Impatient.

I'm horrible @ keeping secrets. Horrible @ patiently waiting for something. I'd be a basket case if ever prego b/c I could never wait 9 months for something that fab to happen.

I'm thinking about entering the Scrapbooker of the Year contest through CK. But, that means I need to create 12 fabbity LOs between now and June-ish that I can't share with anyone.

But, I'm sharing this one. It's too fab not to. Plus, it's not CK material. I must give credit where credit is due. Got the idea for the scalloped background from Missy's Dare LO this week. Plus, Michelle previously scrapped these crazy pics. I know Angie can't get enough of our tipsiness floating around cyberspace. Enjoy, loyal readers.

One other thing. A shout out to the fabulous Em. Do check out her blog today. There are some wonderful words and some touching pics. Love it, Em!

I'm off to get a little Grey's Anatomy fix. I've been itching for it for weeks now. Can't wait to put on my pjs and get comfy with a little Dr. McDreamy.

Eating My Way Through the Weekend

Had a totally great first half of the weekend.

Drove to Angie's last night straight from work to scrap it up. Got to talk to Michelle and Em last night (my Internet friends). Hung out with Angie for most of the day today, too. And even got a visit some relatives who happened to be around for the weekend.

One main theme of my weekend was definitely friendship, as it's always great to be able to spend so much time with Ang. Even if we aren't really doing anything, we still have a great time and tons to talk about.

Another main theme of my weekend, though, was food. I probably consumed more calories in the past 24 hours than someone in a third world country does in a week. Like I told Michelle last night, we're not exactly thin here in WI, but no one person should eat this much. Here's the list. Anything sound good?

Pizza and cheese bread from Sammy's (where Angie knew the waitress)
Lambrusco (only two glasses, much to Michelle's disappointment)
Ice Cream (purchased, but never actually eaten)
Chocolate Chip Pancake (only ate half, as it was bigger than my face!)
Bacon
Hot Chocolate
White Cherry Icee from Target
Chocolate Beefsticks (aka Chocolate Carmel Sticks--new from Hershey's)
Taco John's (tacos and potato oles)
Ka-Bobs for dinner (made at home and oh-so-yummy!)

Would you believe that no where in there did I drink any Coke?!? How disappointment. And would you believe that right at this very moment, Brad is begging for me to go out for ice cream with him?!?! Ugh. I don't think I can do it.

Have some scrappy stuff to share later. Ta ta.

It's FRIDAY!!!!!

Raise your Starbucks cups and toast to Friday! Hooray!!!!!!

It's been a long week, and I'm thrilled that's it's almost over. Have big plans to scrap with Ang tonight. You should see all the crap I packed up.

We're even having a slumber party. Watch out! You never know who we might call. Is your refrigerator running? He, he, he.

No. 24

It's been awhile since I've done it up Effer style. But, with Ali E. as inspiration this week, I couldn't resist. This week's dare was to observe life around you. I focused on my job: my attitude towards it and the attitudes of people around me.



For those loyal Babble readers and close friends, you know I've totally been in a work-related funk lately. It's started to get really ugly--my attitude and outlook toward work is carrying over into my "normal" life. I'll spare you any rambling about it tonight. But, this dare was a really helpful chance for me to really think about what makes me happy.

I loved Angie's post about happiness tonight. Happiness is a condition we create. It's not about having things or about achievements. It is about living life. I can't believe how many people waste such a huge portion of their life being unhappy. I don't want to be one of those people. I won't be one of those people.

Speaking of happy, Em (drinker of four beers on a school night) entertained me with some fabulously funny emails. Thanks for the laughs, Em!

High Five

Haven't done a fun little tag or list thing for quite awhile. I found this on Chiara's blog.

5 things In my fridge
Milk
Cherry Kool-Aid
Cauliflower
Half-drank bottle of wine (A travesty, I know!)
Left-over Potato Salad

In my closet
(I'm pretty organized about this)
clothes
shoes
luggage
purses
pink cowboy hat

In my purse
Coupons for my LSS
Work Keys
Cell Phone
Burt's Bees Lip Balm
Hand Lotion

In my car
Empty chocolate milk bottle
CDs
My glasses (I never wear them)
Empty shoe box
Gym bag (It hardly ever leaves the car)

I tag the Bloggin' CJ gals. Can't wait to get to know everyone better.

Lazy Routines

Have been feeling really worn out and just not myself lately. Took a sick day to take care of myself. Lots of sleep and lots of liquid.

