Advent Calendar

I love the Day 5 prompt (How do you count down to Christmas?).
Really, I did.

But, this page took up way too much time to be part of my stress-free Christmas plan.


In other news, if I ever manage to get our of my pajamas today I have lots to do:

1. Pick up Brad's birthday gift. (I bought him an iPod Nano. It's save to say this on my blog because he never, ever reads my blog.)
2. Grocery shop for Brad's birthday dinner. (He wants prime rib.)
3. Bake cupcakes for Brad's birthday. (Are you sensing a theme here?)
   
4. Buy a few Christmas gifts if I can even get close to the mall.
5. Get my scrap on. I have some crafty gifts planned.
   

Day 4: Christmas Perfection

If you know me, you know I can be a a big perfectionist.
Okay.
I am a big perfectionist.

So, today's journal prompt was great for me. What might your perfect Christmas be like? I took kind of a funny twist and made some outrageous requests for my perfect Christmas.

Hmmmmm. So far none of them have happened. I think the only one I'm even close to is having a Peppermint Mocha every day.

Christmas Journal: Day 3

The Christmas-y prompt for today was all about cards.

I've only gotten one Christmas card so far this year--Ang and Mike's cute card! And I decided not to send any myself. It was part of the de-stressing plan for the holidays.

I've wanted to do a LO like this (made from old Christmas cards) since I saw it on Ali E.'s blog last year. These cards are a compilation of some I've saved from the past two Christmases.

Tell me about your Christmas cards.

I refuse to be the Grinch!

I refuse to ruin Christmas for all the Whos in Whoville!
I want to open presents and sing songs and feast with all the other Whos!

I'm tired of Christmas being this big stressful affair where all I do is worry about which relatives I won't manage to cram in to the visit home or whether or not I'll buy the right gifts. I am going to have a stress-free Christmas this year.

Thus--my Christmas journal is born.
I will take time every day to remember the good things about the holidays.

I'm doing a Christmas Art Journal class hosted by Shimelle (whose love of all things cupcake might just make her my scrappy British twin). Everyone else is on day 5 or 6 of 37. Not me. I finished Day 1 yesterday and Day 2 today.

I'm behind.

That's just how it's going to be.

See?!?!?

It's working already! That's me. Not being stressed!

Day 1: Christmas Manifesto

Day 2: What kind of weather makes Christmas feel right?
Sorry for the bad pic. Can't get that color to photograph quite right.

Happy 27 to Me!

Had a fabulous birthday weekend topped off with surprise posts from super-thoughtful friends. Check them all out here. Tons of phone calls from friends and family, too. Thanks, everyone.

Wanted to share a quick pick of the fantastic-should-go-into-business Black Forest cupcakes that Angie and I concocted Saturday.

Cocoa powder. Heavy whipping cream. Plenty of cherry brandy. What's there not to love?!?

Sunday we went (in the freezing cold) to get our tree. No snow--just cold, cold, cold. Had to have a little Starbucks pick me up before braving the weather.SStay tuned for some pictures of the Christmas tree (sometime soon!)

I'm OKAY!

Okay. So, for everyone I've made nervous and worried.

I am pleased to announce (drum roll, please!). . . . . . . .

I am feeling fabulous today!

I still don't have my normal robust appetite (That's right. My appetite is not small, delicate, or lady-like. It is robust). But, I feel fantastic. No pain pills in about 24 hours.

Tons of good things happening to me today:

NON-Scrap Related:

• Emails from friends checking up
• Some very unexpected flowers from new friends
  
• A birthday package (Giada cookbook)
• A birthday card (with a martini recipe my grandpa clipped from the paper for me)
• Fun dinner at home with friends
• Great celebratory plans for tomorrow

SCRAP Related

• These absolutely fabulous new scrappy goodies. Seriously. This girl is a genius. I always thought my biggest scrappy girl crush was on Ali E., but this girl is giving her some serious competition.
• A cyber-crop at Scrap-tastic. How fun!
• A crazy-expensive package filled with scrappy goodies including (but not limited to): Hambly rub-ons, Hambly Christmas transparency, chipboard snowflakes, rubber stamps, more stick pins
  

Now that I have probably sickened all of you with my happiness, I'm retiring to my scraproom.

Not even a little like Seattle Grace

(This post brought to you by Demerol, Valium, and Protonix.)

So. . . On Monday it was really hard to swallow anything that wasn't really chewed.
Then, on Tuesday, my stomach started to feel like someone kicked me in the gut.
Then, on Wednesday I went to the doctor.

I ended up at two different doctors (one for a consult and another for x-rays).
That got me nowhere.

So, I ended up spending 7+ hours in the emergency room having a variety of strange tests (including one that required me to consume 84 oz. of liquid--the only thing resembling food or water I had in more than 24 hours). I cried a lot.

Then, they told me I had something wrong with my pancreas. Pancreatistis--I think. Which I Googled today. I hope that is not truly what I have, as it sounds way serious and long-term.

Then, on Thursday, I had to go back to be put under so a camera could be shoved down my throat. This was the part I was freaked about the most, but it was actually the best part. I got like two hours of fabulous sleep and don't remember anything.

Then, they told me I also have a cute, little, baby ulcer.

I can tell you--from first hand experience--that a real hospital is NOTHING like Seattle Grace. None of the doctors were cute (not even one). Not that I was really prowling around looking for it, but there weren't any doctors or nurses making out in the stairwells either. There were no panties hanging on bulletin boards. There were not people yelling at each other and did not appear to be any patients with strange disorders such as pec implants or men with uteruses.

And--this is the saddest part--I'm going to forego my Valium tonight until after Grey's Anatomy. It's been a crappy enough two days; I can't miss my favorite show, too.

DT Entry and an Update

The fabulous Scrap-tastic is having tryouts to add Girlies to their DT. Here is my entry:

Boys (a new LO of Noah and Chase)
Bingo (commemorating Darla's big win)
Girls in Vegas (a cute shot of Ang and me)
Altered Tree (not really my style, but turned out pretty cute)
Here's an update of my list of things to do from the weekend:

Not-so-Fun Things: Saturday
1. Dishes (haven't done them for three days) DONE BY BRAD on Sunday!
2. Pay bills / Balance checkbook DONE (but not until Sunday)!
3. Vacuum Only the Scraproom :)
4. A few little work chores (via email)

Fun Things: Saturday
1. Scrapbook (got 100+ pics of the nephews yesterday!) DONE on Sunday
2. Make dinner (Chicken Cordon Bleu!) DONE and totally yummy!
3. Put up the Christmas village DONE
4. Order some goodies from Origins DONE with free shipping!
5. Do a little on-line Christmas shopping

Things to do: Sunday
1. Cut down Christmas tree (and visit Santa) Didn't happen. Maybe next weekend.
2. Fight about whether the lights should be draped or shoved in the branches
3. Grocery shop DONE

In other very important news. . . .
One week until my birthday! I already scored a few fab gifts from my family at Thanksgiving and made plans today to celebrate with Mike and Ang next weekend. I'm really getting excited.

Things to do

Not-so-Fun Things: Today
1. Dishes (haven't done them for three days)
2. Pay bills / Balance checkbook
3. Vacuum
4. A few little work chores (via email)

Fun Things: Today
1. Scrapbook (got 100+ pics of the nephews yesterday!)
2. Make dinner (Chicken Cordon Bleu!)
3. Put up the Christmas village
4. Order some goodies from Origins
5. Do a little on-line Christmas shopping

Things to do: Sunday
1. Cut down Christmas tree (and visit Santa)
2. Fight about whether the lights should be draped or shoved in the branches
3. Grocery shop

Not much else to say today!

Would anyone notice?

Saw this at the Pottery Barn yesterday. Except the ones in the store were much prettier--all filled with bulbs in green and blue and silver. Those people at the Pottery Barn are pretty near geniuses. Who else can throw a bunch of ornaments in a jar and make it look cute enough to charge like $300 for it.

But, seriously. I was thinking hard at the Pottery Barn yesterday. I want at least one of almost everything in the store and the catalogue.

