Randomness

It's Friday again {thank goodness}

* My alarm is set to radio in the morning.
To a station that I hate (the Loop 97.9 for locals).
I have to set it to something I hate or I run the risk of sleeping through a song that I like.

Even if it is a loud, wake-you-up kinda tune (i.e. Rage against the Machine, Nirvana, Foo fighters), I can still sleep through it and usually it becomes the background to my current dream.
Most mornings they play songs I hate and it insantly makes me wake.
I can't get up fast enough to stop Pink Floyd.
This morning, the alarm went off and Don't Stop Believin' by Journey was playing.
I love me some Journey.
I hit the snooze.
Nine minutes later, Love is a Battlefield by Pat Benatar was on.
I love me some Benatar.
I thought to myself, this is gonna be an awesome day!
I usually get up after that snooze but I thought...hat trick?
Hit the snooze.
Some god-awful Nickelback, Lifehouse, Chris Daughtry (they all sound the same to me) crap comes on.....Nooooooo!
Note to self: When the song is good, don't snooze.

* I've been thinking lately, who really comes up with stamp image ideas?
There's been chatter over on SCS about sentiments in the new SU catalog and lately I've seen many images that just make me think..."who thought to themselves...you know what people want....pigs wearing clothes drinking coffee!"
I love everybody's creations and their designs but sometimes the stamps just make me scratch my head.
Seriously.
Like this, is this a rat opening mail? A possum?
Why would this animal get mail?
Is he raiding a mailbox?
And it's called overwhelming love.
Huh?
How about a moose and beaver on a bike?
What, you didn't know that these 2 animals were best buds?
Me neither.
Then again, I am the girl who made a card with an octopus wearing a crown.
I say to each his own, but I would love to know who think these up, wouldn't you?

* It is going to be ffffffffreezing here this weekend and you woulda thought we never saw weather like this before.
The city is in a panic.
And it gets cold like this every year, usually way more often than it has this year.
And you would think the apocalypse is coming.
I'm going out tomorrow and I probably won't even wear a hat.
I'm a rebel like that.
4 degrees doesn't scare me!
(expect a post about how sick I am next week!)

* There is a bunch of fun going on over HERE this weekend and I here there are prizes involved.

Prizes are good.

* Bought this bikini for a trip to Jamaica in March.
That's what I need the passport for.
I picked the most chillaxed place I could think of, to stay in line with my word of the year.
If I can't chillax there, I can't do it anywhere.
Now I am making a list of books to read, I may be able to chillax a bit but I am a person who may go crazy with nothing to do for 5 days...seriously.
Suggestions welcome.
Nothing too girlie or sappy...Nick Hornby is my favorite author.

* Anyone watch Talladega Nights?
I've watched it 3 times in the last couple weeks.
I know, insane.
But I can't get enough of it.
And I still laugh hard.
This is..."What should I do with my hands?"

Have a great weekend!

Randomness

Thank god it's Friday.
This working 5 days in a row is soooo not cool.

There's not much on the noggin today, except a few lists of things to do.

Well maybe there's just a few things...

* I don't know what is more frustrating...
The fact that the kid has beaten me twice at Monopoly in the past week.
Or that Monopoly doesn't have paper money anymore.
What's the deal with that?
During the second round, of this now credit card game, the kid told me, "I don't think you understand how this game is supposed to be played."
He may be right.

* I see a lot of primarily cardmakers are scrapping these days and I am elated.
Woo Hoo!
So awesome to see such great pages from people whom I have only seen cards from in the past.
If you girls are looking for a super friendly scrap site to hang out at, head on over to Scrap Diner.
They are so nice there, no drama!
And my girl, Greta, is on the DT over there...Woo Hoo!

* I used my Bind It All on a little project and I am working on a proper review.
Details next week.

* I'm getting a passport this weekend.
First time in my life!
And I am excited.
And nervous.
What if my picture looks bad?

* The kid saw someone preparing quail on a cooking show last weekend.
He's requested it for our big Sunday dinner this weekend.
So, I need to figure out how to prepare cornish hens.
That's close enough to quail.
And will serve his purpose of eating "a really cool tiny chicken".
He envisions cartoon-like inhaling...insert tiny chicken pull out skeleton.
It should be interesting.
If anyone knows how to best cook a really cool tiny chicken let me know.

That's about it for today.
I need to prioritize some of these lists before the weekend madness begins.

Happy Weekend!

Randomness

The weekend is almost here and there is a lot on my mind today.
Must be the holidays!

* I am gonna be baking up a storm this weekend!
From now til Christmas, every day my house will be filled with the smell of deliciousness.
On the list is mini cherry cheesecakes, spritz cookies, brownies, a white chocolate bundt cake, gingerbread peoples, kolachkies (sp?), apple pie and something wonderfully easy for Christmas morning.
I'm gettting fat just looking at the list.

