Captain Col's Crafty Corner

Just a few pretty pictures

2009-05-27T15:39:00.002-04:00

I finally got a few pretty pictures edited and stuff for online. So, I might as well share them right?
These are really some of my favorites that I've taken lately. I love love love when the flowers and trees start blooming. Fresh flowers in the window cutout above our kitchen sink are definitely a favorite of mine. I'm going to have to get a potted plant or something, cuz it gets too expensive to buy fresh cut flowers every 2 weeks or so.
This one is of a carnation. I cropped in nice and close and I really like the texture and the white tones within it.

This is of a tiger lily. I really hope that Jordan will let me plant a few somewhere in our yard. I just LOVE lilies.

These next to I am definitely printing and hanging up somewhere in the house. I LOVE them. I still can't believe that I actually snapped this picture of the bee. I had to crop in close to get this final shot, but I'm so excited that the bee is IN FOCUS! Lol!

And this one is of one of the big bushes in the front that was her when we bought the house. I'm really not sure what it is, but it blooms so pretty and pink and vibrant each year. I love the way I got this one bunch of blooms in focus and threw the rest out for some nice bokeh.

Not a whole lot else going on. Jordan is heading up to Pittsburgh tomorrow night with a friend to help move his best man into their new house. I'm staying home because I promised Gidget I would come down to VA and go to a Wine Festival with her, which should be a TON of fun. I'm hoping to get some more stuff done around the house, and for the wedding too. I've been putting the wedding invitations together in spits and spurts, and I think it'll make putting them all together much easier. I got a few random projects done this past weekend, so that was good too. But the lists are never ending, lol.

Catch you later :)
~Col

Memorial Day - 2009

2009-05-25T17:11:00.005-04:00

(Image by David Goldman, as taken from The Big Picture)
Always remember those who have fallen to protect your freedoms.
God bless America. God bless our troops.

Well well well, long time no see!

2009-05-18T09:58:00.002-04:00

This is how it usually goes for me. I blog for a while, then I disappear, then I try again. I fell off the 365 wagon during April. April was ca-razy for me! Our families came down for Easter, work was insane, lots going on. Life in general has gotten a lil busy, and we're not even in the full swing of wedding stuff. I'm working on a better time management schedule for myself. 1 or 2 hours a week doing wedding stuff, 1 night a week editing photos and playing in lightroom, and then working on my hybrid assignments for SSD and the other crafty things I want to do. We'll see how it goes. I did pretty well last week, we'll see how this week goes. We're working 4-10's so we can take friday off to go to Jadyn's college graduation. That cuts into "my time" every night by 2 hours, but we'll see what happens.

Anyway, I figured a good old "From Our Blog to Yours" from SSD would be a good way to get back into the swing of things. So, here you go. My Star Wars name.

Your Star Wars Name Is Colbr Mabro

Your Star Wars Title Is Ydacho of Nadroj

What Is Your Star Wars Name and Title?

We're officially less than 5 months away from the wedding, which is NUUUUUUUTS!!! The bridesmaid dresses have arrived which is SUPER exciting. I need to call the bridal store and find out when my fittings will start, but they've had my dress and veil for a few weeks now. So all that is wonderful. Jordan's mom called last night, and there is potential for a problem with the hotel block we set up, so I need to take care of that this week. I'm working on a mock-up of the favors, and will be ordering the final pieces this week as well. I have half of the pieces of the invitations put together, which is awesome. They don't take long to put together, but I think it'll be easier if I put the different pieces together, and then put the entire invitation together. I just LOVE the invitations, I'm so happy with them.

I think that's enough for now. Hopefully tonight I'll get some more photos from the last few months edited and online so I can share. :)

Have a great day!
~Col

My birthday! And random P365 photos

2009-01-28T12:42:00.003-05:00

Hellooooooooo! So, I meant to post, and I meant to post, and I meant to post, and now I'm finally posting :)

Last friday was my birthday (WOOT!!). The big 2-6. It feels no different that 25, lol. Another year down the drain. But, there are lots of awesome things to look forward to this year, so it's all good.
Here's my P365 for friday. We went out to a happy hour with a bunch of friends and had a blast! We don't go out a lot, which we should really work on, but we always have fun when we do. :)

I'm keeping up with Project 365 pretty well so far. The only thing I'm running into, is that I'm so spoiled with my D80, that I don't want to take pictures during the day with my point and shoot, lol. Although that photo above is from my point and shoot, so I shouldn't complain too much. I brought my big camera in to work today so I can get a shot of the ice storm outside. We got some snow yesterday, and then a lot of sleet/ice overnight and into today. I'm gonna run outside in a second and snap a picture before it all melts or something. I do have to say that I LOVE editing my photos in Lightroom now. And the combination of lightroom and PS is just AWESOME!
Here's a sunset from Jan 16th. The windows in my craft space overlook the backyard and face west-ish so the sun sets over there everyday. The winter sunsets seem to be extra bright and gorgeous lately.

Here's a shot that I made vintage-y. It's the view of our parking lot from the stairwell on my floor. The P&S didn't take a great photo, so going vintage was my best option.

My mom gave me 2 of these mugs, and a matching bowl over Christmas. I LOVE it! It's so fun to look down and see a cute lil snowman peeking up at me. The bowl is in the living room with M&M's in it :)

One of my Christmas presents was also this adorable Breast Cancer Mouse :) She sits on my desk at home all cute and fluffy with those feathers. Probably going to retake this one, and move my pen storage out of the way so it's not as distracting.

Tiger had a lot of fun running around outside on sunday morning while Jordan was washing the cars. She's so cute in that jacket when the hood flops forward, and then she was playing on her own tossing the ball around. I just HAD to snap some shots :)
Here, the ball had the audacity to roll down the side of the yard into the driveway. How rude!

This one is funny.

And I LOVE this one, despite it's total lack of focus, lol.

That will be all for now. My mojo took a long walk off a short pier in the beginning of the month and it's starting to bother me. I've gotten 2 hybrid projects done, and I'll post those tomorrow (hopefully). We're driving up to NY tonight so we can go to a tasting at Patriot Hills tomorrow night. So fun!! Have a great day :)

~Col

Puppiesssssssssssssssssssssssss!!!

2009-01-21T21:09:00.003-05:00

Ok, so I've got a TON of P365 photos that I finally got off my camera and edited and whatnot. But, it's a lot. And I don't want to bore you. So instead? PUPPIES!!
My girlfriend Sue (the maker of the glorious roasted chicken) seems to have a knack for finding strays. A while ago she found a litter of abandoned Labradoodles in the gravel pit behind her house. She nursed those babies back to health, found them homes, and kept one for herself cuz she'd grown so attached. Last spring she found a huge male dog, near death from starvation wandering in an empty ball field near her house (that I drive past 2 times a day!). If she hadn't gone for a drive that morning, he probably wouldn't have survived. She brought him in, nursed him back to health, found him a good home. Are we sensing a pattern? I thought so.

A few weeks ago her husband was at the grocery store and he spotted a starving femail running around the parking lot. She was VERY friendly and running up to people (looking for food I'm sure), but since she's a pit bull, people were terrified of her. So, he scooped her up and brought her home. They thought that she had just birthed a litter of pups as her teats were hanging really low. They started feeding her and she fattened up FAST. Too fast. She was still pregnant, she hadn't given birth yet. So, about 3 weeks ago, she gave birth to a litter of 9 puppies. 9!! Apparently it was clear that it was not her first birthing, as she took everything in stride.

So, this past saturday I stopped by with coffee and donuts to gab and catch up and of course, see the puppies! Momma has been named Trixie and is the tiniest, sweetest little thing ever. She ran right up to me and jumped to see what I was carrying and say hello. And the puppies, ooooooh the puppies! I've never seen puppies so teeny tiny before. The one that Sue claimed for me was OBVIOUSLY the loudest one of the bunch ;)
Here, are my 3 favorite shots. Thank goodness I shot in RAW cuz the light was really low (even for my 50mm f/2.8 all the way open), but Lightroom saved the day :)
They were SO cute. They kept burrowing underneath each other into a big pile of wriggling, squealing, wrinkly cuteness :)

All piled up.

And this guy was just the CUTEST. He looked so content laying there half under the pile, half out of it.

I so wish that Jordan would let me bring one home. I want Tiger to have a brother SO BAD, but he's really against a 2nd dog right now. Well, ever really. But I'm hoping that I can wear him down if given enough time, lol.

A lot of my 365 photos from last week feature Tigah-now. She's just so dang cute I can't help myself! Here are a few :)
She took a nice little nap while the Giants were losing to the Eagles.

She finished off her month of antibiotics for Lyme Disease.

She hijacked my spot in bed while I was in the shower.

And she loved on her Daddy :)

I think that's enough for today :) I'm all caught up on my photos so look for another post with some of them soon. :)
Have a good night and a good day!

~Col

This could become a problem....

2009-01-14T09:53:00.002-05:00

Seriously. My love for all things crafty will probably be my undoing. I need to learn to finish one project before I try and start another, lol. I bought a TON of fabric last night for 3 new projects. But first, I need to make 2 of the projects I started for SSD. Oy, lol. I just get so excited about an idea that I run out to start it, and then realize crap, I can't do that yet!

The other problem is going to be that I am NOT good about taking my photos off my camera for P365. I don't like to upload photos 1 by 1, I like to do it in bunches. I think that for this project though, that's really gonna make the project hard for me. I still haven't uploaded my photos from the end of last week. So I need to work on that.

Not a whole lot going on otherwise. I'm really busy at work, which is good and bad, lol. Good because I'm grateful to have a job in this crazy economy, bad because I don't like being SO crazy busy. I feel overwhelmed sometimes. I'm working on a plan set submittal, but this is the first time my boss is letting me do all the checking on it first (usually I print it all and he makes the corrections). So I'm a little stressed about that, but I do have to learn it to grow and move up in the company. Such is the life of a grown up right?

I can't leave without posting some more LO's. This one I started over a month ago. I redid it like 7 times before I finally bought the kit I ended up using. I REALLY like the way it turned out.

This one is for my Project 365 photobook. I'm going to use Viovio to print it since Shutterfly can't handle the number of pages I'm hoping to do. I'm going to make it's an 8.5x8.5 pro bound book hopefully. I want something nice that I can put out on the coffee table next year :) I'm not sure this style is one that I want to keep throughout the whole book, but it's a LO done and that's all that matters right now, lol.

That's all for today :) I'll be back soon with more 365 photos to share, and hopefully my first official project as a Hybridbabe for SSD!! WOOT!!

Have a wonderful day :)
~Col

Oh My Stinkin Heck!!!!!

2009-01-09T16:30:00.003-05:00

I am having the BEST WEEK EVER!!!

Ok, so Monday blew. I was cranky, I did NOT want to be back at work, and my boss drove me a little insane. Jordan and I were both really snippy with each other too, which always gets to me. I haaaaaaaaaate fighting with him or being mad at him. So Monday was not so hot.

Tuesday was better. I was in a decent mood, I rode the bike for 20 minutes (WOOT!), we had a good dinner. I bought myself a custom font from Darcy Baldwin @ SSD, and I was all excited to get it made. Life was good.

Then came Wednesday. Ooooh wednesday. I have a great group of friends whom I met on myspace a few years back. We've had our fair share of ups and downs and drama-rama's, but there's a core group of us who have always stuck together and been really close. For the past few years we've decided to do a Secret Santa to keep costs down for everyone during the holidays. Well my SS informed me of herself, and she happened to be my good friend Sue who lives like 2 miles away. So instead of buying me something, she gave me the best gift ever. A huge home cooked meal for Jordan and I, delivered to our house!! She made us a delicious oven roasted chicken (which Jordan LOVED so I have to get her recipe, lol) with carrots and potatoes, a salad, biscuits, an appetizer of cheese and crackers, and a dessert of angel food cake with vanilla topping! FREAKING DELICIOUS!
So as if that wasn't enough for the day, Jordan surprised me. He knew I really wanted this dinner to be just for us, to share together, by ourselves. Well his brother was still in the house, but while I was down the hall he set the table in the dining room, turned down off the lights, and lit candles and opened a bottle of wine. It was just exactly what I needed from him amid the stress of life at home as it is currently. He really surprises me sometimes and sweeps me off my feet all over again. We had a wonderful dinner and enjoyed each other's company both during and after :P
As if that wasn't enough to keep me happy for several days, I got the GREATEST PM ever later that night. From Robin Carlton, the owner of Sweet Shoppe Designs, asking me to (finally) be a Hybridbabe!!! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!! See, I'm even up on the staff page (scroll down, bottom left corner)!! I've talked to Robin a lot in the last year, to find ways to improve myself to try and make the team. SSD is my digi-home, and to be on the site team is truly a dream come true. I've been waiting for almost a year, but it was 100% worth the wait!! The funny thing is that after the last round of rejection, I had decided to "give up" on making the team in a way. Not literally give up, but try to not make it my main focus and just do what I do because I love to do it. Well boy did that pay off! LOL! I'm seriously seriously, SO excited to be an even bigger part of the most amazing digi-scrapping community out there. There are some big things planned for the future and I'm so excited to get to be a part of them from the start!! So Wednesday was amazing. I was literally like a kid on Christmas eve that night. So excited I couldn't sleep!