Didn't take off my flannel pants all day.
Drank tea with my breakfast out of my big, blue mug.
No shower.
Napped on the couch with the dog.
Read for awhile.
Didn't answer the phone.
Watched Bridget Jones's Diary.

What are your sick / lazy day routines?
How do you take care of yourself when you're not feeling so great?

I made friends today.

I know that sounds like a really juvenile thing to say, but I made a whole bunch of friends tonight!!!!!!!

The fabulous KatPost has organized a rockin' CJ filled with awesome ladies. Check out all of their links over to the side. Can't wait to learn more about you and get scrappy, gals!

Am off to bed early. Am not feeling 100%. The kiddos prey on that, you know. Any weakness they can sense and pounce upon.

The End

I always get a little sad on Sundays. It seems I never get everything done that I should over the weekend. It makes me sad to think that another week passed, and I didn't really do anything spectacular.

In more optimistic and pleasant news. . . .
We had a romantic getaway in Door County this weekend. The weather was miserable, but we had a relaxing time any way. On Saturday we visited a winery where we ran in to a friend of the family that I haven't seen for almost two years. A fun little coincidence.

I also got a pack of pictures developed. They (along with the five boxes of goodies I got last week) will keep me busy scrapping away next weekend.

I always start looking forward to the weekend on Sunday. It's a part of my beat the Sunday sadness strategy.

P.S. I know some of my bloggy friends had exciting weekends. Kat and Michelle cropped together, Angie went to a family wedding, and Emily went to the sympony and a fancy dinner. Can't wait to hear all about it tomorrow girls!

Since January

Way back at the beginning of the year I made a bunch of resolutions.

I have been fabulously successful at not losing any weight, the first of my resolutions. Hooray for me!!!!!

I wanted to read one actual novel each month. I do read all the time, but it hasn't been novels lately. Mostly books for grad class. Learning about literacy coaching hardly counts as relaxing with a good book. I give myself a D- on this resolution.

I also resolved to lessen my stash by making one LO each month only using supplies from my stash. This was a tragically flawed resolution to begin with. I have been making a LO each month from my stash, but I'm also buying tons of stuff to replenish (and increase my stash). What was I thinking with this one?!?!

I resolved to become a published scrapper. I've submitted to a few places. I get an A for effort, but an F for actual success.

I resolved to send cards and letters again. I'm doing embarrassingly horrible with this. My mom's bday was way back in March. I still haven't sent her card. And she is my own mother. How terrible of me. F- for that resolution.

Lastly, I resolved to cook one new meal a week. You might guess from all my previous resoultions that I'm also doing poorly with this one. Come on! Have some faith in me. I've been cooking new meals like crazy. This week we enjoyed salmon topped with tomatoes and cooked in foil with a side of pasta primavera. Compliments of Giada de Laurentiis. YUMM-O.


So, fess up. How are your resolutions coming along?

My adventures in Cyberspace

Big confession. . . .I've never really chatted on the Internet before.

But, I did last night!!!!!! Angie, Kat, Michelle, and Em worked past all the technical difficulties and chatted. It was so fun that I totally lost track of time. Somehow I managed to sit on the computer talking with these chicas for like three hours. No lie. Three hours. It might have been the half a bottle of wine that helped me lose track of time. (I can't quite pour 'em back like Angie or Kat, but I can handle my liquor better than Michelle!!!!!)

Love ya, gals! I sometimes still get weirded out by the fact that I now have virtual friends. It's just so crazy and fun that this hobby brought us all together. Ahhh. Tear in my eye.

In other news, I'm having dinner with some gals from work tonight (@ a fun Mexican restaurant that ends dinner with a chocolately shot of something alcoholic) and then heading my butt home to do some serious school work. I want to go on a romantic rendezvous with Brad this weekend and can't do it if I don't kick it in gear for grad school and work.

Brad @ Work, Shopping, Celebrating (and Easter)

I have a very high class problem today. I have too much to post about. So, beware. This is a very rambling post.

Brad @ Work
Since Brad got his postal uniforms (and actually looks like a real post man), I went to take some pictures of him at work. He's such a good sport about my crazy obsession. There was a lady in the house we were parked right outside of, though, that thought I was a total nutcase. I could tell from the way she kept looking out her window.

Isn't he a hottie?!? Just wait until summer, Ladies. I'm soooo taking some pictures of those mail man shorts!

