were too! Plus they are perfect for holding all of my Making Memories paints. As you can tell, I have a "thing" for rainbows. You can see my paper and other items arranged in rainbows (I do the same thing in my kitchen). That cute green plastic basket I got over at Target in the dollar section. My daughter has some in a great shade of orange.
Here it is, the grand over all view. I am truly blessed with this wonderful space and I thank the Lord on a daily basis for my husband for whom without his help this space could not have come to light. The picture below, a fairly clean work area (for now).
It's Monday...
Here I am...home where it's warm and out of the bitterly cold blowing snow. I have a sick child at home with me, it's Andrew, home with a stomach bug. The men in this family rarely get ill but when they do, it's got to be something pretty yucky. I really hate cleaning up vomit, as a matter of fact it's well known in this house that I do NOT clean up that kind of yuck since I am notorious at being a sympathetic vomiter.
Now for me to have some hot tea and to relax while Andrew is sleeping. Poor thing, he's truly ill.
Now for me to have some hot tea and to relax while Andrew is sleeping. Poor thing, he's truly ill.
Quote of the day
Very little is needed to make a happy life.
Marcus Aurelius Antoninus (121 AD - 180 AD), Meditations
Marcus Aurelius Antoninus (121 AD - 180 AD), Meditations
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Super Bowl Sunday
It's funny how one project spreads and before I knew it, my husband (finally) got all of the stuff from the storage area from under the stairs out...so we could reorganize it. You see, we've just been shoving stuff under there since November. It was insanely messy in there, no rhyme or reason and definitely no organization. So... as I was clearing out stuff and rearranging things in my scrapbook nook, my husband kept bringing in all sorts of things in to my scrapbook nook for me to look at- ugh! We have managed to get 90% of the storage area organized, but still have a few boxes left to go through and that will go quickly.
Now for me to go through the pile of stuff that was left on my counter top (grrr). I've got 4 things I want to accomplish while the Super Bowl is going on (I'm not even sure what time the game is going to be on). Okay so I just went to the Super Bowl official site and it says something like 8 hours and 50 minutes (there's a ticker at the top right hand corner). So now for me to get ready for church and then back here to get the Super Bowl nibbles made up and ready to gobble up later on then I can get on to those 4 things I want to accomplish...
1- finish cleaning the scrapbook nook
2-posting pictures of the clean nook to my blog
3- finish a couple of my sewing projects
4- start on my quilting project
Now for me to go through the pile of stuff that was left on my counter top (grrr). I've got 4 things I want to accomplish while the Super Bowl is going on (I'm not even sure what time the game is going to be on). Okay so I just went to the Super Bowl official site and it says something like 8 hours and 50 minutes (there's a ticker at the top right hand corner). So now for me to get ready for church and then back here to get the Super Bowl nibbles made up and ready to gobble up later on then I can get on to those 4 things I want to accomplish...
1- finish cleaning the scrapbook nook
2-posting pictures of the clean nook to my blog
3- finish a couple of my sewing projects
4- start on my quilting project
My Cookbook Nook: Sandie's Super Bowl Snacks
My Cookbook Nook: Sandie's Super Bowl Snacks
Come check out what yummy things I have in store for my family today while they sit in front of the TV watching the Super Bowl!
Come check out what yummy things I have in store for my family today while they sit in front of the TV watching the Super Bowl!
Quote of the Day
"People often say that 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder,' and I say that the most liberating thing about beauty is realizing that you are the beholder. This empowers us to find beauty in places where others have not dared to look, including inside ourselves."
~Salma Hayek
~Salma Hayek
Saturday, February 02, 2008
The Reorganization of my Scrapbook Nook
I want to be able to have a well organized scrapbook nook, one where I can work on all of my hobbies. I also want to be able to store all of my hobbies in this space. With that comes some rearranging and changing around of the space. We've been in this house for 10 months and it hasn't been until recently that I've even thought of storing my sewing machine in this space. I want to be able to create, sew, paint and everything in my craft room. But the more stuff I bring into it the more cramped it was feeling (and looking).
As I've written before, Scrapbook Lane in Rapid City, SD is closing it's doors for good. My dear friend (and partner in crime) Kim picked me up yesterday afternoon and off we went to Scrapbook Lane again...this time I went to look at something else...paper racks. I bought a tall standing 8½x11 heavy duty wire paper rack, this takes up much less floor space than my current 8½x11 paper storage system. To my total surprise, not all of my 8½x11 cardstock collection fits it it, LOL! That tells me a couple of things, first and foremost to stop hoarding cardstock and secondly that I need to be making more cards and fast!
So after I changed out my 8½x11 paper storage systems, I've decided to take out one of the tall 5 drawer carts on wheels. I'm going to put it in the office closet to store table linens (waste not want not). I'm reorganizing what I have stored in those drawers in my craft room. Pulling out all kinds of goodies looking at them and there's NO hemming & hawing for me, it's decide right there on the spot. If I don't have room for it or haven't used it in ages...out it goes!
I hope to post pictures by this afternoon of the new improved over all look and feel of my Scrapbook Nook.