Thursday was excellent. I got set up in the "behind the scenes" forums at SSD and worked on catching up things. Robin announced that myself and another wonderful scrapper, Jen Tapler, had joined the team, and I basked in the awesomeness that was my life. And then the next most awesome thing happened. Darcy finished my font!!! I consider my handwriting to be a mess. It never looks the same way twice, which makes it rather difficult to create a sample LOL! But Darcy persevered, and here's my font!! I LOVE it!!

Friday was excellent because a)it was friday, but also because of b) we booked the flights for our honeymoon!! WOOT!! We're flying into Paris on the 13th and out of Milan on the 30th. 17 days in Europe!!!! OMG I'm SO freaking excited.

So yea, best freaking week ever. 2009 is off to a very very good start. Fingers crossed it stays that way for a while :)

Ok, time for some 365 photos. I'm almost done with my LO for week 1, which is good since week 2 ended today :P But I'll talk about the LO when I post it.

Day 6 was Tuesday, which was the first day I used the new exercise bike.

Day 7 was Sue's glorious oven roasted chicken.

Day 8 was my debut on the SSD staff page!!!

Day 9 and 10 are still in lightroom. I'll post them soon. :)
I spent a lot of today organizing my scrap space AGAIN. But it's got some fun new things in it thanks to some metal bins from the new tv stand that Jordan didn't want to STAY in the tv stand. So I took them :) Now I have bins for my rub ons, my acrylic stamps, my endless amounts of chipboard, and my card bases! I'm loving the way it's working into my current system so well!! WOOT! Plus, that means my desk is almost cleared off and I can get back to crafting! WEEEEEE! I've got some card sets that I want to make for friends, and that's my first project :)

Ok, enough rambling for tonight. Have a good rest of the weekend everyone!
~Col

Helloooooooo 2009!

2009-01-06T13:05:00.004-05:00

Phew! I finally grabbed a second to get this written and posted. The holidays were great. Super busy, and too much traveling, but great. :) We got an awesome exercise bike from my parents, and I got Lightroom 2.0 from Jordan's parents! WOOT! So exciting, it's my new favorite camera accessory, lol.

Again, this year for SERIOUS, I'm doing Project 365. I say for serious, because SSD is playing along too and has a whole forum set up for it! WOOT! Now lots of my friends are doing it, and I'll have oodles of motivation. And to share, here are my first 5 pics :)

Tiger LOVES to lay in front of the wood stove when we visit Jordan's parents in the winter. She lays there until she's so hot she can't stand it any longer, goes and cools off for a few minutes, and then goes back and lays down again. This night, the fire was apparently too low for her, because she was practically laying underneath it, lol.

Day 2, playing with my favorite new toys :)

Day 3, her pathetic/sad/stop taking my picture face.

I spent some time on sunday, Day 4, going through piles of scrapbooking magazines and pulling out inspiration from them. I pull articles and layouts to lift for those times when my mojo is running low.

Yesterday we took down the tree and I took down most of the decorations in the house. I don't have an ornament organization box, so the bulbs all just go in one big rubbermaid bin :)

So 2008 went way too fast. It was a good year, but I really can't believe it's gone already! But the good news is, WE ARE GETTING MARRIED THIS YEAR!!!!!

Can you tell I'm excited?? We ordered our invitations while we were home in NY for Christmas, and I'm SO excited to get them in. They are so perfect and elegant and wonderful. STOKED! We did hit a snag with the hotel situation, which is a huge bummer. Apparently all the hotels in the area are WAY overpriced, so guests are gonna have to travel a bit I think. So bummed about that. We'll just have to see what happens I suppose.

Since we got the exercise bike for Christmas, I'm hoping to make a solid effort at exercising more this year. I figure if I can't lose weight for the wedding, then it's not meant to be. Jordan loves my body, all the pressure definitely comes from me. I'm not crazy, trying to fit into a size 2 or something. I just want to lose 20 pounds, which would get me down to a good healthy size. That's all I want, is to be more healthy. I'm working on taking multi-vitamins, and drinking more water every day. I hope to use the bike 3 days a week and try and do pilates the other days. It'd be nice to keep that plan going with the bike, because then when I start training for the 3Day (2010) I can walk the other days of the week like I'm suppose to. That's the plan anyway :p The best laid plans of mice and men......

So getting healthy is one goal for this year. Another goal is to really really really work on my photography. I would really love to eventually (like, a ways down the line) get into photography as a business or a side business. Holly McCraig has a dog portraiture business called The Little Dog Smiled. SO AWESOME! I mean that, THAT would be what I would want to do. Run around taking pictures of awesome dogs all the time. PERFECT!

Mmm....ok, I think I'm done rambling for today. Hopefully I'll be back again soon :)
Have a great day!!

~Col

Poop Face

2008-12-18T09:39:00.002-05:00

Yes, you read that correctly. Poop face. (Yes, yes I'll explain, just hold your horses!)

We're doing a monthly team challenge over on Bree's Team Blog called Mix It Up. Once a month, we pick a template, and then scramble it all up and make something TOTALLY different with it, and then show the LO's off. A lot of people think that once they use a template, that's it, game over. NO WAY MAN!! That's what we aim to show you with the Mix It Up posts (the challenge will be up sometime today). Kim picked a LO from Bree's newest Collection, #23:

As soon as I saw the 3 smaller photos, I knew I wanted to do a LO with my scanned pics of my brother and sister and I as babies. So next, I hunted for pics of us as babies in similar positions. I had a few to choose from for my brother and sister, but there was really only one for me. So, I edited the pics, changed them to a sepia tone to match the kit I was using ("Heart Strings" by Laurie Ann) and went to town. I REALLY like how it turned out. I used all the pieces that came in the template and didn't even resize or change them. I just moved them into different positions (and changed the large photo to a block in the center. Here's the LO:

So I'm in the top left, Caitlin is top right, and Patrick is on the bottom (hence the little monogram type letters on the photos). Now, look at that face I am making. If that is not a "I'm pooping" baby face, then I don't know what is. I STILL cannot stop laughing just looking at it!! What a moment to catch on film, thanks Mom and Dad! Hahahahahaha! Oh goodness, I love it.

So last weekend Jordan went through the GIANT PILE of clothes that has been sitting in the corner of our bedroom for over a year now, waiting to be sorted and taken over to Goodwill. I decided that instead of holding onto some 10 pairs of jeans that no longer fit, I was going to donate them. I'm tired of the subconscious pressure I put on myself to lose weight every single time I opened the closet and saw those jeans. So, peace out jeans! Hello clear conscience!
I bought 2 new pairs of American Eagle jeans, and I feel like a new person. Yes, they're a size 12 and it still makes me cringe a little to think that (I thought 10 was bad enough), but they FIT! Comfortably! No doing lunges in the morning in a lame attempt at stretching them out to make them easier to get on! I feel good in the morning. It feels awesome.
Yea, I still wanna lose weight. We're getting an exercise bike for Christmas and I hope to get myself on it M/W/F and really make an effort at it. But you know what? If I don't, I'm not gonna let it get to me. I look HAWT in my wedding gown right now, as a size 10/12. Yea, it would be nice to lose 10lbs (more like 20 but whatever), but I figure if I don't, and my wedding isn't motivation enough, then it's not meant to be. Jordan loves me despite the size of my jeans, and that's all that really matters.

So, if you're hanging onto old clothes because you plan on losing weight to fit back into them, just get rid of them. There are plenty of ppl out there who can put them to good use RIGHT NOW, and when you do lose the weight, do you really want to wear old stuff? Heck no! You want fun new clothes for yourself! So let goooooo of the baggage!!

So in crafty news, I followed along on Tim Holtz' blog for his 12 days of tags (I triiiiied to get on here to post about it, and then never did, oops). Absolutely amazing and inspiration stuff here folks. Makes me want to run out and buy every single he makes or touches. For reals. It also makes me want to run home and get my hands all dirty and play :) I bought a little wooden house back in October to make a Haunted House with, but now I think I'm going to make a "gingerbread" house with it instead. HOPEFULLY I can work on that sometime this week. But I suppose we shall see.

Oh, and remember that whole "I'm going to bed early" thing from yesterday? Totally didn't happen. I got sucked into finishing that LO and was up til 11:30. Awesome. LOL! At least I'm only working Monday and Tuesday next week, so I'll have lots of time to catch up on my sleep :)

Ok, I think that's all I wanted to say today. Or at least it needs to be so I can finish off this plan sheet. :p
Have a great day!
~Col

What? 2 days in a row?

2008-12-17T11:25:00.003-05:00

Saaaa-weeeeeeeeeeeeeet!!!

I'm just tired of working on this plan set. Drafting gets to me after a while. So, I came here to be a little random for a bit.

1.) I bought this adorable hat off etsy ( crafttealady.etsy.com is the shop I got it at). I wasn't sure it would look good on me, but it was red and cream and screamed my name until my willpower crumbled and I bought it. I fought the urge for a good 2 minutes! :p Turns out though? I look freaking CUTE in this hat! And I don't care what Jordan thinks, I'm wearing it all the time now. Well, not all the time, but you know what I mean. :)

2.) I really like my most recent LO. I didn't even know I had gotten that smaller photo, and I totally love it. I'm gonna print it and frame it and stick it somewhere I can see it everyday :) The kit is Preppy Autumn by Traci Reed and it's one of my most favorite kits of hers!

3.) Jordan bought a huge tv for the bedroom this week. Found a deal he couldn't pass up, and we just got our bonus checks from work, so, he bought it. It's 46 freaking inches! Unnecessary for a bedroom I think, but whatever. I know better than to argue with him on some things. I voiced my opinion on the size and it was disregarded and that's life. And besides, who complains about a pimp 46" tv?!?! I'll just be buying one of the things on my "Camera stuff I HAVE TO HAVE" list next month for my birthday :)

4.) What the fuck kind of time warp do you get thrown into when you graduate college? CHRISTMAS IS IN 8 FREAKING DAYS!! When did that happen??? Thank god for a free month of Amazon Prime and free 2 day shipping, that's all I'm gonna say on that matter.

5.) If I don't get Tiger to the vet this week, I'm gonna hurt myself. She's overdue for shots by about 2 weeks, which isn't a big deal, except one of them is her rabies shot. Which I find mildly important. *pauses* She has an appt at 11:10 on saturday morning. Done. Excellent.

6.) I've been EXHAUSTED lately. Staying up too late is not good for me, especially not for like a week straight. I'll be going to bed early tonight, come hell or high water!

7.) I never shared this LO and it's FREAKING ADORABLE. So I'm sharing it now. The kit is "Jingle Baby" by Kristin Cronin-Barrow and Meg Mullens. Isn't my lil bro CUTE?!

8.) I think that's all for today. It was extra random, you'll need time to recover. ;)

Have a great day!
~Col

2 weeks! Sheesh!

2008-12-16T09:15:00.002-05:00

Man, I was all excited about posting every day for December Daily. We all see how well that turned out! LOL! It's ok though, because I'm still thinking about the project and taking pictures, and making notes about what I want to write down and such. One of these days when I catch my breath, I'll get some stuff done for it. I'm not too worried about it :) I did get a few photos edited to share though, so here are those!

The double rainbows on the 1st that I posted about. The second is hard to see, but I know it's there and that's all that matters :p

Jordan and I at our company party on the 3rd (hard to edit, our faces are a little blown, but whatevs)

The beautiful sunrise that greeted us as we left for work on the 8th

Work has been crazy, the holiday season has been crazy, life is just crazy right now. All sorts of little things have popped up here and there that end up taking a ton of time. But, that's life, and this holiday season has been wonderful. Lots of time with friends and family, and I'm so thankful for that. But man, it'll be nice when the craziness is gone again! LOL! I still can't believe that Christmas is only 9 days away. That's some kind of crazy holiday time warp that's going on! Thankfully 95% percent of the presents have been bought and have arrived, so all I have to do is get to wrapping and making gift tags. Wrapping is my favorite part, so I think I'll save that for this saturday morning when I can do it in some peace and quiet while the boys are still sleeping. We're doing big fat NOTHING this weekend and I can't wait :) I'm hoping to get to finally sit down and put some of these December Daily and Journal Your Christmas thoughts down in my album. I really love the base that I set up for it, so I'm excited to get stuff put in it :) I am really really loving the prompts we get every day for the JYC class.

I think that's enough rambling for today. Hopefully I'll be back soon with another post and some of my album to share!!
Have a great day!
~Col

December 1st!!

2008-12-01T20:03:00.003-05:00

Hooray! It's December! I can finally start decorating for Christmas! WOOT!

After a long weekend of traveling, I'm pretty exhausted. I shouldn't really be, but I am. Who knows. Thanksgiving was great, it was so good to see Jordan's family in Pittsburgh. I got to visit with Julie and my wonderful little "niece" Olivia. Naturally, I had plans of taking a bajillion photos of everything, and then didn't snap a single one! Oy! LOL!

