Camping in Review

After our long camping weekend, I sat back looked at my pictures and thought, "This is the life." The simple life. You make do with what you have and learn to enjoy being outside. Our just reflect on being....period. Sure it is work to set up camp and make all the meals, but it is so worth it, if not just to sleep outside under the stars. My little Max just loves camping because I think it is his ideal life. Being outside 24/7, getting dirty, looking for bugs and playing. So easy and simple. I love some of the pictures I got, thank goodness, maybe it will inspire me. This first one is of all of us minus one (someone has to take the picture).

This is my lil' Max looking for something slimey in the lake, jumped right out of our paddle boat to jam his little hand right under a rock. I kept saying, "Be careful there could be a snake under there." That just made his eyes light up more.


I LOVE this picture!! It is so Andy Griffith Show! My little country bumpkin.

This picture reminds me of Reservoir Dogs.

What's New?

1. Still looking for a place to live, have a spare room?
2. Packing.
3. Recruiting some movers, anyone with lifting skills needed.
4. Working on Wedding invites for Cousin Gina's September Wedding.
5. Waiting for the new Stampin' Up catalogs. (July 1st)
6. Work is crazy right now, I am actually doing work. Yuck!
7. Scrapbooking....Not!
8. I have been distracted lately in the best way! (more on that to follow)
9. Just got back from Camping, hopefully, I got some good pictures.
10. 18 days til I am in Disneyworld.

That's about it. I am totally busy at work lately. My boss will be leaving the country soon, he has a new grandson. Mazel Tov! Then, hopefully I will have more time to waste and blog.

I'm wearing my cranky pants today - Look out!

I think I may have heard this expression before, years ago, but I remember when Max was younger, I would joke that he was "wearing his cranky pants". As he got older, this term could be elaborated on as needed. For example, if he woke up in the morning and was crabby as well as shooting off at the mouth, I may remark, "Looks like someone put on their cranky pants and shirt as well, wow, that looks great." The sarcasm in the statement is the most important part. I apparently use the term so much, that he uses it on me now, pretty freely. Sometimes, I think he is possibily afraid to use it if indeed I am wearing those pants.

So, I admit it. I am wearing my cranky pants today and they are very wrinkly. Not sure what side of the bed I got up on this morning, but I know I promptly put those pants on as soon as I opened my eyes. I have been unable to remove the pants since. Thought for sure that the large ice coffee this morning was just the thing to make me purge the pants, but it was not enough. Not even sure why I am crabby, which is the worst kind of crankiness. It is days like this when I seriously have to watch my tongue. It usually gets me in trouble on these days. Snotty, crabby comments just come flying out at 100 mph.

It is usually best to ride out this wave, but I feel a need to shake it, turn this into a hap happy day. Possible cranky day remedies? Well, candy is usually good to start with especially chocolate, but with the new diet plan that is out of the question. Perhaps buying myself a little something, but the only store on the agenda for today is Walmart and I highly doubt that they would have anything that I would want to buy. Be with the happy person, which will have to wait another 5 hours. I could always break something, it always makes me feel better, but have nothing here to break.

Need to scrap a page about the cranky pants. Wonder if other people use this expression and where the hell did I get it from? Ok, new plan, go home and scrap a page about the pants, get it done as the OPAW and instant happiness. Good plan. Solid plan. Liking this plan, making the cranky pants lighter.
Hope I am not wearing these damn pants tomorrow. They make me look fat.

Layers of ME

Have seen this on so many blogs for the past 2 weeks, just have to do it. I like these kind of things, they make me think about myself. Think hard and deep. It is good to do a personal inventory occassionally and these types of questions are great for that. I think this Survey of called 10 Layers of Me and if it isn't called that, it should be. The actual lists are in no particular order, that would have been way harder.

Ten Layers of Me

Ten things I do everyday:

1. Eat.
2. Shower and get Dressed.
3. Go online, check emails.
4. Play with my hair.
5. Kiss the boy.
6. Complain about something.
7. Talk on the phone.
8. Talk with a friend, too much probably.
9. Stress out.
10. Listen to Music.

Nine favorite shows of all time (this is a hard one, only nine?):

1. St. Elsewhere
2. Fame, the TV show
3. Seinfeld
4. Brady Bunch
5. The Simpsons
6. Tom and Jerry (the old ones, before they were friends)
7. SNL
8. Twin Peaks
9. Degrassi Jr. High
Keep in mind that I don't have cable, so some of the "best shows", I have never even seen. I am working on catching up with the rest of the population and getting some on dvd.

