Photo Montage

Well, just a few photos for your viewing pleasure: Happy Bday to my little sister, Stephanie! The inside says, "Pomme-tinis are on me!"






















Cover and a few pages from the loser Chatterbox album. I know it is very simple, but there was sewing on every page and that took a while!












































































This is one of the cards we will be making this weekend, I am having an Open Housse. (*fingers crossed*) to try and get more business and interest in my classes. Really I could care less if I never "sold" another thing as long as I had people excited to attend the classes. Is that wrong?















That's about it for now. I took a half day today to spend time with the kid and we took a little trip to the Chuck E. Cheese. I swear that little mouse was born in the fiery pits of hell. It brings out the worst in people. There is something so alarming about little babies walking around barefoot in this place without a parent in site, that haunts me for days. And nothing makes me want to hurt people more than at this place. I so wanted to punch the dad that was monopolizing the game that produces the most tickets without even one of his children in site. I bet he went home feeling really good about that eraser he won. Moron!

Tomorrow is the Big Hair Day! That sounded like it involves Aqua Net and teasing! It is just our appts at the salon so Max can get his mohawk and I can once again get a decent hairdo. My stylist had a baby in January and has been gone for 3 months!! Nightmare! She is a master of hair and no one can make me look good except her!

You Can't Win if you Don't Play!

I always liked that marketing campaign for the Illinois Lottery. It makes sense. I can't win unless I pay my $1 and buy my ticket. I can't possibly even dream that I win the lottery without putting some kind of money into the pot in hopes of holding the winning ticket. It's kinda like little Charlie Bucket who found that golden ticket. He would have never gotten the chance to meet Mr. Wonka if he hadn't bought that chocolate bar! Of course, if he hadn't won he still got a yummy piece of chocolate as a consolation prize.

Well, I have decided that I have to enter This Contest. And I know I probably won't win, kinda like the lottery... but I have to try. And again, it may be the swift kick in the pants I need to actually sit my arse down and get some pages done! Plus, I could win $10,000. And if I don't win, consolation prize is that I will have 20 awesome pages done and I could buy some of that new Scenic Route Paper that is making me drool. It is a great excuse!

Unlike the Chatterbox contest though, I am starting now and I am actually gonna try really really hard for this one! And just think, if I enter I could win. It would be possible. It could be a million to one shot, but it's a shot. And that would be sooooo cool! Snap!

My Bird Boy

My son is officially the child all mother's look at and say, "Just don't be like that kid." He's still sporting the faux hawk and is campaigning for an official mohawk when he gets his hair cut on Saturday. I think I would rather he had the real mohawk than the faux one...is that nuts?
Well, for your viewing pleasure, ladies and gentlemen, the incomparable...Max:

No, he doesn't have a black eye in this picture, it just looks that way because this was one of his mornings when he set his alarm clock an hour early because he was excited about eating pancakes....frozen pancakes.

Snap!

I am so glad it is Friday, I am draggin' today. Can't seem to get myself out of first gear today. I am in dire need of a little nap and something to eat, I forgot my lunch today. Unfortunately, no rest for the ....for the ...weary?? Is that it? That doesn't make sense.
No rest for the wicked?
No rest for the weary?
No rest for the sleepy?
I just can't think today.
Regardless, no nap, the girls are coming over to scrap and chat tonight. Hopefully, my sister will grace me with her presence. I was given the tentative yes, if she doesn't have a date. I don't think I will be seeing her. Don't see her much these days.
I also have a babysitter tomorrow night, Yippee! Gotta love grandparents. So, I will be going out on the town! Woo Hoo! Ok, so that was a little too much build-up. I am sure it will not be Woo Hoo worthy, but fun nonetheless.
I also need to post photos of my loser Chatterbox book to post, but I think I will show the girls the book tonight and then based on their reviews decide if I should. Luckily for me, my gal, Carol is wickedly honest, so I know she'll tell me the truth.

I thought about all the kookiness that goes on in my life that is a direct result of my little Max. I swear, every day there is something noteworthy or at least amusing. So, from now on, a Max moment a day or at least I will try to post them. (This will also help me remember them.)

Today's Max Moment
Max is always picking up amusing little sayings that he uses that are out of the norm and I swear that there are few children that speak like him. Example: When he was in Florida he tells me, "I got to partake in the activities at the hotel and I enjoyed them more than I thought." This just floors me.
Unfortunately, he has started using the word Snap! like it is going out of style. Apparently it means something like, right on. I will say dinner's almost ready and he responds, "Dinner? Snap!" So annoying. "Mom, turn up the radio this song is awesome. Snap!" "No school today. Snap!"
I so liked it better when he spoke like a college professor. Snap!