This December, I'm working on a project with a bunch of friends from the Sweet Shoppe. We're following along with Ali Edwards "December Daily" project. Documenting the things that we do through the holiday season. Many people are doing it as more of a "Holiday Daily" and started on friday, to document all the things that are done throughout the holiday season. I am starting today, and will go a little ways into January as well, to document our time spent with Jordan's family over New Year's (we spend New Year's with whichever side of the family we don't see at Christmas).

I also signed up for another class, that is a December Daily in a different way. It's called "Journal Your Christmas" and is run by a woman named Shimelle. You can click away to read more about it :)

I need to download and read today's prompt still. I wasn't planning on using a photo for today, but then as I was driving home through the rain, I saw a double rainbow!! SO COOL! So I had to snap a few shots of that, luckily my point-and-shoot was in purse :) I'll get that one posted tomorrow. I like Ali's approach in that she doesn't do anything for that day until the end of it, or the next. You can't do it before it's happened, you know? :)

Aside from that, life is good. Work is still busy, and now I've got all kinds of holiday projects to work on. Unfortunately I've also been sucked into the world of Twilight, not that I'm surprised. I get this way with books. Especially good books. I just get so wrapped up in the story, that I can NOT put it down to work on something else! Even worse with a series of books. Thank goodness I read Harry Potter last summer (in just a few weeks), I got NOTHING else done while I was reading those! LOL! Thankfully, I'm on the last book now. It'll definitely be done in a few days. I swore I wasn't going to read any tonight, and then I read 145 pages. I figured I would read while ACDSee unzipped my goodies from the digi sales this weekend. And naturally, once that was done (all of like 10 minutes, had to do it 3 times to get them all saved everywhere I needed) I was a goner. Thankfully this last book is broken into small sections. Not that it matters, the first section ended with such a freaking cliff hanger I'm DYING to get through the next section and get back to the first character (that was probably confusing, lol, sorry). See! I'm even rambling when I WRITE about Twilight!! I never should've resisted so long, what a fool I was! LOL!

Ok, ok, enough is enough. I have scrappy stuff to do! Have a great night, I'll hopefully be back tomorrow :)
~Col

Rambling Tuesday

2008-11-25T08:34:00.005-05:00

So, I'm getting sick. I can feel it. My throat hurts, my back is achy and my stomach has been acting up for a few days. So NOT how I want to spend Thanksgiving weekend and 10 hours in the car (give or take). I'm drinking tea and sucking on Halls like my life depends on it.

This weekend I finally finished a hybrid project I've had in the works for what seems like forever. It took a long time to paint it (2 coats) and then it took forever to finish it off (waiting for the mod podge to dry). But, I love it. I'm probably going to make a few more and give them to friends with little girls as christmas presents. It's small, but perfect for little bows and hair ties and barrettes :) I couldn't get all the yellow tones out completely in post processing, but it's a cream colored paint. I used the new kit by Kristin Cronin-Barrow and Susan Bartolini, called "Live.Laugh.Love."

Since Thanksgiving isn't over yet, I have not done anything in terms of Christmas. No listening to Christmas music, no decorating house, nothing. I HATE that right after Halloween the stores started pimping their Christmas schtuff. I love Christmas as much as the next person, but come on! Give Thanksgiving a CHANCE! My designers however, have had Christmas on the brain for a while. So here are 2 LO's using recent releases.
"Tis the Season" using Arose Such a Clatter by Julie Billingsley:

And "Where are the Presents??" using And to All A Good Night by Traci Reed and Meg Mullens:

I'm looking forward to decorating the house for the season. I love the smell of the tree (which I'm sure will be 3 times bigger than necessary since Jordan goes and gets it while I prep for it's arrival), the look of the house with the lights on, and all the little details. I'm thinking of starting one of those little villages on our buffet in the dining room. My moms parents had a huge elaborate one, and I always remembered that about their tree. Grandpa built a special platform for it to sit on and everything was laid out (to perfection as that is Grandpa's way) so that all the cords were hidden underneath and out of the way. I did go ahead and buy some pretty new stockings from Pottery Barn a few weeks ago (did I mention that? I can't remember). They're going to look so cute hanging up under the cutout in the kitchen wall. I have the BG ornament set (I can't remember if it's from the Dasher or Figgy Pudding lines) so I want to get those made to hang around the house. I have so many projects I want to do! LOL! Not to mention all the gifts I want to make. I need to put on my Uber-Productive hat in the next few weeks! At least I can knit my little hands off in the car all weekend.

We're leaving for Pittsburgh on thursday morning (to try and avoid traffic). Doing random stuff on friday, including taking one of Jordan's sisters to try on the bridesmaid dress so we can order the right size. I'm hopefully meeting up with my girlfriend on friday at some point to hang out. Saturday we're driving to central PA to visit more of Jordan's family. We're either coming back that night, or spending the night there and coming home on sunday. Phew. It's a lot of car time. Thankfully we're taking the comfy new car and this time I'm riding shotgun :)

Oh! And we found a wedding photographer! After much arguing and disagreeing between myself and Jordan, he made the wise statement "Whatever you want." I think he's learning ;) We're going to go with Roy from Black Dog Photography. Friends of ours recommended them, and I'm confident they'll deliver the photojournalist style that I'm looking for, mixed in with traditional posed shots. We're having 1 for 5 hours and 1 for 8 hours. It was really important to me to have a second shooter. I want to have pictures of the guys getting ready, as well as some different angles of shots from the ceremony and then an extra pair of eyes at the cocktail hour. After the cocktail hour, Roy will probably take off, and the second shooter will stay until around cake cutting time. Just thinking about it all gets me so excited! Lol!

Well, I think I've babbled enough for today. Tomorrow I'll stop in with one of my other holiday projects (which is kind of 2 combined into 1). :)

Have a great day, and if I don't see you tomorrow, Happy Thanksgiving!!
~Col

Freaking Hysterical

2008-11-17T10:15:00.003-05:00

I missed SNL (as usual) this week, but my sister shared this gem with me last night.
I almost peed my pants. "We're grinding." "I thought that was obvious!"

Justin Timberlake as "Single lady" with Beyoncé
by glide64

That is all for today I think. :) Have a great day!
~Col

New Hair, New wedding photographer, new new new!

2008-11-13T11:21:00.001-05:00

It's amazing the effect an hour or two of pampering has on the soul. I went and got my hair done yesterday, and today I'm on top of the world! Jordan is not so happy with the haircut though. He didn't talk to me for like an hour after I got home. He doesn't like short hair on women at all, and we went a little shorter than normal this time. I kinda feel bad that he hates it so much, but I really like my hair short! He'll get over it I suppose, but I'm thinking of growing it out for the wedding now. It won't be nearly as long as I would like, but we'll see. I don't have to make a decision for another 3 months when it's time to get the highlights redone, LOL! Now if only I could stop biting my freaking nails, we'll be set!

We've been having a really good few weeks. We got into an arguement about 2.5-3 weeks ago about our living situation. But then we talked again later that night, and I feel a lot better about the whole situation. We still disagree, but at least I feel like he understands where I'm coming from now. So we'll see what happens in the next few months. The best part though, is that since we had the arguement and discussion, we've been better than ever. We've been extra snuggly and lovey dovey, even at work. I think I get more excited about the wedding every single day. :)

Shutterfly is having another card sale, so I'm hoping to get our Save the Dates done in the next few days and get some of them ordered. The Christmas cards came out awesome, so I'm confident I'll be happy with the Save the Dates too. I want to do cards since so many ppl are coming from out of town, I'm going to make up an information type packet to send with the save the dates. Places to eat, things to do, stuff like that. Since we're having the rehearsal on friday night and the wedding on sunday, everyone will have saturday free to do whatever they want. Which I think is going to work out really well. Or at least I hope :P

We also have to find a new wedding photographer. We were going to use a family friend, but some drama-rama has erupted. I would rather find a new photographer now, than worry and stress about it for the next 11 months. If things work out, the family friend will come as a guest, no big deal. Thankfully, we're still 11 months out, so we shouldn't have too much trouble booking someone. Plus, now I can find a photog who matches MY style, which will make me that much happier with the final product. I started searching yesterday and found some good prospects, so I'm excited to make contact with them and get the process started.

SSD is down for the next 2 days while they revamp the site and switch the store over to x-cart. I'm going through withdrawls, it's pathetic, LOL! The only good thing is that the designers are putting out tooooooooons of great products for the big reveal on saturday :) I've gotta goodies coming out of my ears! Lol! My mojo is still kinda missing, but Bree's templates save the day.

I've got serious craft ADD at home lately. Saturday I woke up and started working on a paper album. After breakfast I decided to finish sewing the 2nd curtain for the spare room upstairs. Then I started a digi LO. Then I finished the curtain, and started painting things to prep for hybrid projects. Then I started knitting 2 different projects for Christmas presents. I might officially be insane.

Today is rainy and gross. I forgot to bring anything for lunch, and we're out of lunchmeat. Fast food here I come! Lol!

Have a great day everyone :)
~Col

Truthful Tuesday #5

2008-11-11T15:37:00.004-05:00

Sometimes, I forget that this blog is public domain, and not just a journal for myself. But out there for people to read, and possibly be hurt by.

For that, I truly apologize. I never meant to hurt anyone. I got too wrapped up in my own shit, and didn't take anything else into account before posting.

I apologize, and I hope that I am forgiven.

Lesson learned. Bigtime.

~Col

Proud Mama Moment!!

2008-11-10T17:53:00.004-05:00

Ok. So everyone knows that Tiger is a pit bull mix (American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier mix). And a lot of people will read that and automatically think "OMG THOSE DOGS ARE VICIOUS!!!" If you thought that just now, and have no desire to hear any other opinion, please leave this blog now.

I work to fight that stereotype every single day. I always hope I can educate people and change some minds, and I know that I have. I work hard to make sure that Tiger is well behaved in public, and she's always friendly and a good Breed Ambassador.

Now, there are some things that as a pit owner, I'm inherently wary of at all times. One, is children. She loves them and wants to play, but doesn't understand her own size and strength. She ends up chasing them cuz she thinks it's a game, when really they are running in terror (I learned this very quickly when I first had her and there were a lot of kids in the apt complex). So, there's no playing with kids who are running around and being loud. She's perfectly ok with quiet children who aren't running and screaming, but otherwise, not so much. By the time we have kids she'll be like 10 years old and will have hopefully slowed down (considering she's 4.5 and still a maniac, I'm not holding my breath; it's more like praying).

The other thing, is other dogs. Tiger is an extremely dominant personality. She was a complete asshole the first 2 months I had her until I laid down the law and forced her to respect me. She is very much like a child who tests their boundaries at every chance. Except she won't grow out of it, lol. When I found her in the shelter, she was 1.5 and had been there about 6 months. Before that, the shelter said that as far as they knew she had lived on the streets. This means she had ZERO positive training with respect to other dogs and proper manners. As a pit bull, there is also always the issue of dog aggressive behavior. That is part of the breed, like it or not. Each dog is different and some dogs never ever display any aggression towards other dogs. But, you always have to be wary.

Since Tiger is so dominant, she often has issues with other dogs. But, she's also totally unpredictable with respect to what dogs she will like or not like. She likes most small dogs, whether male or female. This is because she can easily dominate them, so she doesn't feel threatened by them and can play without incident (unless the other dog is an asshole with a Napolean complex who starts shit first). She gets along with males, in general, better than females. She loooooooooved to play with the big male boxer across the street at our place. She HATES my friend Krissie's big female shephard, Titan. Like, barking and growling and freaking out if they even made eye contact from 30' away. Kind of scary actually.

Anyway. So my friend Emily bought a female American Bulldog in the spring, Kona. We always said we would get them together while she was young and small so that Tiger would be comfortable with her and they could be friends. And then life got in the way and Emily and I could barely meet up let alone get the dogs together. Such is life.

So this weekend, Emily decided to come over and watch the PSU game (I'm in denial, I don't want to talk about it, friggen IOWA?!?!?! UGH!). She asked if I thought Tiger would get along with Kona. I told her I had no idea, but to bring her so we could give it a try. If Tiger was a huge asshole, I would separate her into another room for the time they were here. No big deal.

Well Tiger and Kona are now totally BFF!! I was sooooooooooooooooooo happy to see them running around like maniacs, playing fetch together, wrestling and boxing, and just generally being cute lovable dogs. Tiger is very vocal when she plays, but Kona didn't seem to mind. Kona was submissive and Tiger only tried to hump her once (which I put a stop to, because that's just poor manners). Tiger didn't even get mad when Kona snuck in and stole away the tennis ball or the stick from her! I think all the time she spent at the lake over the past 2 summers, being forced to share the stick with the big mean labs, has really helped her out a LOT!

So, here are few photos :)
Emily and Kona

Kona

And now Tigah-now and her new BFF Kona :)

This is one proud momma :)
Talk to you later bloggers!
~Col

Civic Duty - Check Mark

2008-11-04T10:51:00.002-05:00

I voted today, did you?

I could not in good conscience vote for either Obama or McCain. Neither of their ideals match with mine completely. I'm truly, a middle of the road voter. And there's no one out there for me (although considering most Republicans hate McCain because he IS more middle of the road, we disagree on several important things to me).

So today, when I pushed the nifty little touch screen to cast my vote, I cast it for Bob Barr of the Libertarian Party.