As I've written before, Scrapbook Lane in Rapid City, SD is closing it's doors for good. My dear friend (and partner in crime) Kim picked me up yesterday afternoon and off we went to Scrapbook Lane again...this time I went to look at something else...paper racks. I bought a tall standing 8½x11 heavy duty wire paper rack, this takes up much less floor space than my current 8½x11 paper storage system. To my total surprise, not all of my 8½x11 cardstock collection fits it it, LOL! That tells me a couple of things, first and foremost to stop hoarding cardstock and secondly that I need to be making more cards and fast!
So after I changed out my 8½x11 paper storage systems, I've decided to take out one of the tall 5 drawer carts on wheels. I'm going to put it in the office closet to store table linens (waste not want not). I'm reorganizing what I have stored in those drawers in my craft room. Pulling out all kinds of goodies looking at them and there's NO hemming & hawing for me, it's decide right there on the spot. If I don't have room for it or haven't used it in ages...out it goes!
I hope to post pictures by this afternoon of the new improved over all look and feel of my Scrapbook Nook.
Quilting...
Stepping into only the 2nd quilting store I've ever been to in my life... you know- the one I've driven past for almost 5 years for fear I'd be hooked for life on quilting. Remember how I found the other store so delightful, times that feeling by 10. Every lady in that store was charming, was ever so helpful and answered my questions with a smile. I could tell that they were happy with where they were working, indulging in a passion that has so many followers. I went in there to get a spool of nice quality thread and well the rest is history. I first saw a table runner that was hearts (it made my heart skip a beat), then there was the quilted heart wall hanging. Oh my gosh I wanted to make them both right there on the spot! After spending close to an hour Ooohing and Aaahhing in that quilt shop, I most certainly AM going to take a class at this place, it's fantastic!!! I bought another quilt pattern and name of it is cracking me up- its called "Cheese and Crackers" and I fell in love with it once I saw it! This quilt is made using fat quarters- I can do that, LOL! The pattern is by Atkinson Designs, click on the name and see what other designs they have, they're all very inspiring! The picture of the little fabric rainbow are the actual fabrics that I have picked to make this quilt. I'm making the lap size (start small dream big is my motto). I aspire one day to be able to make Christmas Quilts for every bed in our house.
Quote of the day
Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence.
Abigail Adams (1744 - 1818), 1780
Abigail Adams (1744 - 1818), 1780
Friday, February 01, 2008
Crafting projects
I've always been one that needs creative outlets. I've never been happy with just one source of creativity, I like to try new things. One of the first craft things I ever did was sewing, the 2nd was embroidery, not cross stitching but real honest to goodness embroidery. I can crochet but knitting is something that I have not yet learned to do. If you check out Hillary's blog (link to the left) she has started knitting and LOVES it! Once upon a time (a very long time ago) I had made some simple quilting projects. I know that I've stated that I'm afraid to get into quilting as- it's expensive, it's time consuming and highly addictive :-) What I don't want to do is to end up with as much fabric hanging around as I have cardstock and patterned paper.
So where am I going with this right? well yesterday while I was out I stopped by the Quilt Corral Too- Rapid City's newest quilting fabric store. Oh my gosh the excitement of seeing all of those beautiful colors and patterns ran through me like an electric current. I was raised onto my tip toes and smiling ear to ear. This is the feeling I get when I go into Archivers in the Mall of America, LOL! I've purposely avoided going into any of the quilting stores out here only because I know that I'd be instantly hooked! So with that thought, I'm going to go to the other 2 (or it it 3) quilting stores in town today. You see I bought a quilting pattern yesterday while I was at the Sewing Center (the store next to quilt corral too). Here's the pattern
it's called Bloomsbury Park, the colors they used to make this table runner are so rich and vibrant. I plan on making this for our buffet/sofa table. The colors mimic my Fiestaware and they make me think of Spring and Summer. I'm going out to look at fabric to make this project and will check into how much this little project of mine is going to set me back. I've made a promise to myself that I will not hoard fabric like I have done with scrapbooking supplies. That I will only buy enough to make my project and that's it!
So where am I going with this right? well yesterday while I was out I stopped by the Quilt Corral Too- Rapid City's newest quilting fabric store. Oh my gosh the excitement of seeing all of those beautiful colors and patterns ran through me like an electric current. I was raised onto my tip toes and smiling ear to ear. This is the feeling I get when I go into Archivers in the Mall of America, LOL! I've purposely avoided going into any of the quilting stores out here only because I know that I'd be instantly hooked! So with that thought, I'm going to go to the other 2 (or it it 3) quilting stores in town today. You see I bought a quilting pattern yesterday while I was at the Sewing Center (the store next to quilt corral too). Here's the pattern
it's called Bloomsbury Park, the colors they used to make this table runner are so rich and vibrant. I plan on making this for our buffet/sofa table. The colors mimic my Fiestaware and they make me think of Spring and Summer. I'm going out to look at fabric to make this project and will check into how much this little project of mine is going to set me back. I've made a promise to myself that I will not hoard fabric like I have done with scrapbooking supplies. That I will only buy enough to make my project and that's it!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
interesting scientific news...
all blue eyed people are related click on the link and it'll take you over to the article at Fox News and read the story...it's an interesting read for science geeks and people into science trivia.