Eight junk food favorites: (only eight?)

1. Diet Soda
2. Nachos
3. Ruffles and French Onion Dip
4. Salsa and Chips
5. Anything chocolate
6. Cheese fries
7. Candy Candy Candy
8. Beef Jerky

Seven things that bug me: (these are the things that rub me the wrong way)

1. People who talk loudly on cell phones in public places
2. Bratty children (I want an Oompa Loompa, now!)
3. Liars
4. Traffic
5. Litterbugs
6. Commercials at the Movie Theater
7. The hot weather in Chicago

Six songs I love this minute:

1. "Trusted" by Ben Folds
2. "Best of You" by The Foo Fighters
3. "Rock 'n Roll Lifestyle" by Cake
4. "Mandinka" by Sinead
5. "Behind the Wheel" by Dmode
6. "Rain King" by Counting Crows (reminds me of my Eric and he will be here next week)
I make a playlist of the songs I like each week, interesting to see how it changes.

Five things I want:

1. More Money
2. More Time
3. Digital Rebel
4. Pink Ipod
5. New perfect place to live

Four facts about me:

1. I am 5 foot 3.5 inches tall.
2. I have a birthmark in the shape of a comma on my right knee.
3. I can tap dance and juggle.
4. I studied acting in college.

Three wishes:

1. Win the Lottery. This would rock!
2. New business will work out great
3. Get published. Losing faith in this one.

Two people I wish I could see again:

1. Grandmother - too many shoulda coulda woulda with her that needs closure
2. Kim Boudreau - my best friend from HS

One thing I’m looking forward to:

1. Camping trip this weekend

Phew! Long list, had to really think about this one. I love lists, saw a new book recently on people who make lists, but of course I can't remember the name of it, but when I find it, I will definitely post. Don't worry a new tip or technique will be posted later today.

Ode to My Daddy

It is a day late, but the thought is still there. There are so many things I want to thank my dad for. So, this should sum it up.


Ode to My Dad

For cuddling up in the lazy boy.
For introducing me to the Cubs.
For training me in the fine art of sarcasm.
For being the smartest man in North America.
For keeping me in check all the time.
For trying to teach me the perfect swing.
For making 7 different kinds of meatloaf.
For getting the biggest kick out of infomercials.
For being so unique.
For being a great grandpa.
For being so funny.
For loving me and always making me feel like daddy's girl.

No Meme?

Saw this on another blog and since the Meme challenge was not posted this week, I decided this was the way to go. I found it interesting as well.

Rules of the Survey:

Copy the whole list into your blog.
Bold the things that are true about you.
Add something that is true about you.
Optional: Add a comment after answer in italics