My living room might look like this:
My office might look like this:My kitchen would definetely look like this:

But, there are several significant problems with my plan:
1. I'll never have a house big enough for all of it.
2. I'd never be able to afford all of it.
3. Everytime a new catalogue comes out, I'd have to start all over again!

Then, I really got to thinking:
Would anyone notice if I lived in the Pottery Barn store?

So, it's official.
I'm pursuing a plan to live at the Pottery Barn. Although, I think I'd need to choose one slightly larger than the one at my local mall. Where is the biggest Pottery Barn in the country?

Randomness

There are a million things that happened this week that I could complain about.
I'll spare you.

Lucky for Brad, he was also spared.
He ran off to stupid deer camp on Wednesday!
Stupid, stupid, stupid.

I'm glad the week is over.
I survived.

I ate out four times.
I had a Peppermint Mocha
(the true reason for the season)
WITH the fat and whip cream.

I'm getting thick skin.
So thick it's almost starting to get gross.
A little scaly and tough looking.

It has to stop soon.
I plan to energize myself this weekend.

Only have a three day week next week.

Loved me some Grey's Anatomy.
Bailey singing.
McDreamy all in the bubbles.
Alex and Izzie.
Poor George.

I'm buying Lion King tickets in 23 minutes for a show in May.
My parents are coming this afternoon.

My baby brother is 25. Can you believe that?
A quarter of a century.

11:12 on a School Night!

Can you even believe it?!?!

It's after 11pm.
On a school night.

I haven't even ventured to bed. No pjs. Nothing.
No sign I might go to bed anytime soon.

Work is a stressful place these days. It keeps me up at night.

I believe in what I'm doing. I know that I have the power to impact every single child in my building. But, I'd be a millionaire if I had even $1 for each person (student, parent, colleague, administrator, acquaintances) who questions the importance of my position.

How do I continue with what I do in the face of constant adversity? I am committed to doing what's best for kids, but how do I keep that resolve strong long-term when others work so hard to tell me my role is unimportant?

What's that smell?!?

This is seriously gross. I realize that.

But, I'm hoping that my loyal blog readers can offer me some help. Quick!

There is a horrible odor in my basement.
It's a cross between cat pee, BO, and just plain raunchy.

Memphis peed in the basement last week, but it was cleaned quickly and thoroughly.
The basement flooded last week and a small part of the carpet got a little wet, but it was cleaned quickly and thoroughly.

Nevertheless, you pretty much need a can of air freshner to even enter my basement.

And my parents and two of their friends are coming to stay with me next weekend.
Two of them are going to have to stay in the basement on the futon--
stink or no stink.

HELP! What can I do to get rid of the smell?

BOM Challenge # 2: Must See TV

My reign as a November Girlie of the Month at Scrap-tastic continues.

This week's Book of Me Challenge is to scrap about television.

Upload your LO at Scrap-tastic and link to a thread in the Forum. You'll name will be in a drawing for a fun little RAK if you finish by Tuesday 11/14/06.

Push Start

Um, yeah.
Total moment of complete stupidity tonight at the gas station.

I was on my phone while pumping gas .(I do not subscribe to the theory that this could cause spontaneous human combustion.)

I put my card in.
Replied "NO" because I didn't want a car wash.
Replied "YES" because I did want a receipt.
Lifted the hose into my gas tank.

And stood there.
And swore.
And stood there.

The gas would not pump.
I started over.
And swore.

The gas would not pump.
I got off my phone to trouble shoot.

I realized I skipped the step that required I push the LARGE, green button that said "START" to make the gas pump.

Driving and Dialing

I know this is a bad habit--really I do.

But, I have to make a confession. . .
It's become almost impossible for me to be in my car without being on the phone.

Even if I'm just going to the grocery store or the gym or (more likely) for ice cream.

I just get so lonely. (Sigh)

And bored.
And there's nothing on the radio. . . ever!
And the person next to me inevitably thinks I'm crazy if I talk to myself.

At least I'm not drinking and driving and dialing.

LMAO

Saw two donkeys at a farm on my way home from work tonight.
Don't know what it is about donkeys, but they always make me giggle.

I think it might have to do with Donkey on Shrek.

What's guaranteed to make you giggle?

Happy Hallo-weenie

He, he, he.

My staff had a Hallo-weenie party today.

You guessed it.
It was a pot luck that featured hot dogs as the main dish.

Have a Halloween LO I'd love to share.
But, Blogger is being RIDICULOUS and won't let me upload.
You can check it out here:
Boo!

Girlie of the Month!

Okay. I know it's not National Barb Month or anything, but I'm a Girlie of the Month at Scrap-tastic and am pretty darn excited about it.

Check out my creations for the Design Team here.

So excited I'm hosting some challenges with RAKs involved!

I'll post one challenge each Wednesday in November.

BOM Challenge # 1: Pencil it In!
Scrap your calendar.
Do it by day, by week, by month, by year. Your choice.


Here's how to play along:
Post your LO in the gallery at Scrap-Tastic.
Link it to the thread in the Forum.
Do it by Tuesday 11/7 at midnight.
Get your name in a drawing for a RAK.

Watch for the next challenge Wednesday 11/8.

Where do I even start?!?

I've been MIA for awhile. Lovin' teachers' convention--it's a great little vacation that I used to visit the Fam.

Here are the highlights. No photos--sorry.

• Dixie Land band at Organ Piper. Where (besides Wisconsin) can one eat pizza, drink beer, and watch a Dixie Land band comprised of men over 60 accompanied by a giant pipe organ? One really needs to see it to believe it!
• Shopping. Holy man was there shopping. Lots of Origins, a teapot and yummy new tea, a great new outfit.
• Scrapping. Got my scrap on with the fabulous Becky (of the awesome Scrap-tastic) on Friday and scrapped the weekend away, too.
• Jelly Belly. These folks have a warehouse near my aunt and uncle's house that we toured. Did you know it takes 7 - 10 days to make a single jelly bean?! The only bummer--we got candy corn rather than jelly beans at the end of the tour.

Brad and Memphis are on a big hunting trip; I've been home alone (a phrase that will forever make me think of Macauley Caulkin) for two nights. Both nights I made dinner and took it on the road. Last night I made chicken and rice for Nicky and Natalie. Tonight I made tuna casserole for Angie. Have food. Will travel.

One last tidbit for tonight. . .

Wednesday starts my reign as a Girlie of the Month at Scrap-tastic. I have a fun series of challenges planned. I'll post one challenge each Wednesday. Please! Play along!

Okay. I lied. All those political ads are a bad influence.

One more tidbit for tonight . . .

The only Halloween costume I've never worn was the princess. Can you even believe that? I've never dressed up as a princess! That might need to change.

Musical Dingbat

I am terrible at knowing who sings a song or the title of a song.
I'm terrible with musical trivia, in general.
I'm terrible at finding new music I want to listen to.

But, I would like some fun new tracks for my iPod. S
She loves living in her little pink case, but her life is just getting too monotonous lately.

Suggestions?

Confession of a Domestic Diva

Okay.

I hate to clean. I hate laundry. I hate paying bills.
I own an apron but never wear it.
I don't even subscribe to Martha Stewart Living.

The one domestic responsiblity I love--cooking!

Tonight's meal was compliments of Giada (a la Food Network)
Shrimp Fra Diavolo (spicy shrimp with chunky tomato sauce)
Ziti with Asparagus, Mozzarella, and Prosciutto

And--if I do say so myself--it was positively yummy! I would have paid money for it (or at least paid money to have someone to clean up the enormous mess I made while cooking the fabulous meal).

Brad had a super bad day at work and forced me to help him drink a bottle of wine.
DAMN that Brad!

Off to watch the Dallas Cheerleader Reality Show.

"It's all a big farce!"

So, as much as I hate it, Sunday usually ends up being our day for chores.

Grocery store
Dishes (Haven't done them since last weekend. YUCK!)
Raking (Blowing actually because Brad bought a fancy blower.
Vacuuming
Laundry

As I'm sorting the clothes this morning Brad just throws all his dirty clothes (he, like a toddler, seems to wear about three outfits a day!) into one basket--the basket with all my whites that have to be line-dryed.

I asked him to kindly remove his red t-shirt from the basket containing my ivory cords and sort his clothes. His reply?