* After 3pm today I am off work til the 27th.
I usually take the full 2 weeks but I wanted to save some of my vacation time for a trip down south and to Jamaica this spring.
I can't wait...5 whole days off!

* THIS is just amazing, enough said.

* My friend Elizabeth sent me this website this week.
She's on a saving kick for 2008.
I'm just poor.
Good info and tips, if money is on your resolution list for 2008.

* The kid has been drawing up a storm the last week.
Wish he would do it in the pricey drawing tablets he made me buy.

He wanted me to post these to the blog, I think he thinks he has fans.
Ha!

* The kid brought home the new school paper yesterday and in it was 2 pages of an advice column.
Let me give you a little sample of what it said:

Dear Shirley,
I think this boy in my class is so so so cute, how do I ask him out?

This is grade school people.
Does anybody else think this is weird (possibly inappropriate)?
The questions were all listed by room number too and this one was from a primary grade!
I just don't think the school should allow adding fire to the already existent "drama" that exists at school.
Maybe it's just parents like me who aren't letting their kids date til they're 30 who would feel the same.

* I'm busy busy busy wrapping presents.
Got a family thing tomorrow, so at least those have to get wrapped.
And the kids presents need to be bundled because he is a total snoop like his mother.

* Sent out the last of my Christmas cards today.
I ran out of stamps yesterday.
And you'll notice that there are not cute little foil stars on the top of the trees as I planned.
Well, when I was cart-jacked the other day, they took my stars!
Max thought perhaps that was the reason I got jacked.
I assured him, not everyone gets that excited about little stars, just me.

This card is loosely based on this Hero Arts card.
The patterned paper is Scenic Route.

* There's a drawing over HERE for some free Making Memories.

* They are offering a free 12 week guide to Better Photos HERE, so if you are like me and want to get way better in 2008, this would be a nice place to start and the perfect price.

* This is my most favorite Christmas card this year.
See the little eyes at the bottom?
This card was exactly like this when I opened the envelope.
I laughed so hard I was crying.
Then every time someone would look at it, another eye would pop off.
Except Melana's eyes, hers are still in tact, go figure!
Greta has been wondering how many more blind cards were received this year!

Merriest of Holidays to everyone.
I'm sure I won't have time to post again til after Christmas.
I still have presents to buy!

Hope everyone has a safe and Happy Holiday!

Randomness

It's Friday.
I've got time.
So here goes....

* I just don't get these stamps, sorry Michele.
I've been looking at them for the past week and I just don't get it.
But then again, I don't get headless people either so one could assume I wouldn't get oddly shaped heads without noses and mouths either.

* Still working on the 'ol Christmas cards.
But I'm also working on some New Years cards as well, just in case a few don't get out in time.

* Went to Max's school to find out why they are giving him 1/2 day absence for going to get lab work done a couple weeks ago.
Apparently it's an "excused" absence like a sick day, death in the family, doctor's appointment would be but still counts as absent.
What's the big deal you ask?
Well, at Max's school they make a big hairy deal about having perfect attendance.
So much so that last year when he got strep twice he cried and cried about missing one day of school each time.
Because there's an award involved here.
And an assembly.
So I went to school to find out if he could get a waiver or something because the poor kid had to have bloodwork done that Monday morning and after 9am at the hospital that is 35 minutes from the school.
The school secretary is such a yotch and not just this particular day, I swear I almost had a smackdown in the school office this morning.
I could've whooped her.
I was so fed up with her bitchy attitude and the way she was talking to me, I just said, "you know what, let me talk to the principal."
"She's not here today."
We walk out of the attendance office and who is standing there.....the principal.
"She's not here today, huh?!"
She promptly walks up to her and starts...
"Mrs. Collins came in questioning Max's attendance and is being so rude..."
I promplty chime in..."I would just like to speak to you myself if you have a moment, if not I can make an appointment."

The principal is super nice.
She spoke to me, apologized for the crabby yotch that works in their office.
Then explained, she couldn't put our .5 day back on his record.
He won't get the award.
He won't be in the special assembly.
They would only do it for religious reasons.
So sad.
If your kid has a disability and needs medical treatments, etc...they'll never get an award.
Or be the star in a special assembly.

It's just not right.
I'm getting misty even thinking about it now.
We've worked so hard, battled for everything and still...
Maybe it's just PMS.
But I'm still pissed at the whole situation
And especially that lady.
Would it kill her to be just a tad nice?
Especially cuz she works with kids.

And I have to tell the kid, "mom couldn't fix it".
And hear him argue about what is fair and then tell me how he won't care anymore about going to school.
That's what he does.
And I honestly just thought they would do what was right.
I feel like I have a mission now for my kid and all the other special kiddos out there, we want perfect attendance too!

* Papertrey Ink is coming out with new stamps, tonight.
Some of the sneak peeks look appealing.
And Nichole Heady is pure genius when it comes to fresh ideas, I love that.