Survey Meme

1. I miss somebody right now. – you know who you are.

2. I don’t watch much TV these days.

3. I love olives. – black only.

4. I own lots of books. – mostly scrapbooking.

5. I wear glasses or contact lenses.

6. I love to play video games.

7. I have been the psycho-ex in a past relationship.

8. I believe honesty is usually the best policy.

9. I curse sometimes.

10. I have changed a lot mentally over the last year.

11. I have a hobby.

12. I carry my knife/razor everywhere with me.

13. I’m TOTALLY smart. – at least I think I am, maybe I’m not.

14. I’ve never broken someone’s bones. Just my own

15. I have a secret that I am ashamed to reveal.

16. I hate the rain. – seriously hate the rain.

17. I’m paranoid at times.

18. I would get plastic surgery if it were 100% safe, free of cost, and scar-free.

19. I need money right now. – could always use more.

20. I love sushi.

21. I talk really, really fast. – sometimes and I talk too much.

22. I have fresh breath in the morning.

23. I have long hair.

24. I have lost money in Las Vegas.

25. I have at least one brother and/or one sister. - I have 3 bros and 3 sis.

26. I was born in a country outside of the U.S.

27. I shave my legs (females) or face (males) on a regular basis.

28. I have a twin (or a triplet, or some such).

29. I have worn fake hair/fingernails/eyelashes in the past.

30. I couldn’t survive without Caller I.D. –what did I do without it?

31. I like the way that I look.

32. I have lied to a good friend in the last 6 months.

33. I know how to cornrow.

34. I am usually pessimistic.

35. I have a lot of mood swings.

36. I think prostitution should be legalized.

37. I think Britney Spears is pretty.

38. I am afraid of heights.

39. I have a hidden talent.

40. I’m always hyper no matter how much sugar I have.

41. I have a lot of friends.

42. I am currently single. –yep, still single!

43. I enjoy talking on the phone.

44. I practically live in sweatpants or PJ pants.

45. I love to shop. –would love it more with more money.

46. I would rather shop than eat.

47. I would classify myself as ghetto.

48. I don’t hate anyone. I dislike them.

49. I’m a pretty good dancer. –took dance lessons as a child.

50. I’m completely embarrassed to be seen with my mother.

51. I have a cell phone.

52. I believe in God.

53. I watch MTV on a daily basis.

54. I love drama. (Somebody else’s, not my own)

55. I have never been in a real relationship before.

56. I’ve rejected someone before.

57. I currently have a crush/like someone.

58. I have no idea what I want to do for the rest of my life.

59. I want to have children in the future.

60. I have changed a diaper before. – way too many!

61. I’ve called the cops on a friend before.

62. I bite my nails.

63. I am a member of the Tom Green fan club.

64. I’m not allergic to anything.

65. I have a lot to learn.

66. I have been with someone at least 10 years older or younger.

67. I prefer mustard to ketchup.

68. I am shy around the opposite sex.

69. I’m online 24/7, even as an away message.

70. I have at least 5 away messages saved.

71. I own the “South Park” movie.

72. I sing in the car and don’t care who is watching.

73. I love being naked.

74. I enjoy some country music.

75. I would die for my best friends.

76. I think that Pizza Hut has the best pizza.

77. I watch soap operas whenever I can.

78. I’m obsessive, anal retentive, and often a perfectionist.

79. I have used my sexuality to advance my career.

80. I love Michael Jackson, scandals and all. – never like admitting this one.

81. I know all the words to Slick Rick’s “Children’s Story”.

82. Halloween is awesome because you get free candy. – favorite holiday

83. I watch Spongebob Squarepants and I like it.

84. I have dated a close friend’s ex.

85. I like surveys/memes.

86. I am happy at this moment.

87. I’m obsessed with guys.

88. Democrat.

89. Conservative Republican.

90. I am punk rockish.

91. I am preppy.

92. I go for older guys/girls, not younger.

93. I study for tests most of the time.

94. I tie my shoelaces differently from anyone I’ve ever met.

95. I can work on a car.

96. I am comfortable with who I am right now.

97. I have more than just my ears pierced.

98. I walk barefoot wherever I can.

99. I hate elephants. – curse you stupid elephants.

100. I have jumped off a bridge.

101. I love sea turtles.

102. I spend ridiculous amounts of money on makeup.

103. I believe in prophetic dreams.

104. I plan on achieving a major goal/dream.

105. I am proficient on a musical instrument.

106. I worked at McDonald’s restaurant.

107. I hate office jobs. – hate them, but I work at one.

108. I love sci-fi movies.

109. I’ve never been in love.

110. I think water rules.

111. I am going to college out of state.

112. I am adopted.

113. I like sausage. – only breakfast, polish, brats and such…no Italian.

114. I am a pyro.

115. I love when a guy/girl calls me a pet name.

116. I love the Red Sox.

117. I know how to cook.

118. I have thrown up from crying too much.

119. I have been intentionally hurt by people that I loved.

120. I love kisses.

121. I fall for the worst people and have been hurt every time.

122. I adore bright colors.

123. I love Dear Abby.

124. I can’t live without black eyeliner.

125. I think school is awesome.

126. I think pigtails serve a purpose. –love pigtails

127. I don’t know why the hell I just did this stupid thing.

128. I usually like covers better than originals.

129. I love the 80s.

130. I don’t like multi-textured ice cream

131. I think John Cusack is adorable. – thought it in 1987 and still today.

132. I hate chain theme restaurants like Applebees and TGIFridays.

133. I watch Food Network way too much.

134. I love coaching youth sports.

135. I can pick up things with my toes.

136. I can’t whistle.

137. I can move my tounge in waves, much like a snakes’ slither.

138. I have ridden/owned a horse.

139. I still have every journal I’ve ever written in.

140. I can’t stick to a diet. – trying to very hard right now!

141. I’ve often thought that I was born in the wrong century.

Wow, what a long list. Had to think about some of these things and added a few of my own in the mix. I love lists!!

What's New?

Glad you asked...

So, even though it is looking like I am not getting very much done these days, it couldn’t be further from the truth. I have been cooking up some class ideas for the past couple weeks and part of that process includes me actually making the projects, tweaking the projects, creating supply lists and writing out the steps. Everyone that knows me, knows that I am meticulous about creating and developing ideas. I carefully review and evaluate what will work, what won’t and what people want to create. With paper crafts being as popular as they are right now, what is hot can change in an instant, so it is hard to figure out what people want to learn or what they are hoping to create.