Blogs, Bloggers and comments
This morning I've gone through and read posts from all of my girlfriends blogs (see side listing) and have left comments. Too many times I just read and don't leave a comment- I'm going to make an effort to leave comments on a more regular basis...now if only some of them would just post on a more regular basis, LOL!
My friend Cindy posted a lovely picture on her blog of her husband Allen and herself at the Awards banquet last week, please click on the highlighted link to see it....they are such a beautiful couple (and the nicest people you could ever make friends with).
Susan surprised me by posting to her blog today.... I love her satirical wit as it always makes me smile. I found her post today quite funny and I certainly got a kick out reading it. Susan, if you're reading this...people live there because hundreds of years ago the land was FREE and they didn't have the common sense to leave when it got so darn cold.
I started using feedjit so I could see where everyone is from- I see that some only list their country and not their hometown or state. Much like Kate (scrap and knit) I too wish that folks who visit my blog would leave comments (preferably not negative ones) about what brought you to my blog and where you're from.
My friend Cindy posted a lovely picture on her blog of her husband Allen and herself at the Awards banquet last week, please click on the highlighted link to see it....they are such a beautiful couple (and the nicest people you could ever make friends with).
Susan surprised me by posting to her blog today.... I love her satirical wit as it always makes me smile. I found her post today quite funny and I certainly got a kick out reading it. Susan, if you're reading this...people live there because hundreds of years ago the land was FREE and they didn't have the common sense to leave when it got so darn cold.
I started using feedjit so I could see where everyone is from- I see that some only list their country and not their hometown or state. Much like Kate (scrap and knit) I too wish that folks who visit my blog would leave comments (preferably not negative ones) about what brought you to my blog and where you're from.
Quote of the Day
The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt within the heart.
~Helen Keller
~Helen Keller
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
our new Travel Journal
Here it is, my 2008 family travel journal. Some Bazzill cardstock and a piece of tropical print paper that I've had hanging around for a while, rub on some distressing ink from Tim Holtz, some foam stamps from Making Memories and an exclusive stamp from 3 Scrappy Boys (The "these moments" stamp). I used one of those composition books and there it is.My intention is that all 4 of us will write in this book daily about our views on the vacation. But if it's anything like our last family vacation...it'll be just me writing in this travel journal, LOL!
It's Chick Day
Here I am, home with a sick child. Picked her up from school yesterday with a temperature of 103º and we've been battling the fever ever since. This head-cold of hers is making her much like a crabby little grizzly bear. She's been growling at the fact that she feels crummy, well maybe if she's take the medicine she would start to feel better.
So what will I be doing today? Once I get Hannah's fever and horrifically running nose under control we'll be doing some crafts, baking the obligatory feel good brownies , creating fruit smoothies and just hanging out doing "chick stuff".
Here's something we just worked on, go to http://www.mms.com/ (click on the link) and make your own m&m person- it's a laugh riot! The pink one is myself and the blue one is my daughter's.
So what will I be doing today? Once I get Hannah's fever and horrifically running nose under control we'll be doing some crafts, baking the obligatory feel good brownies , creating fruit smoothies and just hanging out doing "chick stuff".
Here's something we just worked on, go to http://www.mms.com/ (click on the link) and make your own m&m person- it's a laugh riot! The pink one is myself and the blue one is my daughter's.
Quote of the Day
Cats are smarter than dogs. You can't get eight cats to pull a sled through snow.
~Jeff Valdez
This quote really had me laughing this morning...can you picture it? Eight cats pulling a sled?
~Jeff Valdez
This quote really had me laughing this morning...can you picture it? Eight cats pulling a sled?
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Flowering plants in winter
I have no clue as to what kind of plant this is (something I brought back from Hawaii in 2005). Then all of a sudden a couple of weeks ago it started blooming. Today I noticed a couple more little blossoms on it. Anyone out there have any idea what the name of this plant is? It's nice to have flowering plants when it's so bitterly cold outside. I like to deem it as a peek into Spring. Even my Geraniums and Azaleas are blooming!
How to make your own stationary
One of the things I love to do is to make my own stationary. You can purchase the paper at any stationary store (we have Office Depot and Office Max here in Rapid City), I personally like to use the paper that has a linen like finish to it, but what ever kind you buy will be fine, just make sure that it's a heavier weight paper that can handle heat embossing (24 lb writing paper), lighter weight papers will scorch or worse yet catch on fire (trust me I know, LOL). For this project I've purchased Wausau Paper -Royal Linen (it has an embossed linen finish) in the 100 sheet box. Since I couldn't make up my mind, I bought both white and ivory. I make stationary as gifts and when paired with a nice ink pen and some envelopes, it makes both a terrific and thoughful gift. I like to tie the stationary and envelopes together with a wide piece of ribbon or raffia and have the pen clipped onto the ribbon/raffia. Start with an 8½x11 piece of paper and cut it to 5½x4¼ when folded in half this stationary paper will fit into an A2 envelope (you can even find these envelopes at your Wal-Mart).