I know some of you are thinking: "But that's a waste! He'll never win! Why did you bother?!"

Because it's not a waste.
Because the state of Maryland will go to Senator Obama whether I vote for or against him. 3 or 4 counties in this state override the rest of the state, and thus MD will go to the Democrats. So in reality, a vote for McCain is a waste. He has NO chance in this state.

But voting for anyone else sends a message.
It sends the message that I'm fed up with the 2 party system.
It sends the message that the Democratic and Republican candidates AREN'T GOOD ENOUGH.
It sends the message that it's time for a 3rd party and a stop this nonsense.

The more people vote for a 3rd party (any 3rd party for all I care), the bigger the message.
The more votes a 3rd party gets, the greater the chances of getting federal funding for a future campaign, which brings us closer to a REAL 3 party system.

Cuz let's be serious. This 2 party nonsense is getting old, and it's NOT WORKING.
I didn't vote for the incumbent in Congress either. They aren't working out too well either, now are they?

Congress is going to have a HUGE impact in the coming years. And too many people didn't even research their congressional candidates. They think "Oh, well it's not MY guy that's the problem, it's everyone else, so I'm voting for him again." Where does that get us? NO WHERE! We end up with the same bunch of boobs in Congress making a mess of things and wasting away our money!

I am so thankful that after tonight (for the most part) this mess of an election is over.
And I truly pray for the state of this country in the future, regardless of who is elected.

I don't care who you vote for. Just get out and vote!

~Col

It's the Principle of the Matter!

2008-10-22T15:46:00.004-04:00

Well, the day has finally come. The Purple People Eater is no long mine (THANK GOODNESS).

It wasn't a great car, but it certainly served it's purpose. It got me from A to B with minimal resistance. Except this summer. But that's a whole other can of worms. We took her over to Vehicles for Change this morning, and hopefully she will be accepted into the program. Then she can go to some poor fool who's obsessed with the Ravens, and make their day.

Of course, this transition was not without one, final problem. Since Jordan bought his pimp new car last week (an '08 TL, not an '09), and since we kept his Contour and Joey is living with us (STILL) that means 4 cars at the house. So we parked the PPE in the street in front of our house, left the new car and the contour in the garage, and Joey's car in the driveway as usual. No big deal. Saturday Jordan got up early and washed the PPE and we cleaned out the last of the crap, and then used the gas station vacuum to make her SOMEWHAT presentable (there's only so much you can do to a '97 PURPLE Neon, ya know?). Took her over to Carmax for shits and giggles ($250, no thanks). Brought her home and put her in the street again. Jordan washed his car on sunday or monday, so he was out there and didn't notice anything unusual.

So imagine my surprise when today, as we're driving to VFC he calls me (he was in his car since obviously we needed 2 cars to make the donation and get back to work) and says "Who hit your car??" Um, I have no idea what you're talking about. "There's a huge dent in the side of your car!" Um, I still don't have a clue.

Normally, I'm a pretty dang observant person. Except it seems, with the cars I drive. I NEVER notice a new ding, but Jordan can spot one 500 yards away. This morning I was all sleepy, so I can explain missing it that time. And I think when I was walking to the car in the work parking lot I was fumbling with my keys. But really, there's no excuse. The dent is HUGE! Like, replace the whole damn door, HUGE. (I'll add photos tonight, work has blocked uploads to photobucket.) I have no excuse for missing it.

It HAS to have been the neighbors across the street from us (who, are the weirdest people ever, btw). Jordan has apparently seen the wife backing out of the driveway, and she's the worst driver ever. Apparently she backs straight out of the driveway until she hits the curb on our side of the road, and then she turns. Totally. Unnecessary. And the dent isn't a sideswipe kinda dent. It's a "backing up, backing up, backing up, BAM" kinda dent. Now all things considered, we wouldn't care about the dent. It's an 11 year old POS car, and accidents happen.

BUT THEY DIDN'T TELL US!! How on earth do you back into your neighbors car and leave a huge ass dent, and NOT SAY SOMETHING?!?! I mean leave a note for cripes sake!

So, Jordan is printing out pictures and going to talk to them tonight. I mean we donated it and it's gone (as long as it gets accepted into the program, which it should), but still. It's the principle of the matter dangit! If we really wanted to we could've turned around and not donated it yet, confronted them, and possibly gotten money from their insurance, not to mention the old "hit and run" aspect of it all.

I mean seriously. What is wrong with people??

Jordan's parents decided to come visit this weekend. His dad wanted to help with some house stuff, but Jordan pointed out that the stuff he needs help with is a long weekend kinda thing, not a 1 day fix kinda thing. But, they're gonna come down anyway. So tonight and tomorrow will be spent tidying up the house, which I just LOVE to do. I don't have to cuz I cleaned last weekend, but I still feel like I should. His mom has even said to me "Please don't EVER clean just because we're coming to visit." Her mom and MIL are the kind of women who subconsciously bust out the old white glove to test the cleanliness of the house. His mom spent the whole WEEK cleaning their house the last time they visited, and she still didn't think it was clean enough, she was just tired of cleaning, lol. I think it's just a woman thing, to want a clean house to present to people.

I think that's all for today. :)
Have a good one!

~Col

Truthful Tuesday #4

2008-10-21T09:21:00.002-04:00

Morning bloggers!! I'm kinda combining TT and MM into one post today. :)

Truthfully, I hate being cold. Thus, this whole temp in the 30's overnight nonsense is not sitting well with me. Thank god for monkey slippers! (Which btw, both my mom and my sister also have!)

Truthfully, I'm conflicted over the election. I can't wait for it to be over, but at the same time, I'm scared of the direction our country will take after it's over (and that's true for when EITHER candidate takes office).

Truthfully, my heart aches for my friend and the little boy I wrote about yesterday. I really hope the new actions my friends are taking will make a difference.

Truthfully, my mojo needs to get back here ASAP. I'm feeling way behind on CT schtuff. I might have to give in and drop a team. BLEGH!

Truthfully, I'm tired of empty promises. Don't tell me something is mine, and then take it away, like "oops, sorry, just kidding". It's just mean.

Truthfully, I might actually be on the ball for Christmas presents this year. AND I might even get our cards ordered this week (but that relies on the mojo resurfacing). Shutterfly has a deal going, so I'm hoping to get SOMETHING ordered to take advantage of it, lol.

Truthfully, as mundane as my job seems sometimes, I flippin love it. And in these trying times, I'm so very thankful to have such good job security.

Truthfully, I want to go back to bed. I was so comfortable this morning, it was awesome. Damn alarm ruined everything. :p

Today I will leave you with a silly "From Our Blog To Yours" courtesy of SSD :)

Your Ice Cream Personality:

You like to think of yourself as a fairly modest person. And it's true that you don't talk yourself up... but you're also pretty happy with who you are.

You are incredibly cautious. You rather miss out on something than make a mistake. No one would ever call you wild... but they would call you responsible.

You are a somewhat open minded person, but deep down you're fairly conservative. You don't like trying new things very much. And if you do find something new you like, you stick with it.

You are a natural multitasker. You feel alive when you're doing more than one thing at a time.

You can be a big dramatic and over the top sometimes. You are bold in every way

The Ice Cream Personality Test

Ok, 2 silly quizzes :P

Halloween Candy Quiz

You are a Pumpkin Cookie

Like the pumpkin cookie you are both sensible and always welcome

Find out which Halloween Candy you are at Quizopolis.com

A not so misc. monday

2008-10-20T10:27:00.002-04:00

Time for another edition of Miscellaneous Monday. Any excuse to ramble is a good one to me :P

I'm 100% not ready for fall. It appeared all of a sudden, and I'm not all about it. I don't like being cold all the time. NOT cool. The bedroom is always freezing now in the morning, which makes it that much harder to get out of our super comfy warm and toasty bed. No good.

ETA: This started out as a Misc. Monday post. And then I got way side tracked with an issue a friend is facing. So, I apologize in advance for the rant.

I'm so angry at the court system in MD right now. Tell me how, with this history, this woman has ANY right to this boy. (Preface to say, during times she did not have custody of 1st child, he was with friends of mine, which is how I know all this, so I'm mildly biased.)
Drug addict and prostitute.
Gets knocked up.
Continues drugs and alcohol.
Goes to jail.
Gives birth. Baby is born addicted. (Little boy that I know.)
Serves her sentence. Gets out. Gets custody of child back.
Sells childs diapers for drug money. Leaves child in crack house surrounded by other prostitutes, drugs, used needles, etc while she goes out to turn tricks or cop more drugs.
Gets knocked up.
Continues drugs and alcohol.
Goes to jail.
After months in court, custody of first child awarded to my friends. She has zero visitation rights, as she's in jail, and that's a BIT traumatic for a 3 year old to visit mom in jail.
Gives birth to child, child born addicted.
Serves sentence. Gets out. Gets custody of 2nd child back. Custody battle for first child ensues.
Gets first child back.
Starts using again. Starts turning tricks again.
Gets knocked up (are we SEEING A PATTERN HERE PEOPLE?!?!)
Goes to jail.
1st child goes back to my friends.
Gives birth to 3rd child, not born addicted, but used through 7months when she was locked up JUST so the baby wouldn't be born addicted.
Gets out. Battles for custody of 1st child again.
Gets visitation rights for every other weekend. No stipulations on supervision, where she can take him, anything. No short visits for a trial period. Nothing. Right off the bat, visits every 2 weeks.
Then gets full custody.
Knocked up, but tells 1st child she "got rid of it". Awesome.
1st child with her for 2 months. Goes on drug bindge, leaves him with longtime boyfriend and new hubby. After 2 weeks, hubby drops him off at her mothers, saying he can't take it anymore. At some point during those 2 weeks 1st child is beaten with a stick until it breaks. Mother is physically unable to care for him. Calls my friends. Emergency custody is granted to them.
During time before she dropped 1st child off with new hubby, was taking him into awful parts of the city to get drugs. Tied a string around his chest, and tied other end to her wrist so she wouldn't lose him during her drug highs. Back to turning tricks for money. Would leave 1st child sitting on front porch tied to a railing while she turned tricks. Unless she was totally high, and then would BRING HIM IN THE ROOM WITH HER. Yea, totally healthy for a 5 year old boy to see those sorts of things.
Last week, was granted visitations again, every other weekend.
Had 1st child this weekend.

WTF is wrong with the system?! There's ONE family court judge in our county apparently. ONE. AND, said judge has a druggie daughter who's given birth to 2 children born addicted, 1 of whom he adopted himself (I believe). SO WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU THINKING JUDGE?!?!?

I'm all for second chances. But not 3rd, 4th, 5th chances. Every single time 1st child goes with druggie mom, he comes back to my friends with more emotional issues than Heinz has ketchup. Apparently at the hearing last week, when the judge made his ruling the childs social worker was in complete and total shock. Could not believe the judge and felt awful. She KNOWS this child is getting more and more screwed up every time he goes with her. He doesn't WANT to go with her. He was in tears when my friends told him his mother got visitation rights and he'd be spending this weekend with her. Which btw, how the fuck is THAT legal? They didn't even have time to file an appeal or do ANYHTING before her first scheduled visitation. AND the judge asked how long she'd been clean, and she reponded 2 weeks, and he said ok. Like that's totally normal, to award visitation to a woman with a HISTORY of drug use and prostituion, a smal child.

It makes me sick. I know this was supposed to be a miscellaneous monday post, but this is at the front of my mind right now. He's the sweet little boy, and it sickens me to think about what could happen to him. She's supposed to have him for Halloween too. So pretty much, think of your closest city, and then think of the absolute WORST part of that city. Then magnify it by about 5, because Baltimore is the dirtiest, grossest, worst, most dangerous city in the entire country, and that's the kind of area he'll be in. On Halloween. With a probably drugged out mom. Yea, totally safe. Way to go MD Court System!

::Sigh:: I can't think about it anymore, it makes me want to cry.
Sorry for such a depressing monday post.

~Col

TGIF! For Serious!

2008-10-17T17:34:00.003-04:00

So thankful it's friday.
So thankful for the weekend. We actually have nothing to do for once! After going nonstop for the past 6 weeks or so, it'll be so nice to just chill out and enjoy the beautiful weather and get things done around the house.
I do need to do some minor cleaning around the house. The boys have made a mess of the kitchen again, so I'll need to clean that. (Sounded like I have kids right? Nope. A 25 year old and a 29 year old. Awesome.) My craft area is a disaster. I never fully cleaned it after we added Jordan's desk and desktop to it. His desk is a disaster and I keep waiting for it to turn into toothpicks before my very eyes. He wants to get a "nice" L-shaped desk for that area. Too bad those run about $1k. And he bought a pimp car this week. And I'm trying to save money. I'd much rather spend $200 on an Ikea desk similar to the one I have, and call it good enough for the time being. Plus, he'd want like, a cherry desk and that so does not go with the vibe I have going in the master suite (beachy, calm, relaxing - thus the white desk I currently have and the light wood Ikea furniture I've always had but fits so well).