* Having a little holiday lunch with some buddies tomorrow, so I guess I should tidy up the place a little, or at least shove it all in closets til they leave.

* A muse has come out with new stamps for their Valentine release and someone may have already bought some when she got an exclusive sneak peek a couple weeks ago.
And someone nice person over at A muse may have also sent this person some of their new bling and some Elzybells to play with.
You can see all the new goodies here.

* My buddy Noel is running a sale this weekend, right Noel?
And her shipping is totally fast, so if anyone's hubbies are looking for some scrappy presents for you ladies, send them over to her shop, she'll get it to ya in time!

* MaryAnn has started a new blog and from what I know of her and have heard, I think it will be the next best thing since sliced bread.
She's going to feature all kinds of artists and handmade goodness, so be sure to add that this one to your bloglines. INDIEPENDENCE

* I know Guns 'n Roses is scary but this story is hysterical.

Sorry about the long vent.
I've got a hard time with anger and letting things go.
It's on the list for things to work on next year.
But it isn't 2008 yet!
More Christmas RAKs will be posted next week, promise.

Have a happy and safe weekend everyone, especially those of us who may be getting some of the white stuff!

Randomness

Yep, besides thinking about how I will be spending a few hours this afternoon doing homework, there are a few other things on my mind...

*Did anyone see The Simpsons on Sunday night?
The Chicago references had me in hysterics...
"Chicago, The Miami of Canada!"
"Homer, you smell like Chicago."

*Anybody watching any new shows?
The kid and I liked Reaper the other night, quite amusing.
The kid also like Chuck but I wasn't impressed.
We also caught the Kitchen Nightmares show with Gordon Ramsey from Hell's Kitchen and it will definitely help me save money because after what I saw the other night, I may never eat out again!

*I'm watching some of my old favs like America's next top model, The Office (although I missed it last night) and Grey's Anatomy.
Did anyone else watch Grey's last night and think...eh.
It was so boring and again I am watching the show thinking...He's married...She needs to make up her mind...Do they ever work? Still think Season One was the best.

*When did High School become like College?
Here, all the good high schools have "selective enrollment", so you have to get certain grades starting in 7th grade and get picked to go there.
You even have to make your list of preferred schools and apply.
These are the public high schools people!
And if we don't get into one of the 5 schools we apply to...Looks like we are shelling out about $10k a year for private school. That is insane!
I'm going to a "fair" of the high schools tomorrow to see where we want to go and can get into.

*Going to a day long crop next weekend and I am already stressing about what to bring/pack.
How does everybody else decide?
I really don't want to plan out every page this weekend but I don't know another way.

*This digital kit to make your own tshirts is really clever!

*Went to the zoo on Wednesday (no school).
And a chimp was walking around with a burlap sack around his shoulders like a jacket.
Told the boys, "Check that out, he's dressed"
Then the chimp picked up a dead rat and stuck it on his head.
Glad the boys were old enough to just go..."Wow!" "Eww!"
There were a few little ones watching and looked horrified.
So did I.

*Who knows the cheapest place to buy envelopes?
I'm out and the prices I saw at OfficeMax and Staples have me thinking I'm not sending cards as much anymore.

*Love these Halloween Images and this and this.

*Wish I knew how to crochet better so I could make this little mummy.

*Has everyone seen the new Halloween line from Scenic Route, Salem? It is so cool because it isn't too Halloweenie so you can continue to use it past October.

*Don't forget there is all kinds of Halloween goodness over at my other blog, The Witches Cauldron.

That's about it.
Stupid factors and mutliples are taking up the other side of my brain temporarily.

Randomness

Yes kids, it's friday again and you know what that means....

What's on your mind Simone?
Funny you ask....

* Kat was kind enough to nominate me for this....

She actually nominated me for the Best Craft Blog too, but this one meant so much more to me and made my day, all you other gals...Feel free to add your vote, you know I'm hot!
KIDDING!!

* Greta tagged me twice this week, thanks girl, so I thought I would pick which one I wanted to do, that's the option when you get tagged twice in one week by the same person, right?