"It's all a big farce!"

He went on to explain that he's never sorted his laundry and, in fact, does not believe in the sorting step of laundry-doing.

WHAT? Dudes just have it all wrong sometimes.

Anyway. As soon as I finish the dishes, I'm off to do some fall baking--oatmeal raisin cookies and apple crisp.

Then, I will work on my November project for Scrap-tastic. I'm one of the Girlies of the Month for November. Hooray!

Things I've Been

Which of the following did I never dress up as for Halloween?

Cheerleader
Giant Green Dinosaur
Gumball Machine
Playing Card
Princess
Prisoner
Witch

I've not the biggest Halloween fan. Honestly? It just seems like too much effort to get all dressed up. Not sure what I'll do this year.

Any brilliant costume plans?

I'll never be . . .

a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader.
Watched four episodes of that reality show last night on CMT. Those girls have some serious issues!

someone who loves to work out (or a skinny girl).
I can drag my big butt there with the best of them, but I can't even pretend I enjoy it. After two straight weeks of making it four times a week, I totally fell off the wagon. I haven't gone at all this week, and tonight I polished off half a large pizza.

someone who takes friendship lightly.
Sorry. Once you've got me as a friend--you're stuck with me. I'm definitely one of those people who has just a few very close friends rather than a lot of acquaintances. Also means I don't take it real lightly when friends take our friendship lightly.

mellow.
I'm a brooder. I can't just let it go. Whether it's something at work that's wrong, but completely beyond my control or something someone said to me or something that happened in my life that I have no control over, I just can't let it go. A major personality fault.

a mini-van driver.
Even if, due to some freak birth control incident, I end up being a crazed soccer mom, I will never, ever drive a mini-van. Nope. I'm much more of an SUV girl.

a contestant on the Family Feud.
I love game shows and used to love Family Feud--when Richard Dawson hosted it and kissed everyone. Now Al (from Home Improvement) hosts the show. He's a big improvement Louie (the large man who used to host it). But, the show just isn't what it used to be. Plus, there are very few members of my family that I would trust enough to take on Family Feud with me.

Hmmmmm. . . .

Found myself wondering today what kind of a sickness I could get that would require me to sit on the couch for several days and not talk to anyone or do anything. I, of course, wouldn't want to be in serious pain or actually feel sick at all. Hmmmmmm. Could someone arrange that for me?

I am not Ms. Scrap-tastic. But, this fabulous scrapper is. I have to admit--I'm a little bummed. Maybe not so much that I didn't win, but that the contest is over. It was lots of fun and the suspense at the end was intense. Hmmmmm. What should my next scrappy project be?

Brad proposed today that he would make the entire mortgage payment each and every month if I was willing to do all the cooking and cleaning. Hmmmmm. Is that a fair trade?

Was talking about blogging today and someone said, "I can't believe people actually write about the details of their life and expect that someone else wants to read about it." Hmmmm. Do I babble too much about minute details?

Pink, Pink, Pink

This weekend was a big weekend for pink purchases.

I got a fun new pink phone.
My old phone stopped charging and hardly ever got reception.
It was time.

I got fun new pink rubber gloves.
I lied to myself and told me that these gloves would make me want to do dishes.
Um, yeah.
I haven't done dishes since I bought them.

Must go now.
Brad has seized control of the remote control and will, inevitably, force me to watch baseball, football, or racing. Or worse yet--a show dedicated to talking about baseball, football, or racing.

Done!

I just finished my last LO for the Ms. Scrap-tastic contest. No one else has posted theirs to Scrap-tastic, and I don't want to be the first one. But, I can't bear the thought of not sharing it at all. So, I'm sharing it here.


The task was to create an All About Me LO that features some kind of a technique and includes a list (of at least three things).

Photo credit to my Aunt Amy (thank god she carries her camera more places than I do!).

My technique was stolen from Elsie in a CK Tips and Techniques column. I painted shapes on PP and then cut around them.

Contest ends on 10/13. Can't wait to see what the other Girlies come up with. Super cool stuff so far!

Things I Love Today

1. Fall.
Sweaters. Quilt at night. Crunchy leaves on the sidewalk. Fall food.
2. My job.
It's so hard to remember that I'm working toward something part of a bigger vision and that it's my job to help others see that vision. But, I think I'm making progress. Baby steps.
3. My parents.
My crazy dad called on Friday morning to get my thoughts about teachers carrying guns to school. He knew this was just the kind of thing that would get me all worked up on a Friday morning. My mom called with a follow-up phone call (same topic) on Friday afternoon. Plus, they're coming to visit next weekend.
4. Brad
Has been a total sweetie this week. He started getting up earlier, so I could sleep later and take the second shower. He bought me a cute little stand for displaying cupcakes! He grilled some killer steaks last night. He loves Grey's just as much as I do. Okay. So maybe not just as much as I do, but he does look forward to watching it.
5. Scrap-tastic
Never thought I'd be a Beauty Queen, but you heard it here first. I'm in the finals for the Ms. Scrap-tastic Beauty Pagent. There are six totally talented ladies left. I'm guessing we'll know the winner by the end of this week. We still have one more LO to post.
6. Grey's
Is it wrong that the first words out of my mouth when I woke up on Friday morning were, "Brad. Do you remember if Meredith had sex with Finn? Seriously. Did she have sex with Finn?!?" I totally got sucked in by the teaser for next week that mentioned a pregnancy scare.

What do you love today?

WWJBD?

What Would Jack Bauer Do? (beep, beep, beep)

If given:
1 role of plastic sheeting
5 blue hand towels
1 scissors
1 role of duct tape
What would Jack Bauer (action hero of the hit terrorist drama, 24)?

He'd secure a classroom in case of a chemical terrorist threat.
DUH!

So, today our janitors came through the building with an enormous Rubbermaid tubs filled with the above supplies. One for every room. And I mean every single room. My tiny office included.

I am not making this up.

Inside are specific directions about how to use the supplies in case of a chemical terrorist threat.

The maintenance staff will secure all incoming air supplies (to be sure no more chemicals enter the building), and we are to seal off our classroom using the provided supplies. Then, we sit in the room and hope that someone can help us before we run out of oxygen in the room.

I'm just disappointed there wasn't a giant, white, one-size-fits all biohazard suit included in the kit!

But, seriously. I can't believe that this is what modern life has come to. I think we need to be far more concerned about the recent surge of gun violence in schools. Seems a little more practical.

Grocery Store

I know I shouldn't sweat the small stuff, but grocery shopping today has me way stressed out!

First, this whole spinach crisis is beyond annoying. No bagged spinach. STILL. No fresh spinach not in a bag. STILL. Not even any frozen spinach. STILL. Really! How long does it need to take for the US (one of the world's super powers) to figure out what the problem is and fix it!?!?! I really want to eat some spinach without having to worry about getting e coli. Really, spinach is one of the few healthy things I really love to eat.

Next, the meat department. They had no ground turkey. They had none of the chicken that is on sale. DUH! These are both things people need. Get enough to stock your shelves.

Third, Copps stopped carrying Canola Harvest. It was time to get a new tub, as the old one is invested with crumbs and running low. No Canola Harvest to be found! Had to get Brummle and Brown instead. I'm a little leary of the fact that it's made with yogurt.

And, the Lean Cuisines were all on sale. Except for the one I bought! Full price. Normally, I would have waited in line at the service counter to return or get a price adjustment, but a little family of goth followers were buying like 10 gallons of milk and checking out at the service counter.

Finally, two White Helmets almost crashed their Lexus and Cadillacs in to each other in the parking lot. I was busy waving my arms around trying to get the bees (which seem to have infested their parking lot) away from my purse, groceries, and self when I heard the horns blaring.

AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH! The stress of grocery shopping.

Caution: Philosophical Post

I spent the past two days at cognitive coaching training. Cognitive coaching is a way to conduct a planning, reflecting, or problem solving conversation with someone that leads to deeper thinking. It's about paraphrasing and pausing and questioning.

This word stuck with me . . . . HOLONOMY.
Never heard that word before.

Basically (I think) it means that we each exist within big systems (family, work, scrapping community, etc.), but that we also exist as an individual who influences each system. We need to achieve balance within ourselves to maximize our potential influence.