I like to use a larger sized stamp,but any stamp will do as long as it's not too detailed. I like to go with nature type stamps but use the kind that suits your own personal tastes. One way is to use Versamark water mark ink and another is heat embossed. See my examples of a flower and the other of cattails. Now that you've seen my examples, go off and make some of your own personalized stationary! Click on the images to see them closer.
Emergency Closure
We had a little emergency at the Thrift Shop which forced us to close our doors. The ceramic tile flooring near the front door started cracking and rising. Needless to say we ushered our customers out through our back door and called C. E. (civil engineering) and informed them of our "problem". We're still unsure if it's frozen pipes or some other structural problem. But the flooring is swelling/rising and when I left it was about 12 to 15 feet in length and at least 5 feet in width and still spreading. Ceramic tiles are broken in half and were shattering while we were there, talk about freaky. I hope to hear back from CE and see what the problem is and when it will be fixed.
It's just COLD!
Experiencing winter in South Dakota is much different from the years I spent in Maine or even California and the winters in those places. Yesterday a cold front came in and within 3 hours time the temperatures had dropped from 54º with a slight breeze to 5º with winds steady NNW at 50 MPH and gusts to 65 MPH knocking the temperature to feeling like it was -25º. My patio furniture (which I should call deck furniture since it's on a deck) was flying about. A stack of 4 chairs came flying at me and struck the sliding glass door with such force that I thought it was going to break the glass. Our gas grill which is chained to the railing of our deck (to keep it from falling over in such winds) had indeed fallen over. The sturdy metal hooks used to keep it tied to the railings had stretched out and were no longer hooks but a bent and now loosely open thing that resembled the letter "C". Empty clay flower pots were strewn across our backyard as if they weighed no more than a dried leaf. The children helped me to gather the chairs to our outdoor table and bring them inside. Then they suited up in heavy winter gear and chained the grill to the railing once again but this time using heavy duty locks and not the hooks that once held my pot rack to the ceiling. Those hooks can withstand a great deal of weight but apparently not 50 MPH winds tugging on a heavy gas grill. There does not need to be snow on the ground for it to be horribly cold outside. The winds here are unlike anywhere else I have ever lived. Nor have I experienced the huge drops in temperature that seem to occur out here.
The temperature monitor is at the High School and it's currently -5º and with the windchill it's -27º, now that IS cold indeed! But winter wear has made some serious advances...the technology involved in making insulation for jackets, gloves and hats warmer but keeping the weight and the bulk down to a minimum is amazing! My poor children (especially my daughter who is now coming down with a head cold) will be dressed much like Ralphie's little brother from the movie "A Christmas Story" 2 hats, a big ole scarf wrapped around her face and neck and a very fluffy jacket, she'll be lucky is she can put her arms down. Andrew (who seems to be made from sturdier stock than his delicate sister) braves the cold without much complaining...he dons many layers of cold weather clothing suited for the area, where as his sister prefers to have the "Ski Bunny" look, LOL!
Now as for myself, I've got to figure out what I'm going to wear to keep myself warm today as I have promised to work at the base thrift shop today...have I mentioned that I really hate being cold? That place is going to be like a meat locker today!
So where is my happiness today? It's in knowing that I'm bringing in a picnic lunch for me and a couple of girlfriends. That's I'm in the company of good friends, making the best of a situation (the freezing temperatures). I made my "momma sauce" yesterday and it's going to make a fantastic lunch for Heidi, Kim and myself!
The temperature monitor is at the High School and it's currently -5º and with the windchill it's -27º, now that IS cold indeed! But winter wear has made some serious advances...the technology involved in making insulation for jackets, gloves and hats warmer but keeping the weight and the bulk down to a minimum is amazing! My poor children (especially my daughter who is now coming down with a head cold) will be dressed much like Ralphie's little brother from the movie "A Christmas Story" 2 hats, a big ole scarf wrapped around her face and neck and a very fluffy jacket, she'll be lucky is she can put her arms down. Andrew (who seems to be made from sturdier stock than his delicate sister) braves the cold without much complaining...he dons many layers of cold weather clothing suited for the area, where as his sister prefers to have the "Ski Bunny" look, LOL!
Now as for myself, I've got to figure out what I'm going to wear to keep myself warm today as I have promised to work at the base thrift shop today...have I mentioned that I really hate being cold? That place is going to be like a meat locker today!
So where is my happiness today? It's in knowing that I'm bringing in a picnic lunch for me and a couple of girlfriends. That's I'm in the company of good friends, making the best of a situation (the freezing temperatures). I made my "momma sauce" yesterday and it's going to make a fantastic lunch for Heidi, Kim and myself!
Quote of the Day
And for the season it was winter, and they that know the winters of that country know them to be sharp and violent, and subject to cruel and fierce storms.