Shopping
I bought four new outfits (and that's not counting all the other mix and match combinations!). Three skirts, one pair of cargo khaki capris, one sweater, three shirts, two t-shirts. I am going to be a new girl. I even bought a pair of shoes. I bought a book (Eat, Live, Pray). I ate a pretzel and drank a Green Tea Blackberry Frapp. Even Brad got in to the shoppy mood. He bought a hot new dress outfit and two pairs of shoes. He's such a honey about getting dressed up. He loves it!

Amazing with all that shopping, I even had time to place (another) Internet order for some scrappy goodies including new paper from Cactus Pink, some phat (couldn't resist that word!) rub-ons, some ribbon slides from Maya Road, and a few other random paper and embellishment goodies. Can't wait for that box to arrive.

Celebrating
To top it all off, we had a fabbity dinner and some drinks with Mike and Angie to celebrate their second anniversary. Total laugh riot. Between Friday and last night night, I probably bunred a million caolories just laughing. We went to the Melting Pot for a 2.5 hour dining experience. It was SO GOOD! My favorite part was most certainly the dessert (the Flaming Turtle). It doesn't get any better than melted chocolate, caramel, and nuts with all kinds of goodies to dip in it.

P.S. Sorry the pics are limited. Blogger is being RIDICULOUS this morning about uploading pictures.

We followed up with ultimate dining experience with the ultimate drinking experience at a local martini bar. Word to the wise. . . do not ever order a martini with the word MONKEY in the title. I got the Chocolate Monkey (the suspciously brown drink in the picture below) or something like that. So GROSS! It didn't taste like chocolate at all and did, in fact, taste exactly like what I'd imagine it would taste like to take a big bite out of a monkey! Brad drank it for me, and I got to drink his yummy Grasshopper Martini.

For now, Happy Bunny Day. I need to make an appetizer for a family dinner later. I need to grocery shop. I need to finish my 21 Day Challenge!!!!!!!!!! I have one other scrappy project to work on. I need to do a little bit more laundry. It's going to be a busy day. Thank goodness Grey's is a re-run. It gives me an extra 60 minutes to get work done.

One more thing. . . what is the best place your Easter basket has ever been hidden? My parents once put mine in the dryer. I was maybe 12 or so. I couldn't find the basket and got so frustrated that I refused to continue looking for it. Finally, later in the evening, my parents gave it up and told me where it was. They were so proud of themselves.

Drinking and the Internet

After a long day of organizing, invitation making, and some serious crab eating, Angie and I decided to have some celebratory vino for Kat's b-day (Angie sprung for the humongo $6 bottle, Kat!). We accidentely discovered the Internet equivalent of drunk dialing:

Taking pictures of yourself and sending them to your Internet buddies! Watch out! You never know what might be in your email. P.S. If you're ever at Starbucks and we call you on your cell phone to tell you that "you have mail," you should go right home. IMMEDIATELY! To check your email.































Here's a fun list of numbers related to today:
0--the number of times Angie and I have been published
1--the number of times Mike has been published (damn right you, Darers)
Too Many--the number of times Mike reminded us of having been published
5--the number of hole punches I found while cleaning Angie's craft room today
50--the number of years my Grandparents have been married as of today
500--the number of crab legs we consumed tonight (most of which were eaten by Mike)
5,000--the number of times I laughed so hard today I thought I'd pee my pants
50,000--the number of times Angie and I checked for responses from the Blogging friends we drunk e-mailed tonight

Funny things we laughed about tonight:
1. Faye Morrow Bell
What do you think about a Where in the World is Faye Morrow Bell blog? She's been MIA from CK for quite awhile now. We think she might be making a page inspired by a garbage can or something. J/K. We do really love your quirky style FMB.
2. Really bad scrapbook pages
We're such bitches. Total bitches.
3. The Office
I've never been a viewer, but Mike and Ang tivoed it. I have to admit--it was hilarious.
4. 24
What's with all the beeping? I mean, really. Beep, beep. Stop it! I think my DH might have a heart attack while watching the show it's so intense.
5. Angie's keyboard
It squeeks. She's apparently an "aggressive typer" and has caused unusual wear on her keyboard (I don't think this is covered by the warranty, Ang). It sounds like a million little mice babies are running around beneath her keyboard.

I should probably go now. I need to drink some more wine, I think.

It's Day 18 of 21. I did three LOs tonight to catch up. Thanks to Em for some of the goodies on LO # 3.

Ummmmm. Very tired. Must sleep now.

I've Missed Y'all

I've totally been out of Blogging and Scrapping world this week. I'm feeling distant and lost from all my virtual friends. How strange that I feel so lost from something I didn't have a year ago. How are all of you?!