Utter Randomness

*Chatterbox Finalists were announced...Some of these are incredible, it will be hard to pick a clear winner. I will post pictures of my album later this week.

*Saw this B!tch Album on Ebay and love it!

*Did my taxes all by myself....Yay me!

*The gals are coming by Friday to scrap and chat.

*Watching The Shield, season one. I wasn't liking it for the first three episodes, but it has grown on me. Plus, it is hard to watch Michael Chiklis and not think The Thing. It will have to do until the second season of Rescue Me comes out on DVD. (May)

*I am hating Dinner lately. I am so tired of making the same things week after week, but with only two of us, one of which is a picky eater, I am at a loss for new ideas. I saw that Dream Dinners and thought it would be a good idea, but there is no way I will get that kid to eat anything on their menus. I like to cook and he loves to eat at home, I'm just tired of all the same 'ol food. blah!

*Have been asked to make wedding invitations again for a family member and as much as I love to help out, it is a huge pain in the keister. I will have to make 250 this time!

*Next week is Spring Break for Max. I am getting geared up for the non-stop "I'm bored".

*Realtors are coming thru my house non-stop which is getting extremely annoying, way more than I thought.

*Indoor soccer ended last Sunday, so I think we have one week without Soccer....yay!

*Want to go to this store in Elgin, Illinois so badly and check out what they have, but I am scared I would spend way too much money. I hear it is quite large.

*In desperate need of a summer wardrobe and even if money were no object, I have no idea what a mom of my age should/could wear. I think I am having an identity crisis. The first step is probably to stop telling people I am 28.

Max has stopped his faux hawk, completely his choice. Now, he seems to be having issues with not being "different". He wanted to know if he "stood out" this morning. I had to ask why because his father and I have been trying to stress that NOT standing out is sometimes best and I thought for sure he was trying not to but wanted to be sure. He said he is worried he wasn't being different enough today and that no one would notice him. Huh?? He is hard not to notice even without crazy hair or different clothes, he is a very unique child. Apparently, one of his personal goals in life is that everyone will "know" him. According to him, he wants people to point and say, "Hey, there's Max and he is cool." I tried to explain in the 5 minutes before he left the car, that it doesn't matter what other people think, only that he likes himself.

MAX: Mom, I know I am cool, I just wanna be sure that I look good enough that everyone else knows it too. The people expect that from me.

Oh Lord! What people??? What??? Where does this come from? Never a dull moment.

Voting Day

So, yes today I will be marching my but over to the First Presbysterian Church and casting my ballot for Senator and a couple judges as well as the new pool referendum here in town. It is a big responsibility deciding whether or not to choose to raise taxes so that the kids can get a spray pool and a new water slide. But as a good citizen, I carefully review and cast my vote everytime even when I know that jury duty is inevitable because of it. The voting process really isn't that difficult, I never fear hurting anyone's feelings or that one person may go home tonight and cry. It never crosses my mind because they are politicians.

Well, I am no politician, that's for sure. And I am sure that many tears of both joy and sorrow will be shed today because only 25 people will get that call with the 208 area code from Ms. Melody Ross. That means that about 875 faces of disappointment. I don't think I invested enough into the contest to really be heartbroken about it. I admit it. It's not an excuse either. I really didn't give 100% but their are some essays I read that could bring anyone to tears. Some of these ladies not only put in a ton of time and creative energy but poured their souls into these projects. These are the ladies who deserve to win. These are the ladies who will be heartbroken if they aren't a finalist.

This is what is about....meaningful stories, touching pictures, treasured experiences.....this is what scrapbooking is. Too bad it is also about trying to share the story and not getting picked. This is the "dark side" of scrapbooking. It is also the competitive side that keeps some of us going and strive to be better. Personally, I like it. If it wasn't for the contest, I would have never even made the album, so if nothing else, I have a meaningful album. For a girl who barely has time to breathe...this is an accomplishment.

Happy MIM Day Everyone, Best of Luck to all the Talented Ladies!!


(ps blogger sucks not only because apparently I cannot post at night, but now I can't post any pictures either...I hate you blogger!!)

Yes, I'm Irish! Go ahead and Kiss Me!