1. First and Middle Name: Simone Gabrielle (I hate hate hate my first name)
2. Birthdate: January 25, 1972
3. Married to: no one, ever...I'm single, not divorced, hate when people assume that.
4. Kids: The Max (as in maximum I can handle in my lifetime)
5. Name of High School Team: Res Bandits (raccoon)
6. Favorite TV show: Lost, Rescue Me, Weeds, The Office
7. Favorite band or singer: Dmode, The Smiths, The Cure, Sufjan Stevens
8. Celebrity you have the hots for: John Cusack and Matt Damon
9. Last movie you saw: The Last Mimzy (hated it)
10. Movie that you cried your eyes out to: The Hours
11. What did you do last night? 8 loads of laundry
12. Favorite Perfume/Cologne: Burberry
13. Last Thing You Ate: French fries and diet coke from Wendy's
14. Favorite Holiday: Halloween
15. Something you dressed up for at Halloween: Cher back in 1994
16. Last concert you went to: Decemberists
17. Siblings? Do you get along? 6 brothers, 6 sisters...some I get along with more than others.
18. Person you miss the most: My grandma
19. Dream job: Being home all day with no obligations
20. Toothpaste you use: whatevers on sale, paste, not gel
21. Dream Vacation: Island somewhere with unlimited cocktails
22. What color is your car: Gold
23. What are you listening to right now: Phish is on the radio
24. If you could look like a celebrity, who?: Audrey Hepburn
25. Hobbies: Scrapbooking , knitting/crocheting, photography

Need something to blog about, consider yourself tagged!

* I love this site....Cuteable

* I am loving the new Kanye I heard on the radio, Stronger and Homecoming, totally weird because I don't really listen to that music, nor am I Kanye fan, but I love it.
But I feel like Brooke Shields in this video when I listen to it...Momma's gonna take out her pimp hand!

* I am liking some of the new Lizzie Ann stamps, especially the new Halloween one and that Good Cheer stamp.

* I am working on a This Is Me journal and so far I am liking the process. I think it will be a nice time capsule about myself for the kid and I like taking a look into myself without the pressure of scrapbooking an actual picture...very stress-free. I encourage ya to check it out, when I get my cover finished (started), I will post some of the pages and such. You can join in the fun yourself, the details are on their blog, no pressure.

* I'm working on a big suprise for next week...hint...Halloween, stay tuned.

* The weather here is glorious, amazing how much great weather can change your mood, isn't it? Hope things are sunny and 70 where you are!

* Think I'll check out a movie this weekend, anyone seen SuperBad? Think that may be the one, or the kid wants to see Balls of Fury, that's a possibility too.

Hope everyone has a safe and happy Labor Day weekend, I'll miss camping this weekend, we usually do that, but we are laying low this weekend and just hanging.
Have a GREAT weekend!

Randomness

Yes, I know I already did this a couple days ago, but I am trying to make it a Friday routine and really I've got nothing else.
My creative energy is still focused in one direction and I'm not done with my project and the deadline is tomorrow...yikes!



On to the nonsense....

*My Max is a total one of a kind, kooky kid.
And as I was telling my buddy Elizabeth this week, he has decided what he would like to be for Halloween this year.

In previous years, he has gone as Gandalf, The Six Flags Guy, Donald Trump(see pic HERE) but last year he just wanted to be a boring zombie.
Very crushing to a mom that LOVES Halloween and especially ingenious costumes.
But this year, his costume choice had me laughing and anyone else I've told has had a good laugh too.
And it has me trying desperately to talk him out of it.
Best sit down for this one.

The kid wants to dress like Michael Jackson in the Thriller video.

And he tells me, "I'm gonna need you to help me learn the dance too."
So apparently he plans to dance for his candy this year.
And doesn't care what kids say or think, which I love about Max because I was totally the kid that just wanted to fit in.
He actually tries to stand out.
Be different.
And I love it, but worry about it too.
Especially because not only is he going as MJ for Halloween but he is also using a 90210 pencil case and a Spinal Tap lunchbox this year.
Oh man, he is just setting himself up for trouble.

*Tornadoes have hit us here in the Windy City and man, what a mess!
So many traffic lights out, it made getting to work pretty scary, unfortunately I live in a city where people don't know what to do at an intersection without lights and even if they do know they are waaaaayyyy to important to wait their turn.
Gotta love that.

*I have come to terms that my Magic Bullet will only pulverize things and I think I'm OK with it.
And in case anyone else was wondering....
I also own a Turbo Cooker, Ove Glove and the Hercules Hooks.
All good, but embarrassing.

*The new "add a video" button here on blogger intrigues me.
Makes me want to make a video, but alas that would require a camera.

*I love this idea about embroidering a digital image, I am so trying this and I haven't done anything like this since 6th grade.

*If you're in the Wisconsin/Illinois area, you may wanna join us over at Scrap In Style TV because they are planning a Crop for October and I know I am going to try to find a babysitter to go, how about joining me? Details HERE.

*There is a great flower tutorial HERE (beware of the music though).

*Joined an owl swap over HERE, so if you love all things owl too, you have til tomorrow, Aug 25th to join me!

*Watched Cry Baby with the kid the other night, forgot how much I love that movie. The singing and dancing and 50s styles... I just love it. And the young Johnny Depp.....ahhhh!

*The arm appears to be going away, looks way less red, so I hope that means it is leaving. Five more days on the drugs and I should be back to normal.