Otherwise, our own neuroticism (Yes. I'll admit I can be neurotic.) messes not only with ourselves, but also with the system.

Kind of feeling powerless in a new job, I'm totally thinking about my systems and where I can make the biggest influence and trying hard to put my energy there.

Lovin' this quote:
"We provide both irritation and inspiration for each other--the grist for each other's pearl making." --Stephen Nachmonovitch

A Little CJ Action

I have to admit, the whole Pea-u-tiful mess has kind of jaded me about CJs. We started with 12 girls. One refused delivery from the get-go. That leaves 11. Now--I hate to say this--we're at a point where it looks like only 2 of the 11 might actually get a book back for sure.

Know what stinks the most about it?!? The 9 who it appears might get screwed are the ones that are working the hardest at it!

I'm not really angry at anyone, just disappointed. I understand life gets complicated and busy and hectic and unpleasant, but I'm just not the kind of person who is comfortable letting other people down.

ANYWAY. . . .

I'd like to thank all the Bloggin' Babes for keeping their CJ fabulous. Thanks to Hailey who always send on time and emails a tracking number. Thanks to Emily for the cute little thank you note. Thanks to Kat for organizing it all. And thanks to Muriel for helping me find my CJ mojo. Here's my creation for Muriel's drink book.



P.S. I know it was supposed to be in the mail today. Here I am, complaining about CJs gone bad, and I'm sending mine out late. :)

A few things . . .

1. A belated happy birthday to the fabulous Emily!
Happy birthday to my favorite scrappy, vegetarian, Wisconsinite, cart-driving music teacher. So sorry the Badgers couldn't pull off a victory for your big day! Hope you had a great day, anyway.

2. Shout out to Grandma Audrey.
She had a heart valve replaced on Wednesday and is recovering like a rock star. She is everything a grandma should be--in-touch with all the family members all the time, a fabulous cook, and ultra-crafty. Not to mention, a devout reader of my blog. Here's to a quick return to home and normality!

3. Scrapping
Brad and Memphis have deserted me for the entire day in favor of hunting some sort of creatures. So, I got my scrap on. This is what I've finished so far. Both are for contests at Scrap-Tastic.

September Contest: Use PP from no more than 4 manufacturers

Ms. Scrap-Tastic Beauty Pagent--Rd. 4 (Ad Inspiration)

McFan

After the rollercoaster ride that was the three-hour season two finale, I knew I'd be just a little let-down after tonight's big Grey's premiere. I didn't cry a single tear! I cheered once, and I'm confident that there are great things in store for my favorite health care professionals.

Alex--has perfected the slime ball thing. And, I think he's getting a little cuter. Still think it would be interesting if he slept with Addison. Maybe. He did take an interest in the premie baby tonight after swearing he wanted nothing to do with the gyno squad last season.

Addison. She took the panties home?!? And washed them?!? Seriously. She is a time bomb. Can't wait for her to flip out.

Izzie. Guess she really did love Denny. Plus, I can't help but think her neck must really hurt from all that laying on the bathroom floor.

Christina--Can't believe that all she has to do to be forgiven for acting like a total bitch when Burke was injured was to shed a few tears and say she hopes he never dies. Too bad forgiveness isn't that easy in real life.

George. How cute is George? In that nice boy, uninteresting kind of way, of course. He's actually so cute that I'm starting not to be too bugged by Callie.

Dr. Bailey. What a cool thing to see another side of Bailey. She's always so tough. Not tonight.

Finn. Blah, blah, blah. Too boring. Too nice. Just not for Meredith.

Meredith and Derek. He love her! He. Loves. Her. Know what? Even if she doesn't pick him, I take comfort in knowing that he loves her. Aw. I hope she picks him.

Okay. I recorded it so I could watch it over and over until next week's episode happens.

P.S. Did I mention---my Internet was restored to all it's fabulous glory today?!? Woohoo! I am wired.

Pregnant Karen

Part 1: Karen

One of my co-workers (who I work closely with) is having difficulty learning my name. She referred to me in emails several times as "Karen."

She referred to me to my face as "Karen" on Friday.

Her: Karen, will you help with this?
Me: Barb
Her: No. My name is Agnes.
Me: No. My name is Barb!

Part 2: Pregnant
On Saturday, I was at a meeting. A fellow committee member congratulated me on my good news. I started babbling about how much I love my new job.

She stopped me and pointed to my stomach.

I assured her I was most certainly NOT expecting a baby or any other type of creature.

She went on to tell me that, "Shirts these days just look like maternity shirts."

Um. Yeah. That made it so much better.

Side Note:
My Internet will be fixed on Thursday between 9am and 11am. Expect me to do some crazy blog reading over the weekend. I apologize and am feeling horribly un-connected.

Recipe for Happiness

On my way to work, for $4.10 I got a non-fat, no-whip, caramel mocha and this tidbit of wisdom staring at me with every drink.

(My cup didn’t have a cardboard warmth protector on it today. Maybe this has been on my cup every single day, and I’ve never noticed.)

Recipe for happiness: an insatiable curiosity, a joy of discovery, quick to forgive, hold no grudges, love without condition, stay loyal to the death, see the best and ignore the rest—wow, we can learn a lot from man’s best friend!

--Nick Bolletieri

What is your recipe for happiness?

Lots of Stuff

Lots of random things to take care of today

# 1: Happy birthday to the fabulous Angie.
A girl really couldn't ask for a better friend. Hope all of your days of birthday bliss are completely fabulous.

# 2: Personality Flaw
One of my flaws (I have many) is that I get irrationally angry about very small dilemmas. Basically, I'm a planner and get ANGRY when things don't go according to plan. I set aside my entire Saturday (8am - 5pm) to get my stupid Internet serviced. To make a long story short--it didn't go well. I ended up cancelling my Internet service in an angry huff.

We have a new provider (phone, Internet, cable), but we can't get it hooked up until the 21st!!!!!! No Internet until after the 21st. This is going to be a problem. I'm currently camped out at Starbucks paying bills and catching up on some essential blog reading.

So . . . . I am not an irresponsible person or a bad friend if I don't visit your blog for the next two weeks. I just don't have access.

UGH.

Stupid

My stupid Internet broke last night. The stupid people who supply me won't be able to fix it until sometime between 8am and 5pm on Saturday. Um. Yeah. That's good customer service.

My husband's stupid dog peed on the floor last night. I have the smell of pee stuck in my nose from the clean-up efforts this morning.

It's going to be a great day.

Signing off until sometime between 8am and 5pm Saturday.

Some LOs

In between all the cleaning, organizing, and laundry I've tackled so far today, I thought I'd share some scrappiness.

2 Years Together

Q&A (for Ms. Scrap-tastic Beauty Pagent)

I'm off to take a shower and then to the grocery store. Making spaghetti tonight.

Back to School

Tomorrow is the big day--back to school.

Back to school always involved some traditions in my house.

1. School shopping. One vivid memory is that I always got two pairs of shoes--tennis shoes and dress shoes. I always wanted fun little dress shoes, but my parents made me buy Mary Janes. This went on for what seemed like forever (but really was only until third grade). Now, ironically enough, I think Mary Janes are super cute.
2. Back to School Bedtime. My mom ran a great scam with this. She'd make us practice our back to school bedtime for at least two weeks before school started. Everyone else was enjoying staying up late for the last weeks of summer. Not us. Bed by 8pm.
3. The Photo Opp.. My mom was seriously crazy about this. She's line us up outside of the house and take countless pictures of us with our first day outfit and jam packed backpack. Maybe I'll see if I can find one of the infamous shots a little later to share with y'all. Sometimes she'd even follow us to the bus stop.

As an adult, I still do the back to school shopping. Love it! I try to the the back to school bedtime, but I know I'll be up until midnight worrying about tomorrow. As for the back to school picture, my mom lives far enough away that I don't have to worry!

What are your back to school memories?

Check it out!

Two of my LOs are in the SEI gallery. Hooray!

KaBoom
Paisley & Petals

Am busy packing up to leave for some fam-time soon. School is crazy busy, but I'm excited to be doing something new.