William Bradford (1590 - 1657), Of Plymouth Plantation
William Bradford (1590 - 1657), Of Plymouth Plantation
Monday, January 28, 2008
the going out of business sale
Yesterday afternoon I called up my girlfriend Kim and asked her if she'd like to go to see what is left at the scrapbooking store in the mall that's going out of business. So we went...I was able to get some patterned papers and some other little odds and ends. A couple of storage items, a feather boa (that's just for fun) and of course some Prima and Bazzill flowers. Kim was able to get oodles of great papers and embellishments too! I think that we spent as much at this going out of business sale as we did at the one last year, LOL!
Kim and I are both rather bummed at the idea that we've only got Hobby Lobby and one other store that has individual pieces of cardstock for sale. I don't see this as a good thing what so ever! These are places that have employees who stock shelves and nothing more. There's no one to help you pick out colors or patterns of papers to help you make a "good purchase" so you can go home happy with knowing you're going to be able to put together a great layout. There's no one who knows the scrapbooking stock off the top of their head, nor can they tell you about the different companies, what they're coming out with and so forth. Scrapbookers here are left to their own devices. Thank the Lord for some of the BEST on-line sources for inspiration and help...places like 3 Scrappy Boys , 2 Peas and Blueprint Sketches. I hope that you will check out all 3 places/links as I have found them all to be great sources of inspiration and I feel that they can be for you as well.
Other scrapbooking news...it's going to be March 2009 until our Archivers opens up...be still my heart!
Kim and I are both rather bummed at the idea that we've only got Hobby Lobby and one other store that has individual pieces of cardstock for sale. I don't see this as a good thing what so ever! These are places that have employees who stock shelves and nothing more. There's no one to help you pick out colors or patterns of papers to help you make a "good purchase" so you can go home happy with knowing you're going to be able to put together a great layout. There's no one who knows the scrapbooking stock off the top of their head, nor can they tell you about the different companies, what they're coming out with and so forth. Scrapbookers here are left to their own devices. Thank the Lord for some of the BEST on-line sources for inspiration and help...places like 3 Scrappy Boys , 2 Peas and Blueprint Sketches. I hope that you will check out all 3 places/links as I have found them all to be great sources of inspiration and I feel that they can be for you as well.
Other scrapbooking news...it's going to be March 2009 until our Archivers opens up...be still my heart!
PBS Masterpiece Theater
I made the sad discovery earlier this week that our DVR had skipped over recording Northanger Abbey (I'm seriously bummed at not getting to watch it). So I made sure to have the DVR programed to record Mansfield Park. As if was, I also watched it (for fear that the DVR would hiccup again). Oh was it ever good! The next movie I really look forward to seeing is the remake of Sense and Sensibility. I adored the one directed by Ang Lee with two of my most favorite actresses (Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet).
Last night's movie was superb! The best part is when Edmund realizes that he's in love with/has loved Fanny all along. Meanwhile Fanny knows her own heart and is waiting for Edmund to find his heart.
Check out www.pbs.org for the Masterpiece Classic schedule, you will be pleasantly delighted!
Last night's movie was superb! The best part is when Edmund realizes that he's in love with/has loved Fanny all along. Meanwhile Fanny knows her own heart and is waiting for Edmund to find his heart.
Check out www.pbs.org for the Masterpiece Classic schedule, you will be pleasantly delighted!
Quote of the Day
It is our choices...that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.
J. K. Rowling, Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets, 1999
J. K. Rowling, Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets, 1999
Sunday, January 27, 2008
My One Word for 2008
I've been meaning to do this ever since January 1st, to find the One Word that will sum up my goals for 2008. There's a lot to be said about the word I've chosen and why I chose it. For me the word is "Happiness". My goal is to find happiness in everything.... from the people I'm with to the daily tasks that I do to maintain my home. To find the happiness in my heart every day.
You see, a situation had occurred that had left me feeling very unsettled last November and ever since then I have not had the same feeling about the person or myself. The situation that had occurred between myself and my friend left me with a feeling of resentment and profound sadness. It had hurt me deeply and left me unable to be happy for quite a while. I found myself being cynical and feeling resentful- two traits that truly are not me at all! I have a lot of unhappy events to tend to this year... my husband will in all likelihood be going away on a very long deployment, most of my girlfriends (the ones I'm closest to) are moving far away and I'm living in a part of the country that's not close to anything. So for me the word "Happiness" is about getting back on track to find the joy in everything and everyone. To bloom where I am planted.
What's your ONE WORD??? If you've found it and put it on your blog please let me know so I can read it :-)
You see, a situation had occurred that had left me feeling very unsettled last November and ever since then I have not had the same feeling about the person or myself. The situation that had occurred between myself and my friend left me with a feeling of resentment and profound sadness. It had hurt me deeply and left me unable to be happy for quite a while. I found myself being cynical and feeling resentful- two traits that truly are not me at all! I have a lot of unhappy events to tend to this year... my husband will in all likelihood be going away on a very long deployment, most of my girlfriends (the ones I'm closest to) are moving far away and I'm living in a part of the country that's not close to anything. So for me the word "Happiness" is about getting back on track to find the joy in everything and everyone. To bloom where I am planted.
What's your ONE WORD??? If you've found it and put it on your blog please let me know so I can read it :-)
Quote of the Day
All of our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.