Also, I am trying to get the Stampin’Up Business going before the new catalog is released on July 1st. It is a busy time for SU, stamps retiring, new colors and tons of new stamps. The only solid plan I have right now is a new Technique Club that will be starting in the fall, which will give the opportunity to learn 5 to 7 new techniques every month for free with book and each member will get to be the “hostess” one time. Great opportunity to learn new stamping techniques and get stamps. Plus, perhaps my two circles may intersect and new friendships will be formed. Very exciting!
As of right now, I am offering 5 basic classes. These classes are available in your home or mine, with a minimum of 5 people. I tried to vary the classes, so that there is something for everyone:

1. Card Crazy – Come and make 15 different cards using all kinds of paper crafting techniques. This is the best of both worlds, scrapbooking and stamping. Just bring scissors and your favorite adhesive. $12
2. Paper Bag Album – You’ve seen them on all the popular websites and now you can learn how easy it is to make them. I’ll provide the bags, you just bring a paper trimmer, scissors and adhesive. $15
3. Tin Album – We will be making a CD tin album using Basic Grey papers. $12
4. Message Center – Saw these on 2peas and fell in love! Using an acrylic frame, we will be making a wipe off message board that can be hung or add magnets to display on the fridge. Useful and crafty! $20
5. Quick Cards – We will be making only 5 cards, very simple and fast. Learn great techniques that can be put to the test when you need a card quick! $5

When thinking about classes, I wanted to make sure there were fresh ideas that have not been overdone, yet. I also wanted there to be quick and cheaper classes for those that are just beginning. I am working on pictures of each of the products as well, so there is a point of reference when deciding which classes to choose. As always, if you would like to host a SU workshop and earn free stamps, just drop me a line. Especially with all the new stuff coming, this is a great time to do it and I bring two projects to you at no charge.

I also have classes in the works for the Park Ridge Park District and they will be available in the fall. I’m looking forward to this opportunity to meet new people and share my passion or as some may say start new addictions.

I really appreciate all the encouragement I have received from family and friends regarding this new venture. I have missed being able to chat about scrapbooking weekly and teaching the classes. Luckily, this will give me the chance to get back into the “biz” and do it the spazz way!! Please drop me a line if you have any ideas, suggestions or comments for me, I would love to hear them!!

What Wasting 15 Minutes Looks Like

I am usually pretty good at coming up ways to entertain myself regardless of wear I am or what is available to me. I was sitting at my desk having the usual boring office day and it hit me, try to make something using as many office supplies as possible and only office supplies. Genius! An artistic challenge right here at my desk. Luckily, I have scissors and glue sticks readily available to me, everybody knows these are helpful. Then I looked around, opened drawers I haven't in months, and just started slapping things down on a piece of copy paper.

Office Supply Art Method

1. First came the dots, saw them and knew I had to try and use them.
2. Then, I thought they were kinda boring, so I added the whiteout for accent, suddenly they are bubbles. Scrap magic.
3. Then the words...Love the doodling. First with a Sharpie marker then added the pencil scribbles.
4. Looked up the quote on Think Exist, so that used the computer.
5. Tore the paper, way too boring, and added blue highlighter to the edges.
6. Looked for a black ink pad, every office has one but mine. Used the Sharpie again on the edges.
7. Saw some very brightly colored post its, cut out some petals and a center...instant flower.
8. Needed more background so I added the red pen *s. And then remembered we had a red ink pad, no black but two red ones. Used the pencil eraser to ink little red circles over the *s. The ink pad was old though, so they aren't really red.
9. Knew I had to use the stapler, I use that in my scrapbook. Did the corner.
10. Added the paper clip and a ribbon made out of the edge of the Fed Ex slip. It is the official office ribbon now, they have a ribbon for everything else, why not.
11. Signed my name right above the Sign here sticker.
12. Put little collage thingy onto the typical yellow legal pad paper. Needed to use that for something, lord knows I never use them to write on.

So, that's what you get with 15 minutes, 16 office supplies and me. I think everytime I do something like this and post it, my friend, April is screaming that she can't work with me. I wish you could girl, we would have so much fun!! Sometimes, you just gotta bust out some art...so I do.

Now, back to work, unfortunately.