Out of Juice!

So, I have the Monica's fabulous CJ right now. The topic: obsessions.

I have an ice cream obsession. Seriously. An obsession that will probably clog my arteries and lead to an untimely death. But, I love it.

So, I dragged Brad to Cold Stone tonight to eat ice cream and take a picture.

Ordered my Founder's Favorite (sweet cream ice cream with brownie, pecans, caramel, and chocolate) and found the perfect table. Coached Brad as to exactly what kind of pic I wanted. Turned on the camera.

Nothing.

Nada.

No juice.

I forgot to charge the battery.

Ugh. I'm going to have to eat ice cream again (sometime soon). For the CJ, of course.

Half-Full

Okay. I tend to get a little depressed at the end of summer. The thought of going back to work is a little disheartening. I've been in training all week and am excited to start a new job, but it does mean I can't sleep late, scrap when ever I want to, or hang out at Nicky's every day.

So, I needed a little pick me up this morning.

Things I'm Looking Forward To:

1. Scrapbooking today. All day. Brad has to work and has plans tonight. It's a ME day!
2. Visiting my bro. He's in WI until next weekend. Can't wait to see his crazy creative self.
3. Sunday! I'm going to a movie with Nicky. Since Chris is home, we can hang out.
4. Grey's Season 3 (September 21!) Nicky and I have a party planned.
5. Grey's Season 2 on DVD and Season 2 Soundtrack. Ordered mine today.
6. The next episode of Two-a-Days (reality tv meets Varsity Blues).
7. Archivers arrival in Appleton. It's happening soon!
8. Fall. I love courduroy and sweaters.
9. My birthday. It's never too soon to start looking forward to that.
10. Spring break. I haven't had one in three years. This year I get an entire week. Where should we go?

Yum. Some Scrappy Goodness.

Has been awhile since I've used my blog to share scrapping.

Am in the Ms. Scrap-tastic Beauty Pagent at Scrap-Tastic. The second round required you to create a LO using only black, white, and one other color for paper and embellishments. I'm slightly paranoid about whether I followed the rules, but I'm happy with what I ended up with.

Have been watching the Last Scrapper Standing action. Angie totally rocked this round. Good luck to all those still standing!

I am in L-O-V-E.

With Mozilla Foxfire.

Seriously. Totally. Completely.

Uploaded photos from vacation and a few other things.

Scroll down.

You'll see.

HELP!

I've tried uploading pics right to Blogger. I've tried uploading to Photobucket and then using the URL to insert in to Blogger.

NO LUCK!

Please, please, please. Email me and tell me what to do. I'm about to throw my laptop.

Instant Re-Play

I've chosen vacation over blogging. My sincerest apologies. As a consolation, I offer you a summary of the past week. Prepare to be exhausted. Very exhausted.

Monday:
Flew to Vegas with the fabulous Angie and Darla. Our pilot was a close relative of Evil Knievel and actually accelerated as we landed the plane in turbulance. I was terrified that I might either die or--worse yet--throw up all over myself. Vacation highlights from Monday include: Benihanna, the Elvis slot machine, and a walk down the strip from the Hilton to Paris. I also made the chicas watch the volcano at the Mirage. Sorry, Ladies.

Tuesday:
Enjoyed a little shopping and some serious pool time. The Paris pool is on the roof by the Eiffel tower. Watched the Bellagio fountain show, too. Very cool! Probably my favorite thing about Vegas (other than drooling over purses I could never afford).




Wednesday:
From now on, August 16 will be known as "The Day Darla Won Big at BINGO." She won the Black out in very few numbers and got paid big bucks! Darla wasn't the only one, though. The BINGO gods were also good to Angie and I--just not as good.


This was also the evening we enjoyed a huge steak dinner at Binion's. We were the only all girl table. We tried tossing our hair and giggling while eating our steak in hopes of getting some free drinks in the male-dominated restaurant. No luck!



Thursday:
After waking up to fly home at 2:40 a.m., I jumped back in the car to head to Volk Field for Chris's arrival from Iraq. Seriously. I have never witnessed something this cool. The atmosphere was so excited and emotional. I'm honored that Nicky and Chris asked us to be part of it and so happy Chris is home safely.


Friday:
From Volk Field, we went to EC for the weekend. Grandma Audrey cooked up a HUGE lunch for us including: BBQ, potato salad (world famous) and apple pie.

Saturday:
A trip to the fabulous new EC Farmers Market. Very fun! Took tons of pics. Also enjoyed some family time.

Sunday:
Dragged my butt home to prepare for an ENTIRE week of work. Everyday. All week. YUCK.

I'll get caught up on blog reading and emails soon. Thanks for being so patient.

Okay. I know it's not good to put hate out there in the universe, but I'm totally hating blogger right now. I've tried to upload a ton of cool pictures. I can't. It won't let me. UGH.

Adios Las Vegas

Hello, hello, hello.

Coming to you live from McCarran airport, Las Vegas, NV.

Had a fabulous time.

More to come (including pictures).

P.S. Getting up at 2:40 a.m. is no fun. Don't ever try it.

My Rock Star Life

So. . . the Headbangers Ball was a rockin' good time. There were rockers of all shapes and sizes in attendance from a traditional Southern rocker to Slim Shady. Virtually all classic rock fashions were represented from lace gloves to mullets to side ponytails to black eyeliner to tattoos.



Thanks to Mike and Angie for throwing such a fabulous bash. These two were concerned with details. Besides great music, fabulous food, and never-ending beverages, they even decorated. A disco ball. How cool!

My rock star life continues tomorrow when Angie, Darla, and I leave for Vegas. Ssssssh. I haven't started packing yet. I've fooled myself in to thinking I can do it tomorrow morning.

There's still time!

Seriously. If you are reading this (as I'm posting it) there is still time for you to make it to the par-tay of the century. Get in your car. Get on a plane. Hop a train. Get here. Now.

Angie and Mike's Headbanger's Ball is tonight, people. Tonight.

Please note: Headbanger apparel is REQUIRED. Don't worry about looking ridiculous. As you can see, there will be a few guests who look more ridiculous than you.


More pictures to follow. See you there!

What bugs you?

There are some strange and random things that bug me.

1. NASCAR
Annoyed by the noise that it makes. Annoyed by the redneck eccentricies it brings out in people. Especially annoyed by Talladega Nights which I had the misfortune of seeing today.

2. NBC 26 Investigates
Irritating local news segment where people can phone in things that they think need investigation. NBC 26 sends someone to the scene where they treat someone's random complaint like MAJOR news. How annoying.

3. Rudeness
If I hold the door open for you, say thank you. If I'm helpful to you, say thank you. Be polite, people. This especially goes for people in stores and restaurants and businesses. I won't come back to your business if you are rude to me.

4. Golf
You already know my feelings on that.

5. Celine Dion
Orange skin + Sappy ballads + Too skinny = Annoying

6. Fake foreigness
I can't take credit for this because it's Angie that this truly annoys. But, you know what? It annoys me too. Don't talk with a European accent if you are from WI. Don't wear a beret unless you're from France. In fact, don't wear a beret at all. Authentic accents and real foreigness I love. Just don't pretend to be something you're not.

7. Vanilla Ice Cream
Come on. Where's your creativity?

8. Baby Sports Clothing
If the child is not old enough to make a decision about whether or not he loves the Packers or the Brewers or the Bucks don't make him or her wear clothing announcing their allegiance to a team. Let them decide when they are old enough to decide.

9. Wal-Mart
Don't even get me started. I'm annoyed by everything about it. Usually because each visit to Walmart involves so many of the things on my list above including, but not limited to: NASCAR, rudeness, and baby sports clothing.

10. Buffets (especially Old Country Buffet)
I can eat with the best of them. Really. But, buffets bring out the absolute worst in people. (NOTE: I will, of course, set aside my annoyance by buffets to enjoy the one at Paris next week, which I've heard is wonderful.)

11. Clapping at movies
Do not clap in the movie theatre. Just don't do it. Not during the movie. Not after the movie. Not at all.

Hmmmmm. I feel much better now that I've gotten all of that off my chest.

Now. What bugs you?

Big news!

Two pieces of big news.