He has decided to go to Ikea this weekend though. This, is a major accomplishment. Last time we were there (many moons ago when I needed a replacement desktop since mine broke in the move) he saw some wood blinds. Now, he's obsessed. So he wants to go buy those for the bedroom and the spare room upstairs. Plus I want to do something like Tara Whitney did in our dining room. I loooooove the big photos, and I think it'll work really well with the vaulted ceilings. I'm thinking of stepping them (1 frame, 2 frames, 3 frames). And maybe putting 1 on either side of the big gaudy golf print that Jordan loves so much :P Of course when the new Pottery Barn catalog came in the mail the other day, I fell in LOVE with a dining room buffet display (the 20x20's would be above the buffet) that had a huge mirror. Which, would also look amazing if I do say so myself. I mean, the white with the deep green walls looks fantastical, and I'm ALL ABOUT various flower holding devices and candle holders. Heaven, I'm tellin ya! (Sidenote, I also REALLY want those hanging lamps shown in image 2 - but I KNOW Jordan won't go for that cuz they're $220 a piece on sale, oops. And naturally I want the starburst cut ones, which are more expensive)

Regardless, I'm going to pick up a bunch of the frames at Ikea (fingers crossed they have them). I mean, they're like $7 TOPS. I'm sure I can find a creative use for them around the house/my scrap area :) Another idea I JUST this second thought of, doing a 3x3 square with the frames, and put a mirror in the middle....... (see what I mean about crafty ADD?!?!?!).

So yea. I'm hoping to convince him to let me get the Ikea desk. Then I can clean out the craft area, get it uber organized, and situated the way I want it. Which really means flipping the current furniture arrangement so I can actually watch tv while I craft. Cuz right now, my back is to the tv. And that means I'm either crafting, or I'm turned around watching tv and not being productive. So I need to remedy that.

Man, sometimes I just ramble on for forever huh?
I'm still obsessed with the new Jack's Mannequin cd. "Spinning" is definitely my favorite. I could listen to it 8908492 times a day right now. Not totally sure why. I think sometimes my subconscious finds something about songs and latches onto them. I don't need to understand, I just know I love it :)

And as an aside to yesterday's blog post let me say 2 things.
1) I'm thankful that the people that DO read this blog, can do so while still being respectful. Not a single angry "wtf is wrong with you, you're a moron" comment to be had. I'm sure people wanted to say that, but instead, they just didn't comment. THANK YOU!! (I know there are many women I know who probably read this after coming over from SSD, many of whom are rather conservative. So again I say thank you :) Reason #8695048543 why SSD rocks my socks.

2) My sister turned me onto www.dooce.com and Heather Armstrong. She has a great post today relating to the abortion issue. The comments on her blog, and the blog posts and comments she references are fascinating.

A few interesting things I gained from said posts/comments (and I make the following statements assuming I was pregnant and facing such decisions):
Who gets to decided when my life is sufficiently in danger? How "bad" do I have to get before they will save me?
Pro-abortion is the most absurd phrase I've ever heard in my life.
If I do decide to go full term, is there any guarantee my baby will have health insurance? Nope. Awesome plan then, thanks so much!

Again, I have no idea why I find this election so intriguing. Probably because the last one was an easier for me. This one forced me to do a lot of research, and I've learned that I LOVE hearing other people's opinions. LOVE IT! I don't have to agree with it, but seeing the reasoning behind people's opinions absolutely fascinates me.

I think that's enough rambling for today. Since I started writing this post a good 7 hours ago. Thank you notepad.

Have a glorious weekend everyone!!
~Col

Feel like rambling

2008-10-16T12:06:00.003-04:00

First off, please look to your left. You will notice a new addition to my sidebar.
WEDDING COUNTDOWN!!! WOOT!!! I'm so flippin excited it's not even funny :)
Jordan started working on the guest list for his side of the family, and my mom has sent me about 9839028432 different lists (I think I need an update on that actually - Mom, expect an email :P) so we're rolling on that. We looked at numbers, and it looks like the people I thought Jordan was going to fight me on will be able to fit no problem. And, he put up practically no fight. So we might make it through the guest list without too much fighting! YAY!!

Warning: For some reason with this election, I feel the need to state my opinions. For someone who previously avoided politics like the plague, this is strange new territory. Bear with me. It'll all be over soon anyway.

Last night's final Presidential Debate was another disaster. Why do we even bother with them anymore? They don't answer questions, they talk over each other, the moderator is useless. All it does is bore the American public for 20 minutes before their minds go completely numb and they change the channel. I mean, was it really necessary to "discuss" their campaign ads for 15 minutes? All the ads are mean and evil. No shit sherlock, that's friggen politics now a days! And I'm so over the ties between Obama and that 60's terrorist. You're making shit up, the man was 8 years old! LET IT GO!

I did pay attention, and I did yell at the tv, and I did "keep score" in my head. McCain moved ahead when he stated he'd cut ethanol subsidies (I haaaaaaaaaaaate ethanol), but Obama evened the score when he talked about solar/wind/etc. I'm still not convinced nuclear is the way to go, so I couldn't give another point to McCain. It went back and forth a few more times. Until McCain made a statement that pretty much shot himself in the foot for me.

"We have to change the culture of America. Those of us who are proudly pro-life understand that. " (About 3/4 of the way down in the transcript, McCain speaks on Roe v Wade, then Obama speaks, and it's in McCain's counter.)

Um, excuse me? The CULTURE of America needs to change? And only one group of people know and understand that??

For the record, I'm pro-choice. But only because NO ONE should have the right or the power to tell ME what I'm allowed to do with my body. I would never get an abortion, but that's not what this issue is about. It's about more than just determining "when" a fetus becomes a life to count. It's about the fact that unwanted and unplanned pregnancies happen every day in this country, and it's sure as hell better to have a choice about what to do. Otherwise you end up with women dying in back alleys after trying to abort. If a woman wants to abort, the law isn't going to stop her. She'll throw herself down the stairs, or break her own water, etc etc etc. Putting her own life at risk because having a baby and putting it up for adoption just isn't an option for her. So no, adoption isn't the solution to the abortion problem. Sorry McCain.

Seriously, that shocked the hell out of me. Not sure why it hit me so hard, but it did.
I wish I could take both of them, smush them together, and make 1 decent candidate instead of these 2 crappy ones. I don't like Obama's "spread the wealth" tax plan, I don't like McCain's stance on abortion (and I'm sure, on gay marriage so that's really -2 points for him). I don't think Obama has the experience, and I don't like his immediate withdrawal from Iraq. I don't like McCain's "nuclear is the only solution" attitude about energy. I think they're both idiots for wanting to open off shore drilling, cuz that isn't gonna solve anything (and I wish I bookmarked the article I read that explained it).

Oy. I'm sorely tempted to write in something absurd. Maryland is going to Obama, I have no doubts about that. Baltimore City and Prince George's County pretty much guarantee that. So I might as well have fun and write in something retarded if my vote isn't gonna count anyway. (I'm not actually gonna write in, but it pains me to have to pick from these 2.)

Ok ok, that's enough political talk for one day. I just had to get it out of my system.
There are some fun things in the works for Digital Scrapbooking Day on November 1st, so keep your eye out for that. I finished a really cute LO last night, but I can't share yet cuz it uses Traci's release for this week.
Work is work.
Life goes on.
That's about it :)

Have a good day!!
~Col

Wordy Wednesday - Breast Cancer 3Day!

2008-10-15T08:50:00.005-04:00

Ok, let me just warn you. This post is gonna be long as hell. I want to post about my 3Day experience in it's fullest so I'll always remember it, and I'll have this post to look back on. I walked with my friend Charlotte, and our friend Janine was part of the Traffic and Safety Crew.

So yes. Breast Cancer. Appropriate because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Have you been too wrapped up in the gloriousness that is fall and football? Then you might have noticed the pink ribbons on the NFL referees shirts. FREAKING COOL! And I noticed a few pink ribbon pins on NFL coaches as well. Very cool.

Back to the 3Day:
Friday was a loooooooong day. We got up at 4am and headed over to opening ceremonies at Potomac Mills Mall. Got there around 5am. Char got herself checked in properly, we dropped our bags off at the gear trucks, and then had about 3 hours to stand around. Not so good for the feet. Eventually I gave up and just sat down on the concrete (we were outside in the parking lot). During opening ceremonies we met a group of 3 girls. They were in front of us during the ceremonies, and we started talking to them. One of them, Melissa, was struggling to get a little clip thing back on her camelback, so I offered to help. Char commented that I was just trying to touch ppl's boobs. Now, a normal person, would've given us a strange look, turned, and run. Melissa however, turned to me as I was jokingly holding my hands in front of me in a mock boob squeeze, and walked her boobies straight into my hands. Can we say friends for life? That's what I thought.

So we start walking. And walking. And walking. Friday we walked 23.5 miles (although a rumor going around was that we actually walked 26.3). They gave us little cards with mileage on them, and when our pit stops were and lunch and such. At the bottom of the card was a tiny little asterisk with a note that said "Milage may not be exact." Oh the impact of those words! At the first pit stop Melissa advised us to slather our feet in vaseline, and holy crap if I didn't thank her 25 times by the end of the day for making us do that. No blisters after day 1! WOOT! I shudder to think how much WORSE my feet would've been if I hadn't done that. Not a pretty sight. (The vaseline helps cut down the friction between your feet and socks and shoes, and friction = blisters, so that's why it helped.) So we all stuck together for the day and had a blast. Melissa, Crys, and Becca were a RIOT! Everyone out on the walk was so fun and friendly. You would just walk and overhear someone saying something, and you could just jump right in with a comment or a laugh and it was all good. Like walking witn 3300 of my closest friends, LOL! Becca would randomly start singing a song, and people would jump in an sing along. At the intersections where they had to direct traffic, the Moto Crew (all on motorcycles, really awesome ppl) usually had music playing from their bikes so everyone would dance and sing along. It really was a fun time (which I can say now, looking back, cuz it's OVAH and my feet are mostly back to normal :P). Naturally, to end Day 1, we had to climb a MONSTER hill. We practically ran up that thing! Lol! It was a combination of trying to lose the creepy guy that had attached himself to us, and the knowledge that the faster we get up the hill, the faster we're done walking for the day. Plus, hills are good for buns of steel, and that right there is good motivation on it's own! So we get to the top of hill and we're all excited cuz across the road is camp! WOOT! So we start walking. And walking. And walking. And by now, I'm dead on my feet. My feet are throbbing, I'm just about ready to cry, and all I want to do is see the damn camp. Then we see the "1 mile til camp" sign. Sweet. 1 more mile. I can do this. Well, there's no way in hell that sign was 1 mile from the entrance to camp. No effing WAY man! I know I was a bit delirious at that point, but there's just no way. Everytime we went around a bend in the trail I was SURE we were gonna see camp. And it kept not appearing, lol. Finally though, we made it. Then we had to find our gear truck, get our bags, get a tent, find the campsite, and set up the tent. Awesome. So we get to our site, and I immediately sit down and take off my shoes for fear of my feet exploding if I left them on any longer. Immense relief once the shoes were off. So we start putting the tent together, which is pretty dang simple. It's one of those small-ish 2 person tents, where the long rods are all connected and all you have to do is thread the loops and pop the rods into the right holes. Easy = awesome. So we unroll our sleeping pads, and immediately fall over onto them in a heap. I look at Char and say "What have we gotten ourselves into?! Please don't hate me forever!!" and then we dissolve into giggles for a solid 5 minutes because we're totally delirious. So we set up our tents, and decide to put on our pj's to go eat dinner and then just bring clean undies to change into when we shower. So we go get dinner, which I can barely eat cuz I'm so full of water and pretzels and granola bars from eating all day long. Spaghetti and meatballs with garlic bread. Not bad, but again, I couldn't bring myself to eat all that much. So we finish there, and trudge over to the shower trucks. Where we are 25 and 26 in line. Awesome. 50 minutes later we get into the truck and take fast showers cuz there are still 894038290432 ppl in line. Head back to our tents, and crash out.