*Does anybody else think there are way too many flower stamps coming out?
It just seems like everytime there is a new set from any company, there is a good probability it will be a floral set.
Especially now, it is almost fall and winter time.
I love me some flowers, but man, there are so many and so many look so similar.

Ok, that's about enough of the blab for one day.
What's on your mind?
You know that thing that's been sitting there all week and you have just been mulling it over.
Go on, share it!

Have a spectacular weekend!

Randomness

So meant to post this on Friday, figured Friday is a good day to post about nothing.
But I have been a bit busy.
Top secret project.
Shhhhhh....
Totally sucking my will to blog.
Just need to finish this baby and I will be back full force.
Wish my Adult ADD would stop impeding the process.

So on to the randomness....

Has everyone seen the line up for the Celebrity Apprentice?
Joan Rivers, Carmen Electra, Jim Cramer of CNBC, Naomi Judd, George Foreman, Pete Rose, Tony Hawk, Danica Patrick, and Jeff Gordon
Now that is a show I may tune in to see.
Carmen Electra flirting with everyone.
Joan Rivers being herself.
Naomi Judd, enough said.
Could be insane....I hope so.

Not sure why this bothers me, but it does and maybe it irks someone else too?
Why does Ali Edwards have to refer to herself as a life artist?
Saw her new book, Life Artist, and it just irks me.
Too good to be called a scrapbooker? paper crafter? crafter?
I love Ms. Edwards, have both of her previous books and love them to pieces.
But this is just a little much, to give yourself a title like this.
I think I will refer to myself as a Blog Artist, I capture life's little moments in my blog.
Sheesh.
She does have info and some good info HERE though, see I like her, but it is just...

Saw Disturbia last week, stupid!
Not scary enough.
Rear Window is so much better.

Bought a Magic Bullet.
Yes, the infomercial sucked us in.
The kid is a milkshake fanatic and I thought this would be a way he could safely make one with a minimal mess.
My impressions so far?
Does not work like it does on tv, I know, you're shocked.
It turned my onion into a liquid, with large pieces still!
And it is very loud.
Not sure we are keeping it even though we got an amazing deal.
I am a total sucker for infomercials, totally.

I am making a large purchase of Scrappy Goodness this week because my buddy Carol has gotten some shipments from the stuff we ordered at CHA.
Very exciting, I love new.
Expect to see some new Scenic Route, Dude Designs, Savvy Stamps and images colored with my new Copic Markers.
I'm pretty sure I won't have a clue how to use them properly, but I am gonna try.

Oh and I almost forgot, I had to visit the clinic over the weekend.
Got, what I thought/think was, a mosquito or itch mite bite on my arm last week.
No biggie.
Those nasty itch mites are wicked.
Had some of those before and I don't know if we are the only ones luck enough here in Illinois to get this pesky little bugger, but man they itch.
Don't know how they made their way here this summer.
Well, this little bite really didn't itch, but it was red.
Left it alone.
It got bigger.
And bigger.
And bigger.
I took mass quantities of Benadryl and Calydryl.
I marked where it was on Friday to see how much it was growing.
It was kinda scary.
Went to the clinic on Sunday because my mother yelled at me, usually that's what it takes.
I have cellulitis on my arm.
Some nasty infection in my arm because she told me "you musta scratched it"
Nope, I swear I didn't.
Or it is a spider bite or something other than a mosquito.
She gave me antibiotics.
They are making my stomach quite woozie.
But it isn't making the large red splotch that covers my arm go away.
Looks like I may have to go back, which, there is nothing I hate more.
Especially because I will have to pay for a second visit, when it was their fault for not giving me the right thing in the first place.

Told my mom, "You were right mom, I have an infection, Cellulitis"
"Cellulite? Cottage Cheese fat on your arm? Then why is it red?"
"No mom, Cellulitis...not cellulite."
Oh mom.

Hope everyone is having a Terrific Tuesday, I am heading my way south this afternoon to visit my buddy Michele. We can gab and our boys can hang.
Man, I hope I don't get lost but it seems inevitable, always happens.

Monday Monday

Sing it with me...

Every other day every other day
Every other day of the week is fine yeah
But whenever Monday comes but whenever Monday comes
A you can find me cryin' all of the time
Monday Monday can't trust that day
Monday Monday it just turns out that way
Oh Monday Monday won't go away
Monday Monday it's here to stay

Man, this song is so right on the money.
Oh, how I hate Mondays.
Getting in the car this morning, dropped my energy soda and punctured a tiny hole right in the side spraying about 2 ounces directly on my legs and feet.
Carefully carried the rest of the can to work, I knew I would need that crazy ginseng more now that the day started in this fashion.

First, let me say...THANKS!
Super duper thanks to everyone who comments on my blog, really it is your comments that keep me laughing and thinking.
The headless teacher comments had me going for days!
Didn't even think about people putting their own heads on the teacher body, that is even funnier or better yet...A pumpkin head for halloween.....HY-sterical!
And Donna, you totally rock for standing up and proclaiming your love for the headless...Way to stand up and be heard, love that!