I have to do a quick tribute to the word "y'all." We don't say it here. Instead we say something ridiculous like "yous guys." No. It's not a typo. I meant to put an "s" on the end of "yous." That's how we talk here. I say y'all every chance I get in my classroom. The kids think it's hilarious. But, it's kind of like my own little movement to help people start using the word here. I like it because it's interesting and gender neutral.

Any way . . .

Last night we helped our friends celebrate their daughter's first birthday. Isn't she a DIVA!?!?? She didn't even want to rub the cake in her hair. Her mom made her do it! (Can't wait to scrap this.)

Her dad is in the Army, currently serving month 8 of a 12 month deployment. He's home on leave right now for 15 days. Check out the news story about him. I'm so proud of him. He's incredibly brave and making such an enormous sacrifice. And, I'm so proud of my friend, too. She's been so strong and independent and brave through all of this. Their love and support for each other is incredible. I really am inspired by them. Their struggles put everything in to perspective for me. My little disagreements with Brad or complaints about my job or every day headaches are nothing compared to the sacrifices of others.

Complete change of subject. I do need to brag for just a minute. I have no kids. But, Brad and I rock at buying kid gifts. We got Noah and Chase this very cool zoo for their first birthday. They love it! And we got Natalie a cute little outfit and some very cool giant Legos. She loved it! The blocks more than the outfit. We are like the coolest Aunt and Uncle ever!

Anyway. . .

I am planning to get caught up on the 21 Day Challenge tonight. Plus, I need to do the dishes before Brad evicts me. Plus, I need to do a little packing for a day in GB tomorrow. Am so excited. Haven't hung out with Angie in what seems like forever! Can't wait!!!!

All Caught Up

This little fitness lady I see at the gym (I can't bring myself to call her a trainer because she's not a totally fitness crazed drill sargeant, like the word trainer brings to mind) is always telling me that I'm still exercising even if I'm just outside walking or cutting the grass (not that I do that!) or something. I'm still working toward the 21 Day Challenge even if my LOs aren't about the quotes, right?

That's just a little something I'm telling myself to make me feel better about getting behind yesterday. This really takes a lot of work to stay caught up. Huge applause for my scrappy friend, Amy. Check out her gallery at 2Peas. She's been caught up the whole time!

Anyway, here's my Day 14.

And My Day 15.

I don't know that I'm any closer to finding my style, my goal for this whole thing. I think my style changes a lot with what kind of product I'm working with. Does that make me a poser?

This is getting too philosophical tonight. Must get some sleep. I have a 7am meeting to analyze developmental spelling stages of students. UGH.

Weekend LOs

I should totally be working on one of my last big projects for grad school, but it's so much more fun to share my latest LOs with all of you.

I also need to thank my weekend scrapping mentor and assistant. Her supplies were plentiful, advice was excellent, and conversation was outstanding. THANKS!

LO # 1: Journey
Thought I should commemorate all the hours that went into to finishing the final project for my MSE.

LO# 2: Grandma
I've shared this pic of my grandma as a little girl before. I haven't done a LO of her since just before she died.

LO # 3: Boys of Summer
These are from last time Noah and Chase were in WI. Don't they look like little old men in these hats? So cute!

LO # 4: I See You
This is an older pic of Noah. This paper is a bit obnoxious, but I thought it went well with the pic.LO # 5: Hat Boy
A very quick LO to commemorate Noah's love of hats. So cute!

Now, I know what you're thinking. A girl can't use that much stuff from her stash wihtout replacing some of it. Here (drum roll, please) are my latest scrapping purchases. In my defense, Rhonna's 21 Day Challenge has really been helping me use some of what I have. I was due for some new stuff.

Day 12 and 13

I took my scrapping on the road, but I have been finishing my pages for the 21 Day Challenge on time. Honest. I have. Here's my work for Day 12 and Day 13.

Day 12

Day 13

Besides these fabulous concoctions, I've also found time to eat ice cream (twice today) and enjoy some Starbucks (Hopefully, I redeemed myself in your eyes, Michelle!). Amazingly enough, I even managed enough time to create a few other LOs and do PLENTY of scrap shopping. Wait until you see all of my fun new stuff! I'll post pics of the other LOs and all my loot tomorrow.

5:40 a.m. Day 11

The stickles are dry! I left a few extra minutes this morning to share it.

Now, I'm headed to Walmart to buy some candy for the kids. I don't imagine that any day that starts with a trip to Walmart at 6am can turn out all that great. No time for Starbucks today, either. I have a morning meeting, and it's too far out of the way.