Easy Technique Tuesday

Today's technique is a favorite of mine, direct to paper inking. This is great because if you have a black ink pad, you could be doing this right now. What I love most about it is not only the easy and simplicity of it but also that it can take a brightly colored paper and tone it down to meet your needs. It is also great for the Shabby Chic look.
Back in February, I made this little album with the plethora of pictures I had of my brother and his girl, Katie. It used an old aol tin which was painted and then modge podged. Inside was a little accordian album featuring the pictures with spots for my brother to journal. The patterned papers were kinda bright but I loved them once the edges were inked and it looked a little more shabby. I find it best to hold the ink pad perpendicular to the paper when inking like this, there seems to be a little more control this way. And no matter how hard I try, I always get the ink on my fingers!


tin cover

Outside cover of the accordian book.

Inside pages

Here are a couple links to some more perfectly pad to paper inked projects.
On 2 peas Hailiriley (Cari) - she is one talented girl and she loves to ink!
This Shabby Chic card from Splitcoaststampers
and this one as well, a page from 2peas

Monday's Meme

This week's challenge looks easier, but requires so much reflection and deep thought. It's Monday, is that possible?

This week [June 12th] I am borrowing an upcoming question for 10 on tuesday it is:
10 Things You Wish You Knew When You Were in High School.
Sounds like great layout material right?!? I think I remember seeing one similar to this in Scrapbooks Etc. by Tracy Kyle. Anyways, if you'd like to add a picture of yourself in high school please do so. Add any reflections of yourself at the time if you wish.

So again I have to think back to those memorable days back in the 80s when I was just a skinny awkward brace faced girl who had the pleasure of 4 years in an all girl catholic high school. Being the oldest child in the family, I was really clueless about most things when I started high school. I had no one who had gone before me to shed a little light on the unknown and I am sure anything my parents did in highschool they didn't want me to know about, so they never really talked about their experiences. If I had the ability to construct a time machine with plans and parts purchased on the internet, this is what I wish I had known:

1. Even with bird legs and no chest, You look great!! Always thought I was so awkward and ugly in my younger days, but I was a cute little thing. I wore a size 0 and never appreciated it. I ate whatever I wanted and never gained an ounce. Those were the days.
2. Having your picture taken is a good thing! Let people take your picture, in fact, insist on it. Take more pictures of friends, family and yourself. Everytime I have to go back and look for a picture of myself during these years, I always have to search, there aren't many.
3. Spend more time with your grandparents. When I became that snotty teenager, I spent way less time with the GPs which was unfortunate. They were always so wonderful to me and when I turned 13 suddenly they were a drag. I had way more important things to do rather than call or visit them. Boy do I regret that now. So much more I should have done and more time I should have spent just talking to them, asking all the questions I have now.
4. Girls are fickle. My mother only told me this a million times. I never listened. I cried many a tear over stupid crap that girls would say or do. When you go to school with 1,000 girls, this is bound to happen quite frequently. This is probably one of the huge turning moments in my life that really made me cautious around girls. They were so rotten and mean. And to think that I was popular in school, wonder what it was like for the less popular girls....yikes.
5. Take a picture of your room. In my room, there was some fake brick along one wall and to cover it up, I made a huge collage with magazine clippings, pictures, flyers from clubs, and all kinds of junk. It was so cool and a perfect representation of that time. I have no pictures of it! duh!
6. Having mean parents is a good thing. My parents were totally strict and I had very little fun in my teen years, so when I look back now sure it may have been a tad more boring than the typical teen but I was a good girl. I could've gotten into a whole lot of trouble, but I didn't...thanks mom.
7. Go away to college. I didn't go away for school and most of my friends did. My siblings were so young when I would've left and I didn't want to miss them. Plus, anytime I was away from home for longer than 2 days, I would get so homesick that I actually made myself physically sick. I should've went though, they would've been there when I got back.
8. Wear sunblock. Never wore it and burned every time, duh! Could've saved myself a lot of pain by just wearing it.
9. Be a little nicer to Ed Lim. This was one of my first "dates". My parents had strict rules on dating and I was not allowed to go out one on one with a boy til I was officially a junior in high school. I could get past this rule by going out in a group and shockingly, my mom allowed me to go to the homecoming dance with this boy when I was a freshman. She saw no threat in this little asian boy, so I got to go. Thought he had a cool haircut and liked the same music, but after the dancedumped him quickly but that did not stop him. He left flowers and notes on my doorstep all the time and so I got mean to get rid of him. My mom thought the stalking was cute. He eventually stopped, but every year he left a single rose on my doorstep on my birthday, no note and we knew it was him. Did it til we moved. Six years of flowers.
10. Lying and cheating will get you no where. I had a wonderful boyfriend in high school and totally cheated on him with a guy I thought was better. He had a car. This started my infamous lying phase. I was a pathological liar to everyone and my mother not only caught me, but grounded me for a month. I always tell people the story of how I got grounded for cheating on my boyfriend, but as she pointed out, I was grounded for lying.