I honestly thought that there was something that I just didn't "get" about it.
Like when someone tells a joke and everyone is laughing and you're laughing too just to fit in, but you haven't a clue what was so funny...that's how I felt.
Glad to see some other people just don't get it either.

If there is one thing about me you should know, I always speak my mind, sometimes to a fault really and before I posted about the teacher I had second thoughts.
I was afraid there could be repercussions for making such a bold statement from the stamping world.
Got a couple emails after the post about the creepy headless teacher.
Thought for sure it was the stamping mafia coming for me and my big mouth.
Thank god it wasn't.
Just more people in agreement, some who didn't post it in the comments on the blog.
I suspect they are afraid of the stamping mafia as well.


My wine party was a total hit.
Took pictures.
Eleven bottles of wine later...pictures are gone.
Don't know what I or someone else did, but they are gone.
Oh well.
Had so much fun it didn't matter, laughed and ate and drank, good times.
And it was officially my first grown up party, no kegs or Cheetos.
I made these Chicken Kabobs and now the kid is convinced everything should be wrapped in bacon to make it taste better.

After the party Friday night, we did absolutely NOTHING the rest of the weekend.
Didn't leave the house at all!
Didn't touch the computer (at least I didn't).
Watched movies (finished Weeds season 3...OMG!!)
Just chilled.
I can't remember the last time I did that.
A weekend with no where to be or no errands that had to get done...it was so wonderful, words cannot describe the thrill it was to just put life on pause for a couple days.
The kid wasn't too happy about having nothing to do, but he entertained himself and was actually pretty happy I wasn't rushing around and making him go to stores or dress up.
If you haven't had a "pause day" in a while, think about fitting one in, I can't explain how it really gave my batteries a re-charge.
Make it happen, you'll be glad you did.

Randomness

Just skip this whole post if you don't want to hear a major ramble about completely random things.
Seriously, this is like brain exhaust comin' at ya.


Got a menu decided for Friday's party, thousand thanks for all the nifty ideas and links, I swear this blog is one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Made a grocery list.
And a To-do list because I have completely neglected my place since the heat has sucked my will to live.

Dropped my camera yesterday.
Cried a little.
Thank god it is still working, I think.

Am I the only person that thinks the new school set from MFT is a little creepy??
I know all their other sets are missing heads too, but this one just seems a little off.
Is anyone with me?
Decapitated teacher is not on my wishlist, for sure.

Pamela tagged me about a thousand years ago to list 7 random things about me and well I completely forgot. So here are some more if you aren't sick of me yet.
1. Michele and I are quickly becoming awesome friends, love that chick!
2. Haven't put on a bathing suit since 2005.
3. I make my bed each night before I get in it.
4. I have a sink full of dirty silverware at home, we've run out of everything but knives.
5. Saw THIS cutting tool for kids at school on TV and now I want one.
6. Haven't had my hair done all summer, so there is 2 inches of brown roots on top of my black hair.
7. Love koolaid, but only the kind you make yourself with only 3/4 cup sugar. (green is my favorite)

All my crafty stuff is in the hottest room in my apartment, so needless to say I haven't touched a piece of cardstock the last few days.
But I did mount a new stamp set last night, is it too early to get ready for Halloween?

Done watching the Rescue Me dvds for Season 3, now I have to wait forever for the current season to come out on dvd.
Poor cable-less girl.
Unless someone has them and can send them to me?? *wink*

In the middle of Weeds, season 2 now.
Love that show.
Anyone got the Netflix and love it?
Let me know, we could be friends and you could get all my crazy movie notes I send all my other friends.

Man, this is totally boring...sorry, better stuff tomorrow.

Mad Monday

It's Monday, that alone is a reason to be grumpy.
But I am especially cranking this Monday.

Had to be at work at 8:30 today.
The kid thought he'd like to chat at 6:45am.
Almost killed a child at 6:46am.
Have to leave at 2:30 to fight traffic to the lakefront to get the kid from Soccer Camp.
Did I mention that my car does not have a/c?
Oh, and neither does my office, really.
So, it's about 85 degrees inside.
Having leftovers for lunch...yuck!
Returning my current Rescue Me dvd to Netflix, just found out it is the last one of that season and now I will have to wait another 8 months to see what happens.
Stuff in my car for the post office but I sooooo don't wanna go.
Just realized I have nothing in the fridge for dinner.

Yup.
Totally crabby, grouchy, unpleasant day.

Did some scrappin yesterday and hated everything I made, it was like I was just disfunc.
Know what I mean?
Couldn't match anything.
Got ink on my hand and touched said hand right on a finished white card.
Made a scrapbook page, didn't look right, so I added stuff, and more stuff...now I really don't like it.