Day 11

My Day 11 is finished. It's after 10pm (I hardly ever stay up this late on a school night). But. . . The very cute Stickles won't dry. I can't scan and share because I would glittery mush all over my scanner. How frustrating.

In other news, I'm busy preparing for a big scrappy weekend. The LOs probably won't get posted until Sunday. But, I promise not to fall behind.

Got to babysit Natalie again tonight. She's such a sweetie! Nicky is busy getting ready for Chris to come home on leave. I am so excited for them to be a family again for awhile. He comes home tomorrow!

Take care everyone. Will be back Sunday.

XOXO

Day 10

I can be such a brat. The last thing I said before I went in to my craftroom tonight to do Day 10, was "Ugh. I really don't want to do this tonight." I proceeded to launch in to a huge bitch session about how I didn't feel like doing the challenge. In the end, I'm glad I buckled down and did it.

That's not the attitude to start anything with. But, it was kind of the motto for my day. I'm so in need to learn how to adapt to change. It was hat day today at school. I'm such a brat that I wouldn't let the kids wear hats in my room. I'm telling you. I don't adapt to change well.

Reasons why I'm Bratty:

1. When we go on vacation, I pout for days about the stress of packing. I've even been known to throw fits and threaten not to actually go on the vacation just because I don't really want to pack.
2. If all a restaurant has is Pepsi, I will order something other than soda.
3. I really only like my own dog. Other people's dogs are cute, but I don't want to cuddle or pet them much at all.
4. I sometimes imagine what people around me would look like with an Extreme Makeover.
5. I consider going to the least desirable Walmart in my area so that I can feel thin and beautiful and rich in comparison with the other shoppers. I, of course, will refuse to buy anything while I'm there.
6. When we bought our house, I threw a crying fit in Home Depot and again in front of the realtor because I was completely disappointed the house we just bought didn't have a huge, beautiful kitchen.
7. There's a woman who works out at the same time I do. She never stops talking! If she's anywhere in sight when I get there, I'll go to another room to completely avoid her. I'll even shoot her evil glances. Just because she has bad hair (top of the head pony tail in a scrunchy) and I don't want to talk to her.

I really could go on and on, but I'm starting to embarass myself. I do think, though, that I would make a great celebrity. My list of backstage demands would be extensive and detail-oriented. What is your brattiest moment or habit? Do share. Please.

Day 9 : My Itinerary

Super long day today. Here's the synopsis.

6:30 Met the carpool
Morning: Standardized testing
After School: Missed the library tea (but my colleagues brought me pie--twice)
5pm: Gym (but left early because annoying loud lady was there)
6pm: McDonalds and hanging out with Nicky and Natalie
8pm: Home to do Day 9

9:20: Thinking about getting off the computer to hang out with Brad.

P.S. Brad got his postal uniforms today. His official postal uniforms. Only problem--he's lost so much weight since he started, nothing fits. Oh well. Guess I'll have to wait a little longer to take pictures. Come on! It's begging to be a LO.

Rhonna: Day 8

You have the power to change.

That's our advice today from the wise Rhonna.

I went in kind of a strange direction with this. If I was a superhero, I think my special power would be the ability to change things. I could just change things whenever they weren't going my way or whenever I sensed an injustice. What would your superhero power be?

P.S. If you haven't read Em's blog today, you positevely must. I almost peed my pants laughing! Thanks, Em.

Rhonna: Day 7 of 21

This is my 7th day for the Rhonna's challenge. I really needed to narrow it down to my worst bad habits. So, I chose bad habits specifically related to things I do. There are plenty of other bad habits related to things I think and say. Is it a bad sign that my bad habits are so plentiful they need to be divided into categories ?!
With one week complete, I'm not sure how much closer I am to finding my style.

Day 6 and Other Projects

Here's my Day 6.

In other news, I scrapped with my mother-in-law, Sue, today. We had a blast. Started off the day with a little shopping. My LSS is having an anniversary sale. Tomorrow they're giving away a $500 gift card. Sue or I are so going to win! We agreed to split it.

LO # 1: Pals
This is a total rip off of something posted as part of the Scrapbook Stand's February Kit. But, it's such a fun page that I needed to share it.

LO # 2: Trouble with Toys
An older pic of my newphews enjoying their toys. These are some crazy new colors for me. I'm not scared of color, I just don't use primary colors very often. But, I loved the ribbon and bought the paper to match.

Now, we're headed to dinner. Should be a fun night.