Saturday we got up at like 6:30. Had some breakfast, and then just hit the road. We left around 8 and saw Janine on our way out, so that was nice. Saturday I decided to wear different shoes from day 1. I can't even begin to explain the horrific impact that caused on my feet. Within 2.3 miles (which may not be exact :p) I could feel a blister forming on my heel. Another 2 miles or so and we hit a grab and go and got a snack and refilled our water bottles. I knew I wasn't drinking enough, and not drinking enough is ALSO bad for blisters. Super. It was 4 miles or so from that stop to the next pitstop. About 1/4 mile away from the pit stop I look over at Char and say "Something just happened to my foot." I managed to get a blister on the ball of my right foot, AND pop it, within 7 miles or so. NOT COOL!! So at that pit stop I waited in line for medical and had them fix up both of my feet. I figured I would have them do it once and pay attention and then do it myself the rest of the walk. We ran into the girls at that pitstop. Crys was all antsy, so they ended up leaving ahead of us, which wasn't a big deal. We passed Becca on the way to the next pitstop, and ran into Melissa and Crys. We decided to hit the road quickly and get to lunch so we could relax a little. As we were on our way to lunch we passed a few small unofficial cheering stations. SO nice. It really made me tear up to see people sitting out there in the sun and the heat, just to cheer us on and thank us for walking. Well forget it, by the time I got to the official cheering station we were almost 12 miles into the day, my feet needed some TLC and it was HOT. So when we turned a corner and saw 300+ people sitting at an intersection, I knew I was in trouble. I looked at Char and said "If all those people are sitting there to cheer us on, I'm 100% gonna cry. Game over." She naturally teases me, as she is incapable of emotion (it's a running joke :)). I start tearing up almost immediately, and then see a little girl holding a sign that said "Someday I want Ta-tas to save!" and is waving and clapping and thanking us. GAME FREAKING OVER! So now I'm speed walking through the cheer station, cuz I know I look like a moron, and people are like "awww she's crying." and I'm like AH! Stop making fun of me! (I knew they weren't, but still.) There were groups of people there with 3 generations to cheer us on. Totally crazy and awesome. So I speed through there while Char is petting all the dogs (we missed ours) and wait on the other side. Make out way to lunch, find a semi shady spot, and pop a squat. Felt SO GOOD to get my shoes and socks off, those puppies needed to BREATHE! Lol! Found the girls again, ate and stretched and then fixed my feet and took off again. 4 miles from lunch to the next pit stop. Except it was 4 miles, all highway, all in the blazing sun. I wanted to die. Made our way to the next pit stop, sat in the shade, and took our shoes off again. As soon as I sat in the shade, I was fine. The damn sun was just killer! Finished off Day 2 relatively strong, but still hurting. That day was 21.5 give or take. Got into camp at 5pm (That's a full 8-5 work day of walking in case you weren't paying attention), went back to the tent and chilled for a bit, called some ppl, etc. Checked out my feet. Blisters on the sides of both heels, the balls of both feet, the inside of both big toes (next to my index toe? I guess that's what it would be? LOL!), and then a smallish one on my right pinky toe. Super. So we got our shower stuff and went over to eat. We got to eat with Janine before she had to get back to work, so that was nice. Met Tom, the guy she made friends with while working. He has the same sense of humor as our little group, so that was a lot of fun. Overheard some girls talking about how this one woman got to back to camp at 1:00 or 1:30, and was complaining there was nothing to do around camp. OF COURSE THERE WASN'T!!! You're not supposed to RUN the course you dumbass! Went and took our showers, there was practically no line this time. I took FOREVER cuz the hot water just felt so good on my aching body, lol. Thankfully, there was NO ONE waiting when I got out, so I didn't feel bad at all :) We decided we wanted to go get matching shirts to wear on sunday (we matched the rest of the weekend, we might as well match sunday too, lol). Stop by the LaCroix tent and see the girls using the foot massagers, so we chat with them for a bit. The massagers didn't even feel that good for me, so that stunk. I didn't have clean socks, and I think that's why, didn't feel so hot on blistered bare feet, lol. They went off to shower, so we hit up the store and got shirts and pins, and then stopped at the post office to send a few postcards. Then went back to the tent and passed out.

Sunday morning came too early. We got up at 5am, packed our bags, took down our tents, and headed for breakfast. Saw Melissa, and they were already done and heading to the buses, so we said we'd catch them later. Got Melissa's number so we could all walk in to the closing ceremonies together. The walk was set for about 16 miles on sunday. Ate breakfast (mostly pushed the food around), stretched, hit up the medical tent for some moleskin, and then went to board the buses. They bussed us 40 minutes NE to Arlington. From there we walked through arlington, georgetown, passed the White House, did a loop near Union Station, and then ended at the old convention center (which is now a large parking lot called City Center). So I spent the whole bus ride fixing my feet. Get there, almost fall off the bus, pee, and off we go. Truthfully, sunday morning is a bit of a blur. Aside from the GIANT hill we walked up on Walter Reed, I'll never forget that! LOL! Again, we powered walked through that thing. Slower = harder on our feet! Pit stop at the top of the hill, pee, and we're off again. Hit the second pit stop and stop to stretch out a bit. As we're waiting in the line for drinks and food, Melissa finds us. She had to have medical lance her blisters and wrap up her feet, and Crys and Becca were to antsy to wait for her, so she told them to just go. (Running joke was that she felt like she was the 3rd wheel.) So she walked the rest of the day with us mostly. Made it through Arlington and across the bridge into Georgetown, around Georgetown and then to lunch. Find Crys and Becca. Am ready to cry my feet hurt so bad, and we've got another 8 miles or so to walk (I think). Becca tells me about these squishy squares you can put on the blister under the moleskin. They're lifesavers. Melissa waits for us while Crys and Becca hit the road. Eat, fix my feet, hit the road. Feet feel awesome for a few miles and I thank Becca profusely when we again meet up with them. Skip a pit stop cuz we're walking around tons of shops and stuff and figure we can just stop there. OOps, the route isn't along shops anymore. Awesome. Find a Fuddruckers to duck into and pee. Feel 10x's better. Walk walk walk. Pictures in front of the White House. Walk walk walk. At this point I'm starting to get really sore, and my feet are ready to give up. Still have at least 4 miles to go. Walking in front of Union Station, I notice a LOT of walkers on the other side of a park type block. This just about kills me. I would rather walk 943085943 hills than walk a circle. Walking in circles makes me insane. Tears start rolling down my face, but I'm trying to hide it. Becca REALLY has to pee. They go off to find her a place to pee, Char and I keep walking. I keep thinking the pit stop HAS to be close. It just HAS to be!! More tears. No end in site. WTF. Char says she wants to sit down at the pit stop and take off her shoes for a few minutes. THANK GOD. I don't care if she just said that to make me feel better, or if she really needed to sit for a bit. Get to the pit stop. Bathroom line 90394302 miles long. Sit behind a big tree, take off shoes, cry in relief, lay down and prop feet up to take some of the pressure off. Force myself to STOP CRYING DAMNIT! Char says that she's resigned herself to her feet hurting and being miserable for hte last 2 miles. Makes me feel better. Miss the girls as they come through the pit stop. Decide to just hit the road and meet them in a bit, wherever they are. Leave pit stop and immediately see.....AN ICE CREAM TRUCK!!! OMG YES!!! Char buys us treats. Chocolate Eclair. So delish. Walking walking walking. Only 1.9 miles from pit stop to closing ceremonies (not sure why I'm all of a sudden writing in fragments). Walk about a mile completely oblivious to the pain in our feet thanks to the ice cream. Pass Union Station AGAIN. See Melissa outside a bar we passed earlier. Meet up with the girls, stop for a pee and stretch break (no alcohol for us, we would've stayed there and skipped closing ceremonies all together). All of a sudden hear that we have to be done by 4:30. It's 4:05. OOPS! Speed walk the last mile. 2 blocks away the whole crown starts chanting 2 more blocks! 2 more blocks! SO FUN!! See the inflatables that mean FINISHED. SO happy. Lots of loud music and people cheering and high fives everywhere (we loved the high fives). Dance our way through. See Janine! YAY!! Get our long sleeves t-shirts that mean WE DID IT!!!

Jordan found me and brought his giant red MD flip flops. SO glad I called him and asked him to bring them. They're about the only thing my feet would fit in, they were so swollen. Take off socks and shoes to put on clean socks and see HUGE RIDICULOUS BLISTER on the ball of my left foot, and my right pinky toe is about 3 times it's normal size. Now understand why I cried for a mile. Hobble around and into closing cermonies. Really nice tributes, a few tears, but mostly just REALLY wanting to sit down. My legs really did not like standing still for very long. Say goodbye to the girls and promise to email soon (still haven't, WORST!). Hobble out and find Jordan, Janine, and Z together with bags. Decide to go eat and DRINK! Hobble a few blocks. Homeless guy tries to talk to Z, who ignores him. Homeless guy calls Z an "Axel Rose lookin Mother Fucker". Easily, funniest thing ever. Eat at Ruby Tuesdays. Have a captain and coke. Mostly just happy to sit down. Eat, drink, head our separate ways. Pass out in the car nearly immediately. Wake up in the garage. Almost cry thinking of walking into the house. Jordan carries me inside piggy back, and puts me on the bed. Snuggles with Tigah-now. He starts a hot bath in the whirlpool tub. Carries me into the bathroom so I can pee. Get into the tub on my own (barely). Feels amazing. Too hot water gives me a headache. Get out. Put on PJ's. So thankful for my super comfortable bed. Spoon with Jordan, pass out. Excellent end to the weekend.

So that's my recap, LOL! I warned you it was long!! Looking back, we had an amazing time. It was awesome to meet Melissa, Crys, and Becca. We shared SO MANY laughs and ridiculous stories. While I can't walk next year (the DC walk is the same weekend as my wedding), we're thinking of doing it again and recruiting my mom too (*waves* Hi Mom!). Maybe in 2010? We'll see, LOL! Next time I'll probably be a bit more diligent with my training (lesson learned!!!). I'm sure I'll share a few more memories and stories in the future. I just needed to sit down and get all this out! Lol!

Thanks so much if you read all this!
Have a great day!

~Col

Truthful Tuesday #3

2008-09-30T14:51:00.002-04:00

WOOT! I missed Misc. Monday yesterday, but that's ok. I was too tired to post. Longest weekend EVER! More on that later though.

Today's Truthful Tuesday post is brought to you by Jack's Mannequin (not really, that just sounded fun). Andrew's (Andrew McMahon from Something Corporate - a band I miss terribly, truth be told) new cd, "The Glass Passenger" is fantastical. It was supposed to be out months ago, but I'm not even complaining cuz I luuuuuuuuuuuurrrrrrrrrrrrrvvvvvvvveeeeeeeeeeeeeee it!!!

Go Here and check out some songs from the myspace page. "The Resolution" and "Annie Use Your Telescope" are both off "The Glass Passenger". "Bloodshot" is one of my faves, with "Spinning" coming in a close second. Check out this page HERE for the amazon listing where you can listen to short clips from the CD. I highly recommend it.

It just makes me happy. Andrew is such a talented musician. The vocals, the lyrics, the musicality, the piano, the orchestration; I'm probably being redundant with a few of those words but I don't even care. Awesome awesome awesome. "Dark Blue" off "Everything in Transit" is STILL one of my all time favorite songs. And with lyrics like "I swim to brighter days, Despite the absence of sun, Choking on salt water, I'm not giving in, You gotta swim" it's no wonder I love "Swim".

Plus, if you get the extended edition, you get 2 live versions of songs off "Everything in Transit" and 4 additional songs. Totally worth $11.99.

So yea. LOVE THIS CD! Go buy it now, you won't be disappointed. And if you've never heard of JM or Something Corporate, click on some of those links up there and give them a listen. I've been a fan of Andrew's since I heard SC's first album a solid 7 years ago. Go dig up "Konstantine" online, you're sure to be blown away.

Have a great day/evening everyone :)

~Col

Things that make me happy......

2008-09-26T09:43:00.003-04:00

TGIF! Omg, I'm so glad it's finally friday. This week sucked just as bad as the last 2! Lol! But it's Beth and Steve's big wedding and I'm UBER excited.

My new Nick and Nora monkey slippers. Pretty much perfection if you ask me :) (See photos below)

The rented 24-70mm f/2.8 lens that I rented for the wedding (Beth asked me to play unofficial backup photog). I LOVE the versatility of it! I can be wide open and get some nice depth of field, and I love that I can be at a 24mm or zoom in to 70mm, and anything in between! It's a nice change of pace from my much loved 50mm f/1.8. I'm gonna play with the 85mm f/1.8 that I rented too :)

Here are a few shots with the 24-70 (played with crops just because, boosted a lil, defogged, white balance adjustment).

I'm beyond excited for Julie and Johnny and lil miss Olivia to arrive tonight. Miss O makes my ovaries do flips, but I just love her so. And of course, I love spending time with her mom and dad and too :)

These 2 LO's make me happy :) First one for Digi Dare #101, second for Cookie #50 @ SSD. Click for credits please :)

Lunch with a college friend today. I haven't seen her in like 3 years! Can't wait :)

I think that's enough happiness for today :P It's gonna be a loooooooong but good weekend for me. Have a good one, I'll catch you all on monday!

~Col

ITCHY!

2008-09-18T09:18:00.003-04:00

Oh my goodness! The only thing worse than sunburn, is when it starts to peel! My stomach and chest finally started to peel, and omgosh! I just keep scratching at them through my clothes, lol. My forehead started peel tuesday night with the help of some exfoliating face wash. I like to just get the gross itchy peely part over with as soon as possible. I spent a good 5 minutes at the mirror this morning pulling off patches of dead skin on my forehead. I HATE when it gets all in your hair and it looks like dandruff. BLEGH!

Ok, enough grossness. Sorry, had to get it out though.

I wish I could stop biting my nails. They're AWFUL. But it's like a subconscious thing! I'll be fine, doing whatever, not biting my nails, and all of a sudden I've bitten half of them off. WTF? ::Sigh:: I've tried bad tasting stuff, I've tried keep nail clippers and files around at all times, none of it works. Frustrating.

The plan set still isn't done. I went home last night and worked remotely on one of the drawings for like 2.5/3 hours. At least that one is mostly done. I'll probably do the same tonight on the second one like it. Finished roadway elevation sheets are SO tedious. Like, mind numbingly dull.