1. I'm all grown up.

I started a TSA today because someday I am going to retire! It was super easy; I did it on my cell phone on the way home from work. I highly recommend it. It's nice to be financially prepared for something. We just won't discuss what a mess my current finances are.

2. A certain soldier is coming home!
My friend has been gone since June 2005 and in Iraq since August 2005 with an Army unit. He will be back on American soil next Thursday. He even flies in on his fourth wedding anniversary! He left when his little girl was less than two months old. Soldiers and their families make such a huge sacrifice. I'm grateful every day that they are willing to put their own safety in jeopardy for the well-being of other people. We need to be more appreciative.

I was at the grocery store when I got the phone call about Chris. I'm sure everyone thought I was a total nutcase as I cried my way through the produce department. I'm so happy that he will return safely to his family.

And the winner is . . .

Lucky # 10. Becky!

Brad randomly selected a number 1 - 10 to be the winner of my over-looked movie contest. He shares Becky's love of the movie Swingers. Watch your mail, Becky.

Now, I'm going to solicit more advice. I am leaving for VEGAS in one week with the fabulous Angie and her equally fabulous cousin, Darla (who doesn't have a blog, but should!). On a completely unrelated note, I don't know how Angie got so lucky as to have cousins as cool as Darla and Tina. Anyway . . . . Darla and I will forever share a connection. We both wore the same dress to our junior prom. Strange because Angie and I both wore the same dress to the same homecoming dance one time, too. I guarantee, though, there will be no dressing alike in VEGAS!

Anyway . . . .

We are staying at Paris (imagine me saying that in a horrible French accent). What should we be sure to do while we're in Vegas? Angie has been there. Darla and I are newbies. What's your advice about what we should be sure to do?

World Class . . .

Archess?

(I think an archess is a lady who shoots archery.)

Brad and I have been searching for a mutual interest. We don't have a lot of common hobbies and thought it might be fun to actually do something together.

I was thinking dancing or cooking or stain glass.

Today (completely out of the blue) he suggested we try competitive archery. I wouldn't actually shoot at anything besides a target--no killing involved.

He even told me I could have a pink bow--with ribbons in it, if I wanted.

Hmmmmmm. Doesn't quite seem like the hobby for me.

Plus, Brad is already really good at shooting archery. Who wants to start a hobby when they're going to do nothing but get showed up at it!!!!???

Must-See Movies

There are some movies that at first appear totally ridiculous or just plain-old not funny. I beg you, though, to watch and watch again. Some make the list ony because of how horrible they are.

Barb's list of under-appreciated or forgotten about movies (in no particular order)

1. Wayne's World. Party on, Wayne. Party on, Garth.
2. Election. This choice compliments of Angie. Matthew Broderick at his finest.
3. Bridget Jones's Diary. My favorite movie of all time.
4. Dirty Dancing. My fav movie of all time prior to Bridget Jones.
5. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Heroes in a half-shell. Need I say more?
6. Crossroads. Dear, sweet Britney. You cannot act. Stay home. Make babies with K-Fed.
7. Office Space. Love the scene where the beat up the fax machine gangsta' style.
8. Ferris Bueller's Day Off. The ultimate playing hookie movie.
9. Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure. Dude! Time travel.
10. Days of Thunder. Tom Cruise--before he was weird.
11. Cocktail. Again. Tom Cruise--before he was weird.
12. Grease. Great dance moves and a love story.
13. Coyote Ugly. Great dance moves and a love story.
14. Save the Last Dance. Great dance moves and a love story. Sense a theme here?
15. Uncle Buck. Fat uncle visits and embarrasses children. Funny stuff.
16. Overboard. Classic Goldie Hawn.
17. Legally Blonde. Barbie does Harvard Law.
18. Cutting Edge. Ice skater falls in love with hockey player. Love, love, love it!
19. Say Anything. The original boom-box serenade.
20. Money Pit. Tom Hanks. Lady from Cheers. Good stuff!
21. Singles. It's been so long since I've seen this, even I don't remember it.
22. Swingers. This movie is money! It's so f$%&ing money, baby.
23. Varsity Blues. Dawson turned football player.
24. Clueless. I'm gonna be a supermodel. (Imagine me singing that.)

This list might be better titled "I can't believe I'm admitting I like these movies." Some of them are pretty embarassing.

I left one movie off this list.

Name the movie in the blurry picture above in your comment. I'll draw a name from the correct answers to get a fun prize!

Make sure I know how to track you down in case you win. Email, blog link, PeaName, whatever. I'll draw a winner on Monday.

Plus, you have to tell me what movies you're too embarassed to admit you actually enjoyed?

Golf

My grandpa always wanted me to be a golfer. When I'd visit in the summer, he'd take me the driving range and to a Par 3 course. We'd always go out for ice cream on the way home. One day I took a ball to the head. No major injuries, but that was enough to make me end the golf outings with grandpa (depsite the ice cream).

In college, I needed to take a fitness course. I took a 1-credit golf course. I was actually pretty good at the real golfy part of it (swinging, putting, yelling "FORE!"). However, I never bothered to learn any more of the rules than birdie, par, etc. before the final exam. I did horrible on the exam and got a "B" in golf. Now, here's where I have to confess that I am a serious maniacal over-achiever when it comes to grades. The "B" in college golf is probably the only "B" I've ever gotten on a report card.

Needless to say, I've sworn off the sport forever.

How's that for a completely random non-scrapbook-related post?!?!?!?

When is the last time . . . .

you created something you were totally, madly, completely crazy about?

Gallery at 2Peas (It looks a little better there. Stupid Blogger!)

Gotta love 'em

So, last night amidst all the McDonalds lack of McFlurry chaos, I realized I won a RAK from Kim of HMITM.

I said to Brad, "Honey! I won a RAK!"

I was very excited.

He replied, "You won a rat?" He has selective hearing when it comes to things scrap-related.

"No. I won a RAK." I said with more emphasis this time.

"You won a boob job?!?!?" He said in amazed, but grateful disbelief.

Ahhhhhhhh. I'm expecting scrappy goodies in a box from Kim. Brad is expecting Dr. 90210.

Princess Babs (Edited 9pm)

Okay. I'll admit it. I'm a princess at times.

Take this lovely example from earlier today . . . . .

We were driving home from a Brewers game (where it was as hot as I imagine HELL might be). I decided I'd like nothing more than a Take 5 McFlurry and exited the highway on an exit with a McDonalds sign. Brad didn't really want one but said I could stop anyway.

We drove about 10 miles from the highway before finding the McDonalds. Grrrrrrr.

SIDE NOTE: There was a scrapbook store in the strip mall by the McDonalds. It was closed.

We waited in line another 10 minutes before the following happened:

Cashier (C): What can I get you?
Princess Babs (PB): I'd like a Take 5 McFlurry.
C: I'm sorry. (Smiling patronizingly.) We're out of the ingredients.
PB: (Long pause.)
Brad (B): I'll have a Peanutbutter Cup McFlurry.
PB: I guess I'll have an Oreo McFlurry (Complete annoyance in voice).
C: It will be $5.41.
PB: No! I won't have an Oreo McFlurry. I won't have anything.
B: What? (Complete annoyance in voice)
PB: They don't have what I want. I won't have anything. (Stomps away)

Um. Yeah. I acted like a total baby.

The worst part, though, is that Brad munched on his McFlurry for quite a ways down the road-- the same McFlurry he didn't even want.

What he doesn't know is that later tonight I will insist that he goes to get me a Take 5 McFlurry from our local McDonalds. [Insert evil laugh here. Bwahahhahahahaha.]

Edited (9 pm)
I made Brad drive me to McDonalds to get the McFlurry.

The following conversation occured:

PB: I'd like a Take 5 McFlurry
Cashier: Actually, our McFlurry machine is broken.
PB: Shut up! (more disbelief than annoyance)
C: No. It actually is broken. You could go to the other McDonalds.

How does this happen to the same person twice in one day? Is it the health food gods having an intervention to tell me it's time to stop eating fast food. Well! It didn't work. I'm just pissed off, fat, and hungry!!!!!!! A lethal combination.