Maybe it's the heat that just makes me downright rotten.
It's only 90 degrees and the humidity dropped it is only 95% now.

Be back later with something nicer.
Promise.

Wicked Case of the Unfairs

Yep, got a wicked case.
Can't stop screaching, "Unfair!"
Been pouting all day.
And to think I am constantly telling the kid, "life's not fair...deal!"

Hmph!
Off to pout and stomp just a little more.
"So, not fair!"

Be back later and I'll post something good.
Promise.
After I am done with my temper tantrum.

You know you're getting old when...

not only can you not acurately see the shape of a sketch, but you can't read the letters on the typepad word verification to save your life!

Seriously! Lately it has been taking me an average of 3-4 times to get those stupid letters on the Typepad right. Sometimes I get so frustrated I just quit.
Am I the only one?
Is typepad making them more difficult so that it can laugh at the verification challenged?
Am I getting them right, they just like messing with me?
So frustrating.

Blogs with Music - Part 2

So happy to hear people's thoughts on this subject and honestly I was truly wondering if people were doing the same thing I was or knew some super secret way to comment without actually opening the blog. So just a few things, so I am totally clear...

* I wasn't referring to any particular blog...Not at all!! Although, Kathy, your Dirty Water has made me jump out of my seat more than once and cracks me up each time.

* And really, don't change your blog because of what I said, your blogs are all great!

* I can't wear headphones at work, it would look ridiculous and I am supposed to be listening for the phone, so that's out, but great suggestion.

* I never "get in trouble" at work, so don't worry about me. I think people in my office assume I do what I want all the time anyway, but when the music would blare, it was like a big, "Hey, look at me, I'm goofin' off again!"

* If it seems like I am commenting on your blog less, could it be because of the music? Well, yes. But it is only because sometimes I close out the blog fast because I can't find the damn pause and forget sometimes to go back and make that comment.

* And I completely agree with the people saying that the music and too much stuff slows down the blog, as bloggers, we have to remember that too much stuff does make the blog slower to load even with DSL which is a total turn off to some people. I am trying to simplify over time, but it is hard to know what to get rid of.

So, in conclusion.....
Music on blogs, totally fine if that's your thang.
I'm not in trouble because well, I do whatever I want at work and everybody is ok with it. (which is why I may never leave this job)

In the meantime, Donna B, you are one smart cookie!! She had the perfect solution, "Maybe sort those blogs into (if you're using Google Reader) blogs that have music & listen to those ones at home?" That is exactly what I am gonna do, but just wait til everybody leaves the office and I am all alone to check out the louder ones.

LOVED LOVED LOVED all the comments, it was like a little debate going on here yesterday and I LOVED it, so don't be strangers ladies, love hearing your voices and gonna check out all the new faces today...When the office is empty in case there's music, of course.

Blogs with Music

Like many people, I'm sure, I do most of my blogging and blog surfing at work.
I have a daily schedule.
Get to work somewhere near 9am.
Have a snack.
Make my blog posts.
Check out the Bloglines and see what everyone's up to.

It's really a great system, I am gradually getting myself ready to do some "real work" by starting out with a some light typing and reading. Or so it is how I justify it to myself, sounds good.
Well, like many of you, I read posts and usually have something to say about your cards, your kids, what's going on in your worlds. I'm a big mouth like that and figure, if I spent all that time looking and reading, why wouldn't I comment?

Now, correct if I am wrong...please, it will solve this whole problem I am having, I have to click on your actual blog posts or blogs in order to leave a comment. I don't see how I can comment right there in Bloglines, but I could be wrong.

So your blog opens.
I see the post.
I see your great blogs and love them.
But then....
I hear loud music.
Probably one of your favorite songs, or so I am guessing.
It is playing now louder than the online radio I am listeing to and I begin the frantic hunt
Scrolling down, down....
Searching left sidebar, right side bar....
Where is it?!!
I need to find the pause on this Kelly Clarkson song!!
If I don't find it fast I just close the blog, immediately.
Sometimes they are waaaaayyyyyyy at the bottom and there are 20 posts before it, so that takes to long and I just close.

As soon as the music starts, it is pretty obvious it is not the quiet radio I am listening too, and anyone in the office at the time stops whatever they're doing. They can be on a call and they pause. They're talking about something and then, silence.
Plus, the site of me frantically scrolling is probably a sight.

So....solution???
Anyone?
I can't turn off my volume otherwise I can't listen to the radio.
And I can't turn off sounds on websites because again, the radio won't play.

The blogs I really frequent, I know where it is and go right to it, usually beating even the first note, but truth is, sometimes I forget who has it. Or I click on a blog I have never visited.
Anyone else have this problem?
And if so, what do ya do?
I don't wanna stop commenting, I never shut up.

So any advice is appreciated.