I bought the new(ish) P!ATD cd the other day. It's kinda weird. I'm sure it'll grow on me like Jason Mraz did.

Apparently I like random posts.

I ordered the lens rentals the other day for the wedding next weekend. I'm SO excited to play. I offered to do some family portrait type shots for the matron of honor too, cuz you know, why not? All 3 of them are in the wedding, so it'll be cute. Hopefully I get some good ones and they can get them printed and put up in the house :)

I also ordered a really pretty skirt and shirt on supa sale from Banana Republic. I saved like $50! Plus, they're good basics so they won't only get worn once. Fingers crossed they ship today and get here in time for the rehearsal dinner next friday. Otherwise, I'm screwed for an outfit for that. All I need to find are some killer shoes :) I want to wear my teal necklace (the skirt is a black and white pattern, and the shirt is black cuz I couldn't find any white ones I liked) so I might try and find some cute teal shoes too. I'll be at DSW next week for sure, lol!

La la la.......what else.....

Oh, Jordan spent all last night cutting tiles for the laundry room. I felt really bad, cuz I couldn't help, cuz I brought work home. He was hoping to get those tiles laid last night so he could grout tonight, but that didn't happen. It takes a long time to measure and cut all those tiles. I'm hoping he can lay the tiles tonight and grout tomorrow and then on sunday I'll have my washer and dryer back. I really don't feel like going to the laundrymat. I found a pair of jeans in my closet that I thought were dirty, so I'll be ok until he gets them set up again. Now he wants to add a standing sink in there too. Not all that sure why, but he's doing so much work in there, that if he wants one, then go for it, lol! At least I'll be able to help whenever he decides to do the hallway downstairs. Then he can cut and I can lay tile. Should go a bit faster that way.

Ok. Time to work on a new plan sheet. Have a good day!!
~Col

Truthful Tuesday #1

2008-09-16T13:29:00.004-04:00

If nothing else, I'll be blogging on mondays and tuesdays apparently. Since people have started doing a bit of a blog train over at SSD, it's gotten me more into blogging. This is good. It's also a lot more personal than playing over at DST, which is what I did before. There's too many people over there. I like my lil home at SSD :)

So yea. Truthful Tuesday. Here goes.
There is no way in hell I will able to work in this line of work for my entire life. I love it, but I REALLY can't deal with the assholes who work at the state. Unfortunately for me, most of my work COMES from the state. Talk about being caught between a rock and a hard place.

On the 4th of this month, we were told that we were allowed to proceed with our work on a certain project, since our responses to the comments had been received and accepted. On the 5th we got a call saying that Mr. Head Bridge Guy was going away for the month of October, and that they expected a full structural review plan set to be done by the 19th. 2 weeks. Oh, and we had to confirm our design AND check on 5 or 6 changes they wanted made if possible. Oh, and structural review meant we had about 12-15 NEW plan sheets we had to finish. In 2 weeks. With myself being the only person available to work on any of it. Right. Yesterday, we got 2 of the bitchiest emails I've ever seen written by a man. The first, was to complain that we weren't meeting our project deadlines. Oh, you mean the completely unreasonable deadline that you set 10 days ago? Just checking. The second, was to complain about random nonsense that HIS OFFICE had been slacking on for months, but was now our fault. I REALLY wanted to drive down to the state and kick him in the nuts. As I said yesterday, working for the state doesn't give you the right to be a douche. SO CUT IT OUT! (And yes, I've thought of actually working FOR the state, because then I wouldn't be on the receiving end of their bullshit, but I'd probably kill someone if I had to deal with them everyday at work.)

In my dream world, I work here for 5 more years with minimal contact with state employees (aka, NOT becoming a project manager (which will never happen because I'm practically one now) because I really might actually either kick someone in the nuts, or jump off the roof of the office). In that time Jordan has set up a system so I can work from home 3 days a week. Then I can stay home with the bebe's most of the time, limit my interaction with morons, and still make really good money.

And if that fails, I'm quitting and becoming the next Ali Edwards. I love that woman. Or StacyJ, cuz she's in Africa right now and I would KILL to travel like that.

Back to the grind.
~Col

PS~I'm almost done with a second fabric covered book (ala Donna Downey, minus the paying $35 to watch a flippin video) and I hope to finish it tonight. And my lil book binding experiment went EXTREMELY well last night. I'll soon be buying stuff for that I think :)

Misc. Monday #2

2008-09-15T17:31:00.005-04:00

Hello again. Another week has started despite my endless protesting last night. ::sigh::

So. Without further ado. Miscellaneous Monday. :)

First, another Sweet Shoppe Blog entry:

You Are 85% Real

There's hardly a person on this earth more real than you are.

You have no problem showing people who you are, flaws and all.

For you, there couldn't be any other way. Because it's way too stressful to live an inauthentic life.

You're very comfortable with yourself. And because of this, you're able to live an exciting, interesting, and challenging life.

How Real Are You?

I guess that's right? LOL! 10 questions is a bit short to determine my "real-ness", but whatever :p

I've never been more sunburned in life. Like, boiled lobster red. But only on the front of my body cuz we were sitting in chairs talking. Thankfully, I don't look like rudolph anymore (the nose has faded slightly). You would think I'd have learned my sunscreen less by now. After this, I assure you I have.

I bought this Japanese Stab Binding Kit off Etsy and it arrived today. I'm tossing my other projects aside tonight and checking it out. Then I can order more waxed linen thread and put some of the ridiculous amount of "scrap" paper in this house to good use. (I also bring it home from work, cuz the cleaning crews dump the recycling into the trash, nice right? So it's my own version of recycling - I think they call it upcycling?)

Along those same lines, I stumbled across this site, TJ Bookarts, while checking my google reader today. OODLES of fun bookbinding links and tutorials, I'm way excited to check them out :)

My wonderful and loving fiance, bit off more than he could chew this weekend while I was away (no, I'm not surprised). Instead of learning how to lay tile in small doses, he removed everything from the laundry room, tore up the linoleum in the hallway, and cleared out the closet under the stairs. Then he discovered he was pretty slow at laying tile. Then he discovered that he didn't know how to use the cutter he bought, so he went and bought a water saw. Then he couldn't figure out the water saw. I am without a washer and dryer until thursday at the earliest. Thankfully, he's aware of his mistake and has said he will be the one to go to the Laundry-mat if necessary. Um. Duh.

People who change schedules and demand entire projects in 2 weeks notice, should NOT then complain about said project probably being incomplete at submission, and then send out the BITCHIEST email I've ever read. Just because you work for the state, doesn't mean you get to be a douche. Thanks.

I plan on eating 2 wings and a billion french fries for dinner tonight. Diet be damned. I'll start over tomorrow.

I can't WAIT to start our wedding registry. I got a Chef's catalogue today and am drooling over things. Crate and Barrel here I come :p

I think that's all. I'm tired. But I want to play with my book binding toy. :) Catch ya later!!
~Col

Please take a moment......

2008-09-11T09:38:00.003-04:00

Hi everyone. Serious Col here today. The day demands it. I'm always somber on this day. I always remember exactly what I did. How I felt. Wondering if my Dad was working in the city that day, and was he ok? Did I know anyone else who was affected? HOW? How did this happen? What would happen next? Why? Where did this hatred and evil come from?

Too many innocent people died on this day 7 years ago.
Too many families lost loved ones.
Too many heroes were made.
Too many children lost parents.
Too many parents lost children.
Too many.
Too many.

Please take a moment today and say a prayer, or send a thought, or do whatever you do, for the many men and women serving in our military.
Protecting our freedoms.
Righting wrongs.
Seeking out the evil that lurks in the dark in this world.
We will not tolerate this evil.
We will not stand for it.
It better run.
Because these colors don't.

And always. ALWAYS. Remember.
The Big Picture is an awesome site and yesterday posted some moving images from 9/11 and relating to it. Check it out.

~Col
(Old layout from a few months ago. New one coming later today.)

Misc. Monday's

2008-09-08T10:06:00.002-04:00

Mooooooorning!! I've decided that mondays will be for anything under the sun. Hence, miscellaneous monday. Monday's stink, but a little bit of randomness might help.

Here's a quiz. Clearly, I suck at life.

Your Common Spelling Mistake Score: 70% Correct

Your spelling is decent, but you do make quite a few mistakes.

Let's just say you won't be winning a spelling bee anytime soon!

Do You Make Common Spelling Mistakes?

I was UBER crafty this weekend and it was wonderful. Hannah was good for something after all. I figured out how to make notebooks/journals with fabric covers. SUPER cute and easy to do. I'm going to make a million of them and sell them on Etsy. Eventually. I always say I'm gonna do that and then never follow through. I have crafty ADD, lol.

The Early November did the WORST cover of "Power of Love" ever. That song is NOT meant to be slow and acoustic. Get real.

On the flip side, I'm still obsessed with the cover of "Just Like a Dream" by Gatsby's American Dream (both songs can be found on Punk Goes 80's).

I'm totally digging Pat Monahan's solo release (the guy from Train). You can find music HERE. And scroll down to the Howard Stern episode in 2003, cuz it's a great interview and that's how I found out about it. I'm obviously late to the goodness of this cd, but I don't care. It's awesome. I'm talking about his first solo CD "Last of Seven". Not sure what else he has out. Should probably look into that more. "Oooh My My" and "Say (All I Need)" and "Ripple on the Water" rock my socks.

We have SO MUCH of the wedding planning done. It's SO exciting to think about. Mikkel is awesome and came across my dress in a magazine and mailed it to me. WOOT! Thanks again girl! So now it's in my purse and I can carry it around and show people anywhere I go. I'm slightly obsessed, but it's probably a good thing to love your dress this much.

I'm so unmotivated right now. I have a CRAP TON of work I need to do for the state by next friday. It's totally overwhelming. Which makes me unmotivated. Which is bad.

Speaking of, I think that's enough randomness for today. Besides, I've got work to do!

~Col

Close Enough for now

2008-09-07T14:37:00.003-04:00

Well, I got things mostly figured out. Fingers crossed I remember wtf I did for the future when I inevitable decide the blog needs another facelift, lol!

I still haven't gotten that title block removed, and I still don't know how to mess with the archives to get that pretty. But for now (after about 5 hours invested in this), I'm calling it close enough! LOL!

Google is good and bad, and some of the stuff doesn't apply. I have about 15 projects I want to work on today though, so for now I leave it be. You haven't defeated me yet blogger!!

Enjoy the nice weather now that Hannah is gone! :)
~Col

BAH!

2008-09-06T22:13:00.001-04:00

So as you can see, I'm trying to make the blog pretty. I'm doing this in the hopes that maybe I'll post more. Who knows. Either way, I wanted it pretty and to reflect my love of all things tropical.

Well it's pretty much been the biggest PITA ever. I've spent several hours working on it, and it's still messed up. I don't know why the post background isn't white anymore. I don't know why the blog description box is showing under the header (I don't want it to, it's redundant as hell and ungly looking), I don't know why I can't get the archives to look like hte rest of the sidebar stuff.

I just don't know.

I hereby give up for the evening. Blogger wins.

Blogger 1
Col 0

On a lighter note

2008-07-23T11:14:00.002-04:00

I might as well get some Sweet Rewards points while I'm blogging :) Hi Meg! Love ya!

What Your These Fireworks Say About You

You are chaotic, inspired, and very creative.

You're so creative, people don't really recognize your creativity.

What's expressive for you sometimes looks like a mess.

But you don't really care... you enjoy making your messes!

The Fireworks Test

And Mimi wanted to know about summer jobs :)
I worked at the Gap Outlet in the huge outlet mall in our town. I started off as just a puny sales associate, but one super busy saturday when the line was insane they threw me on register. I remember loving it because I got to ring next to my girlfriend Christie, and she taught me the ropes. I picked that up pretty quickly and within a few months they made me a lead cashier. That meant that on closing nights, I had to count out 14 registers. BY MYSELF! Helloooooo responsibility! I did that all through senior year of high school too. When I came back to work after my freshman year of college, I decided to work in merchandising (cuz, you know, why not). That meant working 6am-3pm 5 or 6 days a week. Getting up early was AWFUL, but I again got to work with Christie (I love that girl), and some other awesome people, including my boyfriend that summer, Jesse, lol. We had a LOT of fun there. We had a lot of not fun times there too, but overall I have nothing but good memories of my times there :)

Have a happy hump day :)

I heart Sweet Reward Points

2008-06-30T09:24:00.003-04:00

And because I love them so much, here are the 4 blog posts for the month of June. Sorry Meg :p

5/30 - Dream Vacation
I want to travel the whole world, but realistically I doubt that'll be possible. Instead, we're hoping to go on a ridiculous honeymoon. We're all about traveling before we have kids and can't. We're hoping to take 2 weeks or so, and go to New Zealand and Australia. We want to get our dive certs so we can dive on the great barrier reef. I think that would be SO amazing. No idea yet if that'll even be possible, but hey, a girl can dream right? :)

6/5 - Nerd Score.
This should be good :p

6/12 - Summer Activities
I love going out to western MD and heading over to Jordan's family friends place. They have a house on Deep Creek Lake, and let us use the docks anytime we want. I get to tan, Jordan can play on the jet ski's, and Tiger gets to swim swim swim! If we're headed to NY, that means a trip to the Cohen's pool is usually in order. Everyone hangs out and talks, Don floats around in the chair with his cigar, we listen to the Yankee game, and then usually eat a TON! If we're staying home, we tend not to leave the house. We end up traveling so much throughout the year that staying home means just that. I scrap, Jordan plays his video games, we watch movies, we just chill and vege out. So relaxing. Hopefully we'll get some trees planted in the backyard soon and then I can get a hammock so I can relax and read in the shade. :)

6/19 - What your fridge says about you
Not very accurate I don't think, but still interesting :p

What Your Fridge Says About You

You like to be surrounded by things you love. You aren't exactly greedy, but you can be materialistic at times.