Confessions of the Unfit

I've been thinking about this story all week and have decided that since the parties involved don't read my blog I can share it.

On Monday I went to a park with some friends for what I thought would be a leisurely stroll through the woods and a nice picnic. The picnic part was very nice.

There was nothing leisurely about the stroll.

It was actually more of a jog. Well. It was a BRISK! walk. But, for the terminally out-of-shape, it felt like a jog.

I tried to keep up at first, but it didn't take me long to discover that my body would have been found on the trail if I continued to keep up.

I thought if I just fell far enough behind, the other two girls (one of whom bikes 80 miles just for fun!) would slow down. Not the case.

At one point, the biker actually said, "I just like to RUN up the hills. It goes so much faster." And she took off running. Straight up hill. CRAZY!

At one point, the other girl's dog just laid down. Completely exhausted. Kind of like me!

There were spider webs and bugs and mud and sweat. More sweat than any human should produce.

The hell that was the leisurely stroll lasted for more than an hour.

Experiences like this just remind me that I will never be fit. Why? Because I don't really enjoy the activities that result in being fit.

I will especially never be a jogger. What are those joggers always smiling about when they're running? The only time I have that kind of smile is when I'm flipping between re-runs of Friends and Sex and the City.

Now, don't be offended, Fit Friends. We can still hang out. Just don't ask me to do things that require being fit. Let's go to dinner or watch a movie or scrapbook or gossip or something else that burns very little calories.

Birthday List--Super Sweet 16 Style

Last night (pre- and post- The Hills) I caught a few episdoes of My Super Sweet 16. Brad will try to deny watching it with me. But, I'm telling you the truth. It's his second favorite show--right behind 24.

Anyway . . . . .

The girls on this show are whiny and spoiled. But, you've got to give them credit. They know what they want. You've got to respect a girl who knows what she wants.

Drum roll, please.

My birthday list--Super Sweet 16 style. My birthday isn't until December, so you have plenty of time to save up to purchase any item on the list. Feel free to go in with someone, too.

1. Kate Spade bag. I won't be particular. Any bag will do. In fact, I might request each guest bring me a different Kate Spade bag.
2. A performance by U2 just for me and my closest friends. The Edge is my fav rock star. No birthday bash would be complete without him.
3. Daddy always gets the birthday girl a car. Here is my choice. It's even a hybrid.
4. Diamonds are a girls' best friend. And these come in a little blue box!

Besides my birthday wish list, there are the details of the big day:
1. Ali Edwards will design the invitations.
2. Each guest will get a customized cupcake rather than a traditional birthday cake.
3. There will be lots and lots of totally fabulous flowers.

What's on your crazy birthday wishlist?

A Plea to Em, Updates, Some LOs

First order of business . . . . A Plea to Em

Em. You know how much fun we had hanging out on Sunday. We are officially old friends. Move here. We'd have that much fun all the time (although we couldn't eat that much ice cream all the time!). I guarantee Maddie and Justin would both have a great time. Maybe I'd even raise money for some kind of signing bonus if you'd agree to MOVE HERE soon!

Second order of business . . . . Updates

Memphis had a little incident on Saturday that required a trip to the vet and a diagnosis of extreme lower back pain. Figures my drama queen dog would have an issue like that. He's good as new now, though.

Miranda came for a visit on Saturday. Seriously love this girl. Had a great time just chatting and hanging out.

A. Amy and Jen came for a visit Tuesday and Wednesday. Ate tons. Brad even finished off 12" of pizza! Got some scrap on--which takes me to my next order of business.

Third order of business . . . . Some LOs

Hang in there dear brother, Rob. I know you don't like when the blog goes all scrappy. But, you're in the minority.

LO 1: Summer Eats (for Chiara's Challenge @ HOP)

LO # 2: Another challenge @ HOP from the weekend (use SEI).

LO # 3: Ali Edwards' PP Challenge # 2 (See 2Peas thread for more info.)
Had some serious issues trying to create this LO. It's so different from what I've been doing lately that I'm having a hard time lovin' it. Plus, the day and the pictures were just so fun that I guess my expectations were a little too high.

LO # 4: Grow (HMITM Challenge # 7)

Have also been VERY busy working on a scrappy surprise for a friend. It's more than half done. I'm very excited about it.

What I Should Do vs. What I Did

I should have cleaned tonight or went to bed at a decent hour. Instead, I did one of the challenges for this weekend at House of Paper. This LO is a scraplift of one by Audrey Neal.

Shout Out!

Thought I'd take a few minutes to say nice things . . . .

• Tomorrow is the fabulous Em's last day of grad class for the summer. Applause for Em!
• The amazing Becky is having a Ms. Scrap-tastic Beauty Pagent. Brad got quite a laugh out of this. He thought--quite incorrectly--that beauty pagents were an event that involved nakedness. He assumed the pagent would involve placing LOs in key places to cover nakedness. Ugh. Boys.
• Angie competed in a Powder Puff Fishing tournie yesterday. Brad is incessantly asking how she did. I'm sure she kicked some fish tail!
• Received the CJ of Michelle aka Burberry Girl in the mail today from Hailey. Am totally in awe and am slightly afraid I might have gotten some drool on the CJ. I've admired Michelle's work from afar forever. Crazy to have a little piece of it right here in my house (for a few weeks anyway).
• Miranda is coming for a visit this weekend. Hooray! Haven't seen this girl since New Year's Eve. Am totally pumped!
• A shout to myself for some fabbity scrapbooking: Check it out @ 2peas.
• Last week my aunt Amy and I kidnapped my grandpa to go to Lauber's. It's a great old fashioned ice cream place. Would you believe that my grandpa only drank a root beer while Amy and I hoovered down turtle sundaes? Ahhh. If only I had inherited his will power.
• My little brother (published author) has apparently returned to the world of blogging. If you've read his lengthy comments on my blog you've gotten a taste of his fabulous writing. He's a crazy CA lib. Gotta love him!
• Can't believe Lauren on The Hills. Honestly. How much of Jason's crap is she going to put up with?!?!? WTF. Dump his sorry goat-eed ass and redeem at least a little of your dignity, girl.

Odds and Ends

Normally, with a customer service issue, I take the bitchy route. I decided to take the apologetic, friendly, embarrased route at the bank yesterday. I got all the $6 fees waived! Plus, I closed the account. My finances are back on track.

Did a little scrapping yesterday. Check it out!

How Much is Too Much? # 6: Rainbow

Also, had a totally great dinner last night. I'm back on track with my new meal each week. This week it was Salmon Baked in Foil and Noodles with Spinach and Pine Nut Pesto. Both recipes were compliments of Giada--Everyday Italian (my current fav show on the Foodnetwork). I tricked Brad in to eating both spinach (in the pesto) and tomatoes (on the salmon). Bwahahahahaha.

Financial Super Sleuth

Did a little sleuthing. Found the souce of the massive over-draft:

Student loan withdrawl.

Damn student loan company. I haven't made a payment in three years (loans weren't being paid in grad school). What do they do? They randomly withdraw the money for my payment from a checking account I haven't used since my last payment three years ago.

I have to go get a physical and then I'm headed to the bank to take care of it.

I HATE MONEY! I think the secret must be to have a lot of it. Then a $6 daily overdraft charge for 15 days might not seem like such a big deal.

Wish me luck.

Whiny Me

I'm back from vacation. I had a great time visiting with family, and I got to meet Becky! I'm excited about all of these things. Really. I am. I'm just to crabby to blog about them.

Because . . . .

I opened the mail this morning (after being gone since Wednesday). It is incredibly insane how quickly my mood can change. I went from being excited about having an entire Sunday with nothing to do (Brad is on vaca with Memphis) to being raging mad.

I got a ridiculous notice from my stupid bank about a dumb account I haven't used for more than six months (check card cut up and checks never used) that I'm over-drawn by an insane amount of money and being charged $6 each day I let it go. The letter was dated July 10. Am very angry about this, especially because the bank isn't open today. And--have no idea where the money was spent or who spent it. UGH! I should not be allowed to have money. I spend it all to avoid situations just like this.