I think most of the "mistakes" I learned were worth some of the heart ache and pain. They made me who I am today, shaped my persona, changed me. For the most part, I loved high school, I really did. It was for the most part, a really fun time in my life. I had incredible friends who really didn't care about fashion or boys, we just had fun. I don't know if I would repeat it, but when I remember it, I am usually smiling.

OPAW- mini soccer album

Started and finished a mini project today to give the soccer coach tomorrow. I generally take quite a few pictures at the soccer games so I had plenty of material to work with. Junst made a little book with chipboard covers bounded by ribbon. Very simple. There are actually 10 pages but I did not take pictures of all of them.


















Had another project from last week, but when I went to photograph it last night the camera batteries were dead. Forgot about that! I had to send it to school for the teacher this morning. YAY, last day of school! I hope to finish a few more projects today, so hopefully I will have more to be proud of. I hope this book isn't too cute, you know how men hate the cute. I just couldn't turn it off all the way. Oh well.

Positivity Crusade

Being a sarcastic pessimist has always come easy to me. I think I was born with a negativity spoon in my mouth. I love to complain, critique and judge. I know it is bad. I know it is wrong. Yet, I it is one of the few things that I am consistent at. Really it doesn't hurt anyone, I generally keep my grumbling to myself. Well, it seems that this little trait has been passed, through genes and constant contact with the negativity of my life, to my little boy. Sure, I make comments to people in regards to their driving while he is in the car. Sure, I remark under my breath about the lady in the grocery store who is being nasty mean with him in ear shot. But, I never really thought it would rub off.

He has always been a boy of high drama, someone who is always questioning things and pushing things to the limit. But rarely very negative. He is also the king of unfair. He crowns things unfair like it is going out of style. (note to self: that phrase may be very outdated!) But I really never thought he would become....holding my breath....a little me.

So, today he has accompanied me to work. It sounds way worse than it is. We are blessed to have a very nice size television with cable in our warehouse and there is always an extra computer to surf the web nearby. So, as a child who does not have cable at home, coming to work with mom is a treat. A four hour cable watching treat. Not the best thing for him, but not the worst. This morning before the cable marathon began, he started making a little project. He loves art! Definitely my child. He is always "making" something. He started clipping an old newspaper that was lying around. It looked like he was working on a ransom note of some kind. I made the mistake of commenting that he was scrapbooking like mommy. Well, not only did the word mommy crash like a ton of bricks, but how dare I suggest that he was *gasp* scrapbooking! He was making art. I had to laugh at my mistake. I couldn't tell exactly what it was going to say in the beginning, gave him artistic privacy, but he handed this to me when he was all done.


I thought, wow, that is really clever but wondered about the words. They were instantly troubling to me. Why would a nine year old comment that People Don't Know Life? What does a nine year old know about Life?
I had to ask him what it all meant. He said because nobody really understands life but they think they do and people are wrong. Whoa! Strong feelings from this young little life. He explained the man "looking for his life" and the guys cheering and with the trophy, they think that is what life is about, but they are wrong.

I have been thinking about this since 10:30 this morning. I can't stop. I have thought about his statement and if it is really true. Deep. I have been thinking about what could cause these deep feelings he has about society and life. For such a young child he has had many issues at school and seen a lot negativity come his way by mean hateful little children plus he has me grumbling on the side about everything.

So, I decided, along with my new plan to be healthy and fit, I am also including mental health. I need to think more positively and pass on the good vibes. That way not only will I feel better from losing the weight and eating right, but also from thinking right! This is going to be a hard one, no one likes to bitch and moan more than me. Plus, I get such a kick out of it. It will be a tough road but I am going to try my best so that we have a love of life. I also, need to review my own life and what I want/need out of it. Figure out if I know Life.

"Life is half spent before one knows what life is."

Wild Wild Life

Well this corner of the world seems to be a bit wacky lately. I have countless projects I am working on and because there are so many, I am really working on none. When the mountain is too high, I really can't get up the nerve to start the climb, so I have been sitting at the base looking up and gasping. Up until last week, I had about 4 big projects and then I decided to take on my cousin's September wedding. As much as I love making something as beautiful as wedding creations, this is a ginormous undertaking. She has only recently been engaged and the date of the wedding is only 3 months away. Tick Tick Tick. Does anyone know what color is dark pink?