With a name like Simone, it doesn't clearly reveal my Irish heritage, but I am in fact a nice Irish girl. Ok, maybe not necessarily nice. I am a Mc Spic. Half Irish, half Mexican..which means I drink alot and have a bad temper. **ba-dump-bump** I came up with that in high school and use it all the time. My father is Irish, my mother Mexican and I swear looking at them I cannot believe my sister and I were ever born. They are the most unlikely pair. So, I am not quite pale white, but light. I love to drink and hate really spicy foods. I love tequilla and get sunburned. I have a horrible temper, but I am super fun. It is like the two ethnicities got together and made a deal. Unfortunately, it means I don't really fit in clearly on either side.

The name Simone doesn't really fit in anywhere. It isn't Irish. It isn't Mexican. It is just because my mother was a hippie in the early 70s and she just liked the name. She obviously didn't take into account the Irish last name...Collins, so the name flows until you get to the end. When I was in college studying theater, I always said I would drop my last name and my stage name would just be Simone Gabrielle. I thought maybe I could pull off being French.

My dad named my sister, which apparently was the agreement. She got the nice Irish name Colleen Patrice. Everyone looks at her perplexed though because she clearly looks Mexican... short, perfect complexion and tan all year round. Go figure.

My grandparents were really into the Irish pride and I always loved that growing up. They had the pictures of St. Patrick around the house, the Irish flag and even a shillelah hanging on the wall. Everyone in the family wore a claddagh ring. I think because it is so reminisent of them, I embrace it that much more. I love anything Irish. Kinda reminds me of the old SNL skit with Mike Meyers, "if it's not Scottish, it's crap." When I was a kid and the St. Patrick's Day Parade was actually ON St. Patrick's Day, I would skip school to go. My gramps would ride around in a little car with the Shriners and my aunt was the "queen" one year. I always wanted to be in the queens court but sadly they would never let any half-breed on the float.

This is my 2nd favorite holiday right after Halloween. It just seems like a fun day. Everyone is wearing my favorite colour and drinking....what could be better. Plus, my granparents loved being Irish and this day so much, it is a great connection to them. Unfortunately, they are not here to make me wear an itchy wool sweater. Plus, I wish that my sister and I had plans because it doesn't fall on a Friday that often, but sadly we are moms now. We will be eating the corned beef and cabbage tomorrow with my dad, no meat during lent. Plus, I am making my famous Irish soda bread tonight. I am such a good Catholic Irish girl, or so I tell everyone.

So, in typical McSpic fashion, I will be raising that pint of green beer this evening to my grandparents, who I am sure are listening to the pipes and dancing a jig behind those pearly gates today, because lord knows they were there that half hour before the devil knew they were dead. Happy Green Day!

Thanks y'all

Back from Austin....man, was it hot there.
When I left Chicago Thursday, it was a steaming 40 degrees and when I got to Austin it was 80! What a difference.
Cool place.
Nice people.
Way different than I thought.
Had a Sonic Cherry-Limeade.
Went to Stubb's for BBQ.
Started an Austin scrapbook on the plane. (no scissors, of course)
No one said y'all or Yee haw...damn.
Saw tons of bumper stickers.
Totally miss my men, they come home today from Florida.
Went to a Scrapbook store and wow, was it different.
Heard some good music.
Heard some crappy music.
Overall, had a great time.
More details to follow and photos of my Austin scrapbook.
Back to work...

Spring Mini/Class Samples

Before I leave town....

Here are the projects for the March 14th class, Paper Purses.

This first picture is of the paper purse we will be making that will hold the 4 cards we will make in the class, it uses double sided patterned paper, so the inside is yellow. There are four different papers to choose, so you may not have this brown paper.



















This is a shot of the cards for the class. All the cards are made with the Looks Like Spring set from the Spring Mini catalog, the designer paper and the flower punch.

















This is just a close up of the little purse card, it is my fav!





















So, now that you have seen these cute little projects you have changed your mind and want to come to class next Tuesday, drop me an email, TODAY, and let me know so that I can prepare a class kit for you when I return to Chicago on Sunday. Thanks for lookin' y'all!

Texas Tomorrow

That sounds like a title of a country song.
I am leavin' on a jet plane tomorrow and will be in the lovely and hot Austin, Texas tomorrow afternoon. Can't wait to get to warmer weather, the snow is finally melting here today.
Anytime I go on a trip to a new place, I usually scour the internet for information about what there is to do, see, eat....but not this time. I only looked to see if there was a scrapbook store and lucky me, there is. This may be a better method, so then there are no expectations or disappointment.
I still have almost everything to do before I leave and most importantly pack.
I am so excited to get to see my best friend, Eric. Haven't seen him since last July so I hope he regognizes me at the baggage claim area.

For anyone who is looking for the class samples of the upcoming classes, they will be here this afternoon and on my site. Don't worry, I wouldn't leave town without doing that!