Also, got several emails and /or snail mails about things I have to do this summer. Basically, I'm a whiny baby. I love having nothing to do and am annoyed that of the 29 week days in August, 14 of them are already filled. Ugh. Now I'm dreaming of summer 2007--the summer where I actually will have nothing to do. Yeah. Right.

Since I'm complaining, let me also mention that it is hot here. Wet. Sticky. Cannot breath is you go outside hot.

Man. Can't believe any of you stuck around to ride this whiny crap. Hope you enjoyed my pity party.

What I'm lovin' today

Ugh. Things have been busy. Summer always gets the best of me, and I'm forced to wonder how I ever manage to live my life while actually working from September until June. I LOVE NOT WORKING!

Here are some other things I love right now:

• Cherries. We were in Door County for the weekend. It was cherry filled because cherries are just starting to be harvested there. YUMM-O. The best cherry dish--by far--was french toast stuffed with cherries and cream cheese. Totally, totally fabulous.
• Working out in the morning. It's just me and the white helmets. Plus, re-runs of Dawson's Creek are on from 8:00 until 9:00 (today Dawson found out his mom had an affair and Jen's grandma caught her making out on the kitchen table).
• Grey's Anatomy. I watched a re-run on Sunday. I was doing okay with my Seattle Grace withdrawl until I watched that episode. Love, love, love this show!
• Ali Edwards. Got the new book in the mail today. I might actually have drooled on it. She's just so darn sweet and fabulous and amazing and talented.
• Sweaters. They are starting to be back in stores again. I love fall clothes and fall weather and fall food.
• Vegas, baby! We leave in about a month ladies. Are you ready?!?!?
• Road trip. I'm headed to visit the fam-dam-ily for the next few days. Will shop, shop, shop on Wednesday, eat some ice cream on Thursday, and shop again on Friday. Saturday Aunt Amy and I are doing a fundraiser walk. Did I mention I'm cropping at Becky's on Wednesday?!?!? Hooray! This will be my first official face-to-face meeting of a scrappy Internet friend.
• Cupcakes. Still love 'em. I bought the pan (see previous post from June) to make the ice cream cone cupcakes. They definitely didn't look like the picture, but it was a fun little project.
• Chores. Bet you never thought you'd hear me say I love chores. But, I do love chores--when they're all done. House is clean. Dishes are washed. I even vacuumed the couch. My house is sparkly clean. Drop by. Please. It's clean.

What are you lovin' about life lately?

1 little LO

I know I said I was going to be gone for awhile (and you probably got your hopes up!), but here's one LO from my scrapping festival.

Used some Sassafras Lass for the July contest @ Scrap-Tastic. Have I mentioned that I get to crop with Becky next week?!?!? Am so excited to meet her!

Bug spray, Hot dogs, Making out

What do these things have in common?

Drive-in movies. Of course!

As a kid, my family always used to go to the drive-in. My dad had a red 1966 hatch back Charger. We'd hide my sister in the back (so my parents didn't have to pay for her). We'd sneak in a party sub from Cousins, and my mom would pop huge paper grocery bags full of popcorn. We'd (the kids anyway) always wear our pajamas. I never remember what movies we saw--just that we always had a great time.

In high school and college, I worked at a drive-in. One of my favorite things about working at the Gemini was that there was always an interesting cast of employees. Some of them I became great friends with (including Angie, Rachel, Jesse) and one of them I even married! Many, many, many things went on at the drive-in that are best not discussed in a blog posting. Some things, though, can be discussed:

1. Bitch names. Rachel--a tough girl with a love of tattoos--insisted we call her Vivian when she was in a bitchy mood. If she came to work and said, "Just call me Vivian!" we knew to stay away. I know this prompted all of us to have bitch names. But, I can't remember what mine was.
2. Phase 10. If you were assigned to sell tickets, you had to sit in the box with another person for a LONG time. There weren't always a lot of customers. We used to play cards all the time! Phase 10 was my personal favorite.
3. Food! Pickles on a stick. Footlong hot dogs. Popcorn. YUMM-O. I once, however, started a rather large fire with the arcane popcorn popper. It was powered by natural gas and actually had to be lit with a big lighter. The secret to the perfect corn was the let the oil heat up. I just let the oil heat a little too long (to the point of flames). Luckily, there was no damage done.
4. Old Car Night. Brad and I got dressed up (poodle skirt and 1950s) suit and took my dad's convertible to the drive-in. Totally fun!
5. After hours. Cannot discuss what happened after hours. Always fun, though!

What brings about this bit of drive-in nostalgia? We've decided to take a mini-break (Bridget Jones talk for weekend away)! We're going to camp out (don't ask me how I feel about that!) and go to the drive-in. HOORAY! So, I will be MIA for awhile. . . Have a great weekend.

What's wrong with this picture?

I was totally a work-out queen (as much as someone who is as out of shape as I am can be) today at the gym. Did me some elliptical and walked 3 miles on the treadmill.

Now--I'm eating mint chip ice cream out of the container with a spoon.

Guess that explains why my behind doesn't fit in to my clothes from last summer.

Neighbors

I am quite confident that my neighbors do not read my blog. Therefore, I feel it is okay to tell you about some of their strange-i-ties.

I should start by saying that they are not loud or disruptive or sloppy. They are not completely horrible people to live next door to. Just weird.

Problem # 1: Tackiness
They installed a white rock garden directly adjacent to our driveway (between the time we looked at the house and the time we did our final walk through). It's hideous and makes me think of Miami Vice. I don't really get the purpose of a rock garden and just can't bring myself to tell them that rocks don't grow! But, I do have to give them credit for filling the Miami Vice rock garden with figurines from the Dollar Store and a green plastic bird bath that never has water in it. They provide me with endless hours of entertainment.

Problem # 2: Red-Neck-ness
They have three dogs. One of the dogs is named Lil' Bit. Please. Do not confuse that with LITTLE. It is Lil'. I know this because the neighbor lady is constantly coming outside in a moo-moo with a cell phone in one hand and a cigarette in the other to scream at Lil' Bit to be quiet (she's quite a barker).

Problem # 3: It's Pat!
There is a teenage CHILD that lives in the house next door. We've had endless conversations about the gender of said CHILD. Turns out (judging from the bathing suit) that the CHILD is a GIRL. Who would've guessed?!?

Anyway . . . I've obviously run out of things to blog about and have to resort to sending bad Karma in to the universe by making fun of my neighbors.

Happy 4th! Any exciting plans?

Together (HMITM)

I know I said I wasn't going to do a Dare / HMITM combo LO, but I ended up putting a little list on this page. Don't be confused though, it is definitely my HMITM page for this week. . .

There are 80 stickers on this bad boy.

Have a happy Sunday.

Dare 34

I know I said my Dare 34 was going to be "The B List." But, I guess I ended up making a different kind of list.

Am so totally annoyed that this scan isn't perfect. I tried taking a picture, but no luck there either. I am in love with this page and just want everyone to be able to see it perfectly.

There are a few other challenges I want to get done:
How Much is Too Much?
Sassafras Lass (July Challenge at Scrap-Tastic)
Dream Street (July Challenge at House of Paper)

No more scrappiness until tomorrow, though.

The "B" List

I'm going to the the Effer today. And the How Much is Too Much? Although, I vow not to combine then in to one page. I think both challenges are worthy of THEIR own page. Don't get me started on how I feel about this, really.

So, here it is. The "B" List (or maybe I'll call it My Good Things or Things that Make me Happy). Soon to be scrapped.

Popcorn with M&Ms (salty with sweet)
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Ginger Lotion from Origins
Caramel Mochas from Starbucks
Pajama Pants
Ribbon & Buttons
Great first lines (in books and movies)
Grey's Anatomy
Boat Rides (preferrably on my grandpa's boat with the polka blaring)
Cuddling with Memphis (the dog)
Sunsets
Fresh snow stuck to trees
Bubbly Christmas lights
Hugs
Laughing so hard I cry
Watching Brad catch fish
J. Jill
Suduko
Bridget Jones
Ice cream
U2
Lists of Things to Do (with all items crossed off)
People watching
Traveling
Getting packages
Burt's Bees Lip Balm
Playing Bingo
Internet friends
Getting my hair cut
Small of chocolate chip cookies

What's on your list? What makes you happy?