Walt Disney (1901 - 1966)
Walt Disney (1901 - 1966)
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Another Scrapbook Store closing it's doors
Our last remaining bonafide scrapbook store in the Rapid City area is now closing it's doors for good. That's rather sad when you consider that they've been in business for over 6 years. So in the past year, all 3 of the scrapbooking stores in the Rapid City area have gone out of business. When you have places like the Dollar Store, Target, Wal-Mart and K-Mart all trying their hand at selling scrapbooking supplies at a discount, its no wonder why home grown scrapbooking stores are going out of business. When we buy all of our papers, embellishments and adhesives from the discount department stores but come to the little guy for help putting it all together- well that's just wrong. These little stores pride themselves on the latest products and excellent customer service not to mention product knowledge...those other stores have employees that stock shelves and nothing more.
It's much like a needlework store I used to frequent when we lived in Abilene, Texas...there were some who would buy their product (Aida cloth, cross stitch patterns and floss) at the discount chain stores like Wal-Mart , K-Mart and Hobby Lobby but came to the little needlework store (Yarns and Threads was it's name) for help and advice...and expect it for free even though the original purchase was not made in that store. I loved going into that store, their help and product knowledge was invaluable! I would never think of going into a needlework with expectations of being shown how to use products I bought at a "box store" - much less expecting it for FREE. When my mom or mother in law came for a visit, that was always the first place they would want to visit...the selection of fine yard was amazing! Both my mom and m-i-l brought back enough specialty yarns and patterns to make a dozen different projects :-)
The other kind of store that we are seeing less and less of are fabric stores. Again with stores like Hobby Lobby and Wal-Mart carrying a small selection of fabrics at a discount it's harder for stores dedicated to selling fabrics to get people to come in and check out what they have to offer. I'll admit it, I go into our local fabric store on a quarterly basis. But when I do go in I am there on a mission looking for a specific type of fabric and never leave empty handed. While conversing with a friend about sewing machines the subject of fabric stores came up. She informed me that there are no longer any fabric stores in the city where she lives. The sad part is that she lives in a major coastal city in California. You can't tell me that no one sews out there, I just wouldn't believe it! We have 2 stores here in our area dedicated to quilting. I admit it, I've not been in either one only because I'm afraid to get hooked on yet another crafting hobby. But that's about to change :-)
It's much like a needlework store I used to frequent when we lived in Abilene, Texas...there were some who would buy their product (Aida cloth, cross stitch patterns and floss) at the discount chain stores like Wal-Mart , K-Mart and Hobby Lobby but came to the little needlework store (Yarns and Threads was it's name) for help and advice...and expect it for free even though the original purchase was not made in that store. I loved going into that store, their help and product knowledge was invaluable! I would never think of going into a needlework with expectations of being shown how to use products I bought at a "box store" - much less expecting it for FREE. When my mom or mother in law came for a visit, that was always the first place they would want to visit...the selection of fine yard was amazing! Both my mom and m-i-l brought back enough specialty yarns and patterns to make a dozen different projects :-)
The other kind of store that we are seeing less and less of are fabric stores. Again with stores like Hobby Lobby and Wal-Mart carrying a small selection of fabrics at a discount it's harder for stores dedicated to selling fabrics to get people to come in and check out what they have to offer. I'll admit it, I go into our local fabric store on a quarterly basis. But when I do go in I am there on a mission looking for a specific type of fabric and never leave empty handed. While conversing with a friend about sewing machines the subject of fabric stores came up. She informed me that there are no longer any fabric stores in the city where she lives. The sad part is that she lives in a major coastal city in California. You can't tell me that no one sews out there, I just wouldn't believe it! We have 2 stores here in our area dedicated to quilting. I admit it, I've not been in either one only because I'm afraid to get hooked on yet another crafting hobby. But that's about to change :-)
So when you can, shop at a Mom and Pop owned store!
Annual Awards Banquet
My husband and I attended the 28th Bomb Wing Annual Awards Banquet last evening. I'm very proud to say that my dear sweet friend Kim (whom I've talked about here on my blog) won Civilian Volunteer of the Year- what a true honor. And our dear friend Allen (husband of my friend Cindy whom I also speak highly of) won in his category. I can not be more proud of my friends being recognized for all that they do in our military community.
Another friend of ours was the guest speaker General Tony P. known to us first as "Col. P" when we were stationed at Loring AFB, Maine. It's a small world when your old squadron commander now a 2 start General.
Another friend of ours was the guest speaker General Tony P. known to us first as "Col. P" when we were stationed at Loring AFB, Maine. It's a small world when your old squadron commander now a 2 start General.
Quote of the Day
And so, my fellow americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.
John F. Kennedy (1917 - 1963), Inaugural address, January 20, 1961
John F. Kennedy (1917 - 1963), Inaugural address, January 20, 1961
Friday, January 25, 2008
What to do while on vacation...