The last day of school is tomorrow and I actually made a little OPAW last week for Max's teacher with pictures from a field trip a few weeks ago. It needs a few final touches this evening before the unveiling and I also need to take some photos of it to post here. I will be creating something similar for the soccer coach as Saturday is our last game and I have only taken about 4 rolls of film this season. (96 pictures) Not sure how to put this little project together that is cool enough for a man and large enough to hold a bunch of pictures. We'll see how that pans out tonight.

More importantly, I am still looking for a new place to live. It seems that not only is real estate expensive to buy in Park Ridge, but renting is not much cheaper. I don't even really care about staying in this town other than I like the little town and I spent years getting things straight with the school. Hate to switch now and start all over with a whole new bunch of problems. I have strongly considered moving back into the city limits. I loved living in Chicago which is why I am just a few blocks away. If I move to the city, that would require careful review of the schools or possibly private school. So, granted, it is cheaper to rent a place in the city, but I may be paying for an elementary school education. Catch 22.

Work is work. I have actually had some stuff to type this week which I suppose is good, but I like having more free time for blogs, scrap sites and general time wasting.

While checking out the celebrity gossip this morning (yes, I am one of those people). I saw more news about Tom and Katie. I know a little while back I had commented that I wished some charming man would refer to me as Tom had about Katie. This was before he was jumping on couches and acting like a lunatic. Well, apparently, a group of people have banned together to FREE KATIE. There are t-shirts and coffee mugs with Free Katie inscribed on them. It is too funny!

After I stumbled across the Free Katie website, I found this blog which appeals to my desire to hear all the raunchy gossip about celebs. It is so cleverly written and there are great pictures! Really a must see. Conversations about Famous People

Ok....back to triggering my carpal tunnel. Damn office work!

Meme Challenge (a lil' late)

I know this week's meme is a little late but I have actually been doing work at work, I have countless projects that I am working on simulataneously and with this being the last week of school, someone has summeritis. Don't worry, he's been sprayed. And, when I went to take the pictures, the batteries in the digital camera were dead....That always happens! ugh!

So, this is the challenge of the week as it was posted on 2peas:

This week [June 5th] we are visiting our work areas, the foundation of our muses, our studios! Yes, that's right STUDIO. Any artist's working area is a studio. Even if it's a kitchen table or in a closet.

Share with us that place of inspiration where you create your pages. Get out your camera and share that spot with us. RULE- DON'T CLEAN UP! Just take it as it appears at this moment. A perfectly neat studio is a sure sign that no work is being done. And as I designed a shirt to say, "A Creative Mess is preferable to idle neatness. [Scrapbook Mantra]" Amen? LOL!

Inspiration is what sparks creativity. And creativity is the spark for rooms with personality. How is your personality in your space?
"We all get inspiration in various ways. For you, it may be the where you live. Living near the ocean, for instance, might mean that you begin to add elements of that environment. Or, it could be a hobby (trains, collecting ironstone, making birdhouses), or possibly an interest in a particular style of decorating (casual, formal, country French, or tropical chic). Whatever your inspiration, you can creatively incorporate it into your home."

Do you have fun ways to display your supplies? Is your area funky or functional? Comfortable or straight laced? What a great way to share ourselves by sharing where we create our art.

Sark writes about her tiny cottage "I write all of my books lying down on a futon beneath the loft bed, surrounded by books, cards, quotes, divinations, affirmations, magnifying glasses, bits of dyed string, special shells, sparkling rocks, photos and cigar boxes full of fascinations. There are shelves of journals and wind chimes, their sounds follow me everywhere." Pretty cool huh? I want my studio to be full of special little hints of me.

First rule, no cleaning up... No problem! But look at that mess! Unfortunately, this room is a walk thu to the upstairs bedrooms, so many things find a home in this room. It is what I refer to as the Catch All. I like the room though, I am not that secluded and I have everything I need right at my fingertips.

It is pretty well organized. Every drawer is labeled, in case someone has a scrapbook emergency one day and I am not home to tell them where the eyelets are. All the 8.5x11 cardstock is in magazine holders on the wire cube contraption, they are sorted by the rainbow. The 12x12 cardstock is stored flat by color and the patterned paper is sorted by manufacturer and then by line if necessary.