Challenge 7 - GLITTER

Challenge 7 is up over at the Amuseapalooza blog and it is time to add a little sparkle. You may use your choice of ink, papers, colors, stamps (please use at least one A Muse stamp if possible), embellishments, etc. but you gotta add the Glitter.

UGH...Glitter!

I have pretty strong opinions on glitter, love the look hate the aftermath.
I feel like Demetri Martin does

"I like to do crafts. I work quite a bit with glitter. Don't worry, I make tough
stuff, like daggers and skulls.
The thing about glitter is, if you get it on
you, be prepared to have it on you forever. 'Cause glitter doesn't go away.
Glitter is the herpes of craft supplies."

And people that have glitter pass it to other people without even knowing it. Those poor unsuspecting people just sharing a hug with a friend, then, oh, what's that? A little sparkle of something on your cheek??
You've been glittered!

I try to keep my glitter use to a minimum at all times and keep it as controlled as possible. I prefer stinkles or glittered pens as opposed to looks glitter but even those products run a risk.
When I do use glitter, especially in my house, I expect that I will be sparlking unknowingly for about a week and my poor son my find a speck here and there as well. Everybody knows how easily glitter goes airborn and travels with ya, out the front door and into your car, then to your desk at work and even sometimes to your mother's house.
Pesky little specks.

So, I'm not a fan.
Love how it looks, hate its devilish powers.

But I am in for the challenge.
Just don't visit, hug me or shake my hand for about a week.

Sick and Single

As I found myself at a counter ordering food Monday night at the peek of my vacation illness. Head pounding, ears aching, throat aflame,I barely had the strength to order potsickers and white rice. All I wanted was to go home, get in bed, take more drugs, but instead I had to drive out to get food for the boy and ordering sounded so much better than cooking and dirty dishes.
So there I stood.
Trying not to breathe in the general direction of the kitchen.
Waiting then for the kids precious Thai treats.
When I over hear three women out for a bite and girl talk just bashing their husbands as though it were a competition, "Who has the worst husband?"
Sure I was listening, but it's a small place.
No, really it is.
And they were loud with their competitive complaining.

"He doesn't even change the diapers right."
"He didn't even buy the tickets yet."
"He let Emily wear pink tights and a brown skirt."

I just sat there thinking, you don't even know how lucky you are.
It's when I am sick that I feel the "single mom syndrome" the most.
Sure there are perks to being single, like doing things my way all the time and never having to compromise. Or never having to put up with man crap like toilet seats up and inappropriate scratching.
But it is always only me.
Especially hard when you are sick because regardless, you are on duty.
No matter how sick you are, you will still have to feed a child, drive to school, do homework.
Nothing like trying 5th grade geometry while your head is thumping with a jungle beat.

The worst was when my little guy was younger and god forbid I would get a stomach flu... Diapers and nausea just don't mix let me tell ya.
Now that he is older, it is a little easier.
And for about 3 minutes on Monday he wanted to take care of me, which was cute.
But regardless of how sick I felt, I couldn't go to bed at 7p like I wanted.
Still had to drive my sorry butt out to that Thai restaurant for potstickers.

Don't get me wrong, I love being a mom, don't really mind being a single mom most days, but sometimes, especially when I am sick, I feel being single so much stronger.
And most days I hear wives complaining about silly things like that, I just shake my head and think, "you are so lucky just to have somebody to take out the garbage".

Pulled into the Gas Station This Morning...

and cried and cried and cried....
$3.75 a gallon for the cheap stuff, at the cheap place.

I'm gonna need to work from home more.
And get a basket for my bike.

cry, cry, cry

PSA - Stay Clear of Wolf Camera!!

Saved my pennies.
Was finally gonna break down and buy it.
But thought that free shipping, free tax and free printer was the best way to go.
Man, was I wrong.
Shoulda looked here first.

First they wouldn't put through my charge and send me out my new toy, which I paid overnight shipping for. And now they won't give me my money back!!!
It's been days and I cancelled right away when I knew they were screwin' me, so I could just go buy it in a store and pay our ridiculous tax.

Warning....Do not buy ANYTHING from Wolfcamera.com...Worst customer service and business practices ever!!!!
And if you are ever buying anything electronic and dropping mad cash, check here first!
Wish I did.

Now, no special mom's day gift for me.

Note about Grey's

Just a brief note to the creators of Grey's Anatomy...

I stuck with ya when you added more drama and less patients.
I hung in there when you just started killing people off to keep people watching.
I even defended ya when Meredith picked the totally wrong guy.
But come on.
Mixing a horrible spinoff show with my beloved Grey's...
Using city scenes to transition between plots...
Creating a less than imaginative storyline with a Grey-esque medical emergency...
Enough!
Your hopes of becoming more famous and making more money with a new version of Grey's just ain't gonna happen.
Let it go.
And NEVER mix any of that crap with my Grey's again!
Go back to Grey's and stay there.

Thank you!