I don't know about you but reading is something that I like to do while on vacation. No television or no movies for me, just reading a novel and kicking back in the warm sunshine is what works to get me relaxed. I also take along a counted cross stitching project, something to work on that isn't too complicated, that I can pick up and put down and pick up again. As I'm going through my check list of items that we will need to bring with us on vacation I'm looking at my books...Hm mm what shall I read on this trip? I think that a good mystery will be in order for our vacation. I'll have to search for a couple of paper back novels as they are much lighter and easily tucked into a backpack than a hard cover novel. I have a few Agatha Christie Novels in paper back, now for me to make some choices of which two to bring with me. I like to limit myself to two, I usually get to finish 1½ books while on vacation sometimes I even get to the end of the 2nd book before we get back home.
As for the needlework project, I need to figure out which one I'm bringing with me. I need something to do with my hands while on vacation. I'll have to go through my charts and see if anything in particular peeks my interests. Only a few short weeks until our cruise :-)
As for the needlework project, I need to figure out which one I'm bringing with me. I need something to do with my hands while on vacation. I'll have to go through my charts and see if anything in particular peeks my interests. Only a few short weeks until our cruise :-)
OSC January Function
I was worried that my "Handy Man" program for OSC wasn't going to be going over well...but apparently that was not the case. The food was excellent, the service top notch and the program made it an over the top success. Two of our male OSC members Joe and Gary put on the program for me and one word sums it up...FUN! We made wooden planter boxes and I have to say that I LOVE mine! I received many compliments on this program throughout the evening... from the great food to the wood working project. And here I was so worried that everyone was going to think it was weenie.
Quote of the Day
I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of anything than of a book! When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library.
Jane Austen (1775 - 1817), Pride and Prejudice, 1811
Jane Austen (1775 - 1817), Pride and Prejudice, 1811
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Common Sense...
Now you would tend to think that it would be something that everyone has, but that's really not the case. When the kids gather in front of my house to wait for the school bus I just shake my head. Keep in mind it's like MINUS 15º or worse at that time in the morning. There's one girl that's around my daughter Hannah's age (12 or 13) I see her every morning-no coat, no hat, no gloves, not even a scarf. She's out there with a thin spring/summer type sweater and wet hair and to top it off...flip flops. I am so tempted to knock on her parents door and ask them "do you not have a coat for this child? Are you aware of how cold it is outside this morning?" I'm constantly seeing people inadequately dressed for the weather out here. I suppose it's those same people that are walking around sporting a serious sunburn you've seen them, they're a bright boiled lobster red in the summer - those are the ones that never use sunscreen. My next HOA newsletter will have something about dressing properly for the weather. Some days I just feel like a mother hen.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
My Cookbook Nook: Soup warms the Soul on a cold winter day
Come check out My Cook Book Nook for oodles of YUMMY soup and chowder recipes that will warm you (and your family) up on a cold winter day.
Snow Drifts
With my quote of the day setting the pace for how the rest of my day will be...here I am making phone calls about getting the roads plowed in our subdivision. As 2 of our neighbors got stuck in the snow drifts in front of our home, my gallant husband without hesitation went and helped to dig them both out. I've not yet had my phone calls returned and I'll be calling again if I don't hear back soon.
I had planned to go to lunch with some girlfriends today but that just might not happen since there are 3 rather large snow drifts on my street that I can see from the front room window up the the corner. I am not in the mood to be out in the freezing cold weather digging myself out of a snow drift. It was bad enough digging out the front porch from that rather large snow drift, I have no intentions of making myself miserable by being knee high in a snow drift with a shovel. It's -15º with the wind-chill, brrr!
When it's this bitterly cold only one thing hits the spot and it's... home made SOUP! And with my Winter 2008 issue of Cooks Illustrated in hand and what's this issue all about? "Soups & Stews", how perfect! I'm going to be making something super yummy for dinner tonight!
I had planned to go to lunch with some girlfriends today but that just might not happen since there are 3 rather large snow drifts on my street that I can see from the front room window up the the corner. I am not in the mood to be out in the freezing cold weather digging myself out of a snow drift. It was bad enough digging out the front porch from that rather large snow drift, I have no intentions of making myself miserable by being knee high in a snow drift with a shovel. It's -15º with the wind-chill, brrr!
When it's this bitterly cold only one thing hits the spot and it's... home made SOUP! And with my Winter 2008 issue of Cooks Illustrated in hand and what's this issue all about? "Soups & Stews", how perfect! I'm going to be making something super yummy for dinner tonight!
Quote of the Day
Engineering is the art of organizing and directing men and controlling the forces and materials of nature for the benefit of the human race.
~Henry G. Stott, 1907
~Henry G. Stott, 1907
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
My Cookbook Nook: Le Creuset vs Tramontina Cookware
Come see the latest on
Le Creuset vs Tramontina Cookware
Le Creuset vs Tramontina Cookware
just another day in my life...
After spending a long weekend trapped inside with my family- I'm glad to have them all back to work and school. I feel as if I've gotten nothing done beyond getting them up in the morning and fed. I was unable to get anything done that I had wanted to do. Okay so I did manager to get the embroidery done on Hannah's pants (forgot to take a picture of it though). My main goal was to get to try out my Cricut Design Studio CD ROM, did I get to play on the computer? No, not even close, LOL! Maybe I'll be able to squeeze it in this week.