On the wall to the right of my desk is a wipe off magnetic board, but is not nearly large enough. I put up inspiration on that and switch it out. My ribbon is now a decoration in the room. They used to be store on cards in a drawer like my fibers, but they were getting kinked. I used safety pins and sorted them by color and or manufacturer and then looped the pins onto a jump ring hoop from the office store. Saw this on 2peas somewhere, I am not clever to think of it myself. I love it, I can turn around and snip off a bit as I need.

Last part of the challenge, Studios I envy:
Queen Rose
Melissa Paige
Chatty Cathy

Technique for Tuesday

Ok, so I actually have a good technique for today that can easily incorporate the plethora of stamps I have acquired in the past couple of months.
Today's Technique, drumroll please, is Spotlight Stamping. This is where one portion of the image is colorized and the rest is not.

Here are the basic steps:
Stamp the image on two pieces of cardstock. On one of the pieces, color in the part that you wish to be highlighted or "in the spotlight". You can use markers, watercolor, pastels, whatever you want. Using a shape punch, punch out the colored part. Using a slightly larger punch, punch another shape in a coordinating color of cardstock. Mount the colored image on the colored cardstock, then mount the layered piece on top of the other original piece of stamped cardstock, being sure to center the colored image on top of the uncolored image.

sample from splitcoaststampers.com

She made it for ME!!!

It finally happened....Someone made ME a scrapbook. I never really thought I would see the day seeing as I am the only crafty one in the family and I am usually the one making scrapbooks for other people. But the day has finally come and I am overjoyed. My buddy, Carol, made me this super special little album from a Making Memories mini album that features all the pictures I had from my final days at the Big A. When she gave it to me, acting as if it was nothing, I was shocked and misty looking at all the pictures. It has truly touched me. I truly hope this is how people feel when I make them a little something, then all my hard work has paid off.
THANKS CAROL!!!!!


cover





There are more pages, but unfortunately my batteries wore out as I was trying to get these shots.

A Life Less Ordinary

Ok, so with the summer rapidly running up to greet me or slap me in the face (you never know), I thought I would consciously make a list of fun things I want to do this summer. Imagine that, me making a list. I think in some ways these lists are a way for me to hold myself accountable. For example, had I not made this list of things I want to do, I may say I was going to do them, but when the time comes, there I am just sitting around the house. It is like the red bull of my life, giving me a little jolt to do something. So, here's the list of summer possibilities, all which sound like a hoot and right up my alley. Hopefully, I will get to most of these and have some *new* experiences.

Chicago’s Antique Market: May 29th (throughout the summer) Now this looks like a perfectly yuppie way to spend a Saturday morning, Starbucks in hand. I love junk and I am definitely going to try and check this out.
Celebration 2005- Summer’s Best Party: June 10-12 Claims to be the Summer’s best party right in the title, it must be good. Hairbanger’s Ball will be there on Friday and I haven’t seen them yet. Also, it seems there is food, a petting zoo and a bouncy castle. I love the jumpy jump.
Taste of Randolph Street: June 17th-19th Presented by Miller, so that is a plus, this festival looks like a nice mix of music and food. The music lineup actually looks pretty good with Poi Dog and Ted Leo. There is a $10 cover, so I will have to check if it is really worth ten whole dollars.
Jammin in the Zoo: Dates Vary I always wanted to go to these concerts. They are inexpensive and great bands. This year Big Head Todd and the Monsters will be there, so I think it is a must.
Venetian Night: July 30th I haven’t seen this since I was a child, but I am definitely going to try and catch this one. Nothing like free fun!

My plan of the simple life is not going as well as I had suspected. It is hard to be simple. I heard on the radio this morning that it is hard for some people to simplifiy their lives because they are addicted to chaos. I think that is ME!! There is always so much drama and insanity in my life that when there isn't any, I go looking for it. I need simple. I need calm. I need to calm down is probably what I need the most. This summer, I am going to strive for order and simplicity. I am going to go looking for adventure and fun. I am going to try and make some happy memories. (and then scrapbook them.) BTW, I know it is Thurday and there was no OPAW...tonight is the night, creativity here I come!

One last note.... Watched Beauty and the Geek last night and can't figure out why I like these stupid reality shows so much. Seriously, I only seem to enjoy the outlandish ones. So, needless to say, I will be tuning in every Tuesday night. Also, here's a blog for the day.

Wanna go to CHA?

Well, just happened to catch this online..... Big Basic Grey Contest.

Look at that prize money... woo hoo! And a trip to CHA in January in Vegas. Man, I suddenly feel the urge to use the Basic Grey I have!!!

Blog of the Day....... fish sitting. Memoirs of a fish babysitter.