Snow is in the air

It's been snowing here since yesterday.
Barely any snow all winter and now this. Yuck!
I am happy I am blowing this joint Thursday for a bigger, warmer state.
Just not sure what the hell it is I am going to wear in 80 degree heat. I am still bundling up here with sweaters and coats. In the midwest, we don't have to start buying summer clothes until at least May, so I have nothing summer-ish. Not sure if my stuff from last year will even fit, don't think I want to know. Plus, that would require opening some boxes. Ugh!
I thought it would be about 70 there, but what do I know about Texas.

Anyone in the area with suggestions on apparell and possibly a real weather prediction for this weekend, drop me a comment.

Planning to Fail

No one plans to fail. Or so my mom used to say.
No one except me.
I am the most pessimistic person I know. Always with the doom and gloom. It adds to the sarcasm quite nicely. I have had some pretty poor luck throughout my life and so I just always assume the worst.
It reminds me of that character on Gulliver's Travels, "We're doomed, we'll never make it out alive" Ok, so I am completely dating myself and no one probably remembers that but me. But that little Lilliput guy is me! I'm that guy in a crowd.
With my Chatterbox entry safely delivered to Idaho, I have already began the list of reasons why I won't win. It wasn't hard. What made it simpler is I got a lil peek at some of the essays and let me tell you, I don't think I went in the right direction.
So, here it is. Officially posted, so that when it happens, I can say, "Told ya so."

I'm not gonna win the MIM contest because...

1. my essay wasn't sad enough to bring anyone to tears.
2. I didn't spend $40 per page.
3. my products weren't the latest and greatest.
4. my album wasn't crazy different.
5. I had less than 30 pages.
6. I have never been published.
7. no one knows who I am.
8. my book wasn't my best work.
9. my pictures weren't professional quality.
10. my theme doesn't celebrate my battle with cancer, my rise from the ghetto or my dead mother.
11. Melody Ross doesn't like me.
12. because I was already lucky once with Chatterbox by winning that pink trunk.
13. my copies were from Kinkos and not photo quality.
14. I didn't include my own mother in the album. (her own fault for not letting me take pictures of her)
15. I should have spent more time on it.

I know it is not the best attitude, but it's mine. Calls are made by Mar. 21st, it's going to be a LONG month!

It's an Illusion

I have a special child.
Special because he is mine and because he has been labeled as that since his first day of preschool.
In school, this is not a positive thing.
At home, I think it is great (most days).
He is an odd boy. Odd only because he is so different and his brain works in a way that is so unusual that I don't even understand. This makes for a seriourly insightful, smart and wickedly funny child. Always has been.

He is different to begin with, but with his latest "style" he is even MORE different than the other children. Not only has his clothing style changed but so has his hair.
We had hair appointments on Saturday. I don't really care what he does with his hair as long as he doesn't get it dyed blonde. (he wants "yellow" hair)
So, while Bret was coloring my hair, Peter cut Max's and my only requirement was squared off side burns, other than that....anything goes.
Max loves Peter. He thinks he is cool because of the way he dresses and he is young plus he has great hair. So, he gets his hair cut and it is shorter on top than usual and he is now sporting a faux-hawk.
For anyone who doesn't know what that is......A faux-hawk is like a mohawk without shaving the sides of your head, faking a mohawk look.
I didn't really care. The kid gets plenty of attention without the hair like that, I didn't think he needed anymore...but whatever.
He has worn his hair like that every day this week. I asked what kids have been saying. Apparently they just look, point and say "ah, mohawk". I was afraid that this would lead to teasing, but so far...nothing.

I went to school today to be the guest reader and voila! Another kid with his hair spiked up in a faux-hawk. I saw this kid just yesterday and his hair was not like that.
So apparently, my strange child is a trendsetter. It will be interesting to see how many kids have their hair like this by Friday.

Today, he wore two different shoes....apparently the hair wasn't enough. We'll see if this catches on too.

Max also has a love of magic, mostly "real" magic but the slide of hand is good too. So, his dad bought him a card magic set with a deck of cards and instructions. He's been practicing on me every night this week. He's getting better.

ME: Wow Max, you're getting pretty good at this.
MAX: Of course, what did you expect?
ME: I just mean, good with reading the instructions and learning.
MAX: Thanks. It's cuz I'm going to be a magician.
ME: Oh, really? What happened to being a pro soccer player, cop/artist?
MAX: I'm gonna do that too.
ME: Cool.
MAX: Yeah, my name is Zoloft.

See...
The hardest part of my job as Max's mom is letting him be who he is and know when to go to another room and laugh.
{photos soon}