I've let Heidi (our Thrift Shop manager) know that I wont be in this week- that I have a great deal of things going on this week. Between doctor appointments, dental appointments and a dozen other things plus the OSC function to pull off for Thursday...well I'm only 1 person and can only be spread so thin. So now for me to get things done around here that I've not been able to motivate my family into helping me with.
I've let Heidi (our Thrift Shop manager) know that I wont be in this week- that I have a great deal of things going on this week. Between doctor appointments, dental appointments and a dozen other things plus the OSC function to pull off for Thursday...well I'm only 1 person and can only be spread so thin. So now for me to get things done around here that I've not been able to motivate my family into helping me with.
Quote of the Day
A family is a unit composed not only of children but of men, women, an occasional animal, and the common cold.
Ogden Nash (1902 - 1971)
Ogden Nash (1902 - 1971)
Monday, January 21, 2008
Crafting...
Through my daughter I'm reliving parts of my own childhood (the good parts). She has me on a "crafting" project that she designed...what it is you wonder? I'm embroidering on her jeans. I bought her a fabric marker a couple of weeks ago and she's had this "idea" for at least a week longer than she had the pen. So she drew on her pants and said that she wanted to "stitch" on her pants. Well me being her Mom and knowing fully that her talents at stitchery are not as developed as my own (she can do cross stitch & back stitch and that's about it), well I know that this was her attempt to sucker me in to doing it for her, LOL! I'm going to buy her a pair of pants that are a size larger than what she is currently wearing, working on those pants of hers with those skinny legs was murder! I need to run out to Hobby Lobby this morning to get more more embroidery floss and some other crafting items. The weather is the only thing holding me back...with the wind chill it's something insane like -23º. But I am determined and my kid mobile is parked in a garage sheltering it from the bitter cold (not to mention we have heated seats for all 4 of us).
I've got other crafting ideas going on in my head right now too! I want to play with my newest crafting toy- The Cricut Design Studio. I'll have to see if I can nudge my husband off of the computer so I can play on it :-) When all 4 of us are home, I'm the one who gets the boot from the computer - hence there being no post here on my blog yesterday.
I try to do some sort of crafting every week and it might not always be scrapbooking, stamping or card making. My first passion was sewing and quilting...that started when I was in the 3rd grade. You see my Mom could design skirts and blouses out of thin air and my Grammy Lola made these quaint little lap quilts from scraps of fabric. My first sewing projects were not clothing projects but rather crafting projects. I made stuffed animals- I remember making an Owl, Mouse and a Teddy Bear that are still at my parents house in a box in my old bedroom. My first quilting project is in the closet of my old bedroom too. I want to help Hannah with her crafting and for her to get as much enjoyment out of it as I do. I've decided that I want to get myself a serger. I do a lot more "craft" type sewing than I do of clothing type sewing and a serger would be great for making table clothes, table runners, place mats and of course my favorite - cloth napkins. One of my passions is making window treatments. I have made them for the various seasons. Although I do not have one made for Valentines Day (never was able to find the right fabric). With my sewing machine on it's way to it's new home (I just checked on the U{S tracking site and it's currently in Illinois) it's making me anxious to get started on sewing projects galore!
Now for me to get my husband and children up and ready to go out into the cold...to get out of this house and off to the mall!
I've got other crafting ideas going on in my head right now too! I want to play with my newest crafting toy- The Cricut Design Studio. I'll have to see if I can nudge my husband off of the computer so I can play on it :-) When all 4 of us are home, I'm the one who gets the boot from the computer - hence there being no post here on my blog yesterday.
I try to do some sort of crafting every week and it might not always be scrapbooking, stamping or card making. My first passion was sewing and quilting...that started when I was in the 3rd grade. You see my Mom could design skirts and blouses out of thin air and my Grammy Lola made these quaint little lap quilts from scraps of fabric. My first sewing projects were not clothing projects but rather crafting projects. I made stuffed animals- I remember making an Owl, Mouse and a Teddy Bear that are still at my parents house in a box in my old bedroom. My first quilting project is in the closet of my old bedroom too. I want to help Hannah with her crafting and for her to get as much enjoyment out of it as I do. I've decided that I want to get myself a serger. I do a lot more "craft" type sewing than I do of clothing type sewing and a serger would be great for making table clothes, table runners, place mats and of course my favorite - cloth napkins. One of my passions is making window treatments. I have made them for the various seasons. Although I do not have one made for Valentines Day (never was able to find the right fabric). With my sewing machine on it's way to it's new home (I just checked on the U{S tracking site and it's currently in Illinois) it's making me anxious to get started on sewing projects galore!
Now for me to get my husband and children up and ready to go out into the cold...to get out of this house and off to the mall!
Quote of the Day
Learn the art of patience. Apply discipline to your thoughts when they become anxious over the outcome of a goal. Impatience breeds anxiety, fear, discouragement and failure. Patience creates confidence, decisiveness, and a rational outlook, which eventually leads to success.
~Brian Adams
~Brian Adams
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