You tend to be a fairly thrifty person. You splurge occasionally, but you're mostly a saver.

You don't tend to be a very adventurous person, but you do surprise everyone now and then. You have a bit of a wild side.

You try to be responsible, but you don't always succeed. Your heart is in the right place though.

You are likely single - and spending many nights alone at home.

What Do the Contents of Your Refrigerator Say About You?

I think that is all. Maybe I'll get my 40% off after all! :)

Now that's impressive.

2008-06-30T09:07:00.002-04:00

I can't believe I went 2 whole months without posting. Man, I am NOT good at blogging, LOL! But I think I've come up with a better way to get back into it. But I can't share cuz I haven't worked it all out yet. So yea. You must wait.

In the best news ever, I found my wedding dress. I'm completely in love with, and obsessed with it, which I think is probably a good sign. I think people will think that it's very "me", but will also be very pleasantly surprised. I made a LO for it for the wedding album, but I can't share it here on the off chance that Jordan will read this blog (I don't know if he actually does or not, lol). But if you're feelin frisky, you can always go check out my galleries and find it :)

In the saddest news ever, we lost our family dog on friday. Scooby was so very old, especially for a large breed dog. 14 years old for a Greyhound is probably similar to being 100. His arthritis kept getting worse, and last week he stopped eating for a few days. Anytime Scooby doesn't eat, it's a major problem. He was the biggest food hound you've ever met in your life, so for him to not eat means something is really wrong wtih him. He didn't get his meds for 3 days, so his arthritis flared up horribly. He did a little better friday morning, but in the end, he would never really get any better. He would only get worse and his suffering would be prolonged. So it was decided that we needed to let him go. It was probably the hardest thing ever for us to do, but we know it was the RIGHT thing to do, and that's what matters most. He's not in pain anymore, he's suffering has ended, and he's free. He's up there right now looking down at us as happy as can be I bet. He led the best life ever for 12 good years, what more could you ask for?! Friday was really hard but I'm ok with it all now. Just one of those things where you think you're ok with something, and you think you've come to terms with it, and then it actually comes, and you're not ok with it because you can't believe that he's going to be gone and you never get to see him again. But I will see him again.
Ok, enough rambling. Here's a LO I made on friday night to help cope with it all. I really love how it turned out.

My boss is on vacation this week, and we're only working 3 days, and tomorrow I'm out on inspections. Thank goodness it's an easy week. The past few have been a combination of boring and obnoxious. Working for the state seems to have more cons than pros. They drive me INSANE. They always want something different, and then are bitter when you didn't even know they wanted that, because they never told you, and then they get mad at your for being "behind schedule". The politics behind it all drive me insane. The only plus side to this, is that I'm learning a TON, and even getting to do my own design work. I check almost everything with my boss, but it's going to be really cool when I can say I designed this bridge replacement in it's entirety, by myself. (Yes, I will tell you where it is so you can avoid driving over it, Ha, Ha, Ha.)

I'm going to post again in a last ditch effort to get enough rewards points for a 40% discount at SSD. My mojo went MIA a few times this month, so I'm much farther away then I usually am. Of course I didn't get to scrap on saturday, or sunday, but whatever. I'll take 30%, but that 40% is just too sweet to miss out on :)

I think that's it. I'm feeling super sleepy today so I'm gonna go get some more tea.
Have a happy monday!

~Col

I'm bored.

2008-04-29T10:36:00.002-04:00

So I took some little quizzes, and made a layout. And now I'm sharing, because it's better than writing up a zillion inspection reports.

For one, I'm a pretty ok speller:

Your Spelling is Good

You got 9/10 correct.

Your spelling is generally pretty decent. You are prone to a few mistakes, but the mistakes you make are pretty forgivable.

How's Your Spelling?

2, I'm a concrete and sequential thinker (this is dead on, lol, I HATE ambiguity!!)

Your Thinking is Concrete and Sequential

You are precise, orderly, and realistic.

You tend to get to the point and get things done.

Difficult, detailed work is easy for you. You take things step by step.

Time limits aren't a problem for you either. You work well with deadlines.

What does drive you crazy is any sort of task that isn't precisely laid out.

You don't like anything to be ambiguous. You prefer to deal with the facts at hand.

What Kind of Thinker Are You?

And I'm darn good at spotting famous places from a bird's eye view. 14/16. Damn Bush's ranch (I never get the baseball one right. Ever.)
http://www.guessthespot.com/

Now for some shares.
Here's the LO I did for Kim's goodies last week. I can't remember if I posted it or not. Probably not.

This one I really love. Natali Design and Jofia DeVoe make such wonderful things.

And this is just too fun. Traci teamed up with Gina Miller to make "Tisket a Tasket". SUCH a great kit.

Tiger apparently LOVES orange push pops. She's lucky that Jordan usually eats 2, and shares the last of the second one with her. Hence the orange sherbert on her nose. :)

I suppose I'll go back to writing up reports now.
Have a good day!

TGIF!

2008-04-25T10:42:00.002-04:00

Man, for real. TGIF. I'm ready for the weekend, even though it's going to be a tad busy. I'm volunteering tonight and tomorrow at 2 shelter events. I don't really want to go tonight, but I'm going to at least go help with set up and decorations. They need a ton of people later on tonight, so I might just stay home and go to bed early. I'm so tired lately. I have to be up at like 8 tomorrow too, for the other event.

This little quiz is today's "From our blog to yours" from SSD. It was cute, and pretty accurate so I thought I'd post for fun. :)

You Are An ESFJ

The Caregiver

You are sympathetic and caring, putting friends and family first.

A creature of habit, you prefer routines and have trouble with change.

You love being in groups - whether you're helping people or working on a project.

You are good at listening, laughing, and bringing out the best in people.

In love, you value harmony and mutual understanding.

You will apologize or give someone the benefit of the doubt, if it means getting over a fight sooner.

At work, you are good at building relationships and connecting with people.

You would make a great nurse, social worker, or teacher.

How you see yourself: Organized, dependable, co-operative

When other people don't get you, they see you as: Opinionated, critical, and know-it-all

What's Your Personality Type?

I've gotten a bunch of LO's done this week, so that's always good. I don't feel so behind on obligations now. I need to make some more little hybrid albums. I think I'm gonna work on that tonight. I want to do one for our Vegas trip, one for our Cabo trip, and maybe one for the FL trip last summer. Maybe I'll get ambitious and do one for hawaii and san fran too, lol. On sunday I'm gonna take a drive (fingers crossed it nice out) out to a scrapbook store. My girl Julie got me a gift certificate to there like a year ago, so I should really go spend it, lol. I'm hoping they'll have some acrylic albums I can play wtih. And some alcohol inks, those look way cool. Once again I've got a million ideas in my head, and not enough time to get them out, lol.

Is it lunch time yet? I'm starving. I think a trip to the NY style deli is in order. I could eat their turkey/bacon/lettuce/tomato/cheese on a toasted egg bagel every day of the week. SO good.

Oh and it's definitely spring. I made my first pitcher of lemonade last night!! This weekend might be ice tea weekend :) I'm hoping to find some plants that do well in the shade and get them planted too. Now it's a mission since Jordan doesn't think I'll do it, lol.

Have a great weekend everyone!!!
~Col

Freebie Template!

2008-04-23T08:27:00.002-04:00

I know what you're thinking, "Oh my god! She's blogging 2 days in a row!!" Ca-raaaaaazzzy!!

Well Kim had her big celebration yesterday, and I'm hoping it went well (she might still be recovering, it's rare I blog before her! LOL). But my girl Mikkel started a new blog, and a newsletter, and is awesome. So I hooked her up with a template to give away to her newsletter subscribers. You know what that means right? Right. If you want this:

Then you need to go HERE, to Mikkel's new fantastic blog, and sign up for her newsletter. It'll go out either later today or tomorrow or so. So you might have to exercise some patience. Buuuut it's a pretty sweet template, so it's worth it ;) Plus while you're there, you can download her super cute Birthday cupcake add-on! If you make a LO with it and link it up in the comments by the 28th, you could win a prize!

Ok gotta run. But go!

GO GO GO GO GO!!!!

2008-04-22T08:46:00.002-04:00

Go right now to DSO and Kim's store because she is having an amaaaaaaazing sale!! It's her 1 year anniversary of selling at DSO and to celebrate her WHOLE STORE is 60% OFF TODAY ONLY!!!!

I repeat. GO GO GO GO GO!!!! :D The sale is only good TODAY, so hurry up and finish reading, and then scoot over there!

Now, as if that wasn't enough (and we all know Kim, and it isn't! LOL!) She's got 2 fantastic grab bags up too! Both of them are LOADED with more goodies than usual (do I need to repeat myself again? GO!).

There's a commercial use bag:

And a personal use bag:

And as a special treat, if you buy BOTH you get this amazing set of brag book pages Kim's CT put together!! (Well not me, I've got something else up my sleeve now that I have time to breathe, lol!) The brag book pages all coordinate with what's inside the Personal Use Grab Bag.

Phew, all that promoting really takes it out of ya! :P

I've got more to talk about, but for now I'll let you go spend some dough at Kim's store. :)
Have a good day!!

Bad things come in 3's??

2008-03-25T20:22:00.003-04:00

Today they did!
So today I walked my 3 miles for training. I decided to do a different route that was more on sidewalks and through the neighborhood. It’s pretty much a 1.5 mi loop on either side of our house. So we head out, and do our thing. I’m about 3/4 mi in when my cell phone rings. Apparently my ipod managed to unlock my cell phone in my sweatshirt pocketand call 911, and when emergency services couldn’t get me on the phone, they hung up and called back. Awesome, now I feel like an asshole. So I hold the phone the rest of the way, despite how uncomfortable that actually is. (note to self, buy a small bag or fanny pack despite how unfashionable said things are.)

As we head back, I get a text message. We’re near a playground, but on the other side of the street, plus a lady wtih a huge english bulldog was walking towards us, so I put Tiger in a sit (which she did oh so nicely). No biggie right? I answer the text, look up, and see a small child waddling across the street towards. OMG! AND to top it off, there’s a car coming way to fast down the road. Holy f@$*. Luckily the mom was already making her way over to the little boy, who was staring at Tiger saying "woofie", and the car slowed down. So that car passes, and I’m like hey little guy why don’t you come over here, while trying to restrain Tiger from jumping at him to gives him kisses (she's not so good wtih small children, or children at all for that matter until they hit 11 or 12) OY.

Ok fine. So we get back to the main road we live off of, and I see a bunch of dogs in neighboring yards running along the fences playing. Ok cool. I’ll let Tiger get a few sniffs in, see what’s up, but then we’re on our way. The big fluffy dog (looked like a collie maybe? it was far away) goes up the deck and back inside. So there’s a little fluffy dog running back and forth along the fence. It was barking, but it was small and moving quickly, so I couldn't really get a good look at it. It finds a spot where the wood planks are more separated, and then tries to eat Tiger’s face off. Awesome.

THANKFULLY we made it back to our house, and then on the other 1.5mi loop without any incidents. I was really close to just giving up for the day though, lol.

Oh and I finally figured out why the heck my pedometers weren't working right. Apparently my hips don't move enough, so I have to place it on the outside of my hip. On the side, not in front. Good to know, now that I have 2 since I thought the first one was broken.

Also, anyone have good ideas for protein snacks? That'd be great.

In other news, my scrap-mojo disappeared, but seems to be coming back in spurts. Here are a few LO's to prove it :o)
I love this one. This will always be one of my favorites pictures of my Tigah-now.

This one I'm totally in love with. It came out just as I was envisioning, which RARELY happens for me.

This one is just too cute. I'm loving Janet Phillips templates and grab bags lately. SO useful!! These are 2 of my favorite shots of the monkeys at the Naples Zoo.

This one, is using KimB's latest kit, Unda Da Sea, which is SO friggen FUN! It's a summary of our engagement vacation. I might just print that one and frame it :o)

And one last one. This one was for today's blog post over on the Hawt Mama Team Blog. Alane made a super fun template, and I had "Nicole's Graham" from Traci's "Those We Love: Just the Boys" that I hadn't fully used yet. So I dug out some of the scanned photos and found these 2 of my little brother practicing his golf swing in the front yard. I'm guessing he's 6, but I'm sure when my mom reads this, she'll confirm or correct said statement. :o)

Ok enough visual goodness. Not too much else to report. Easter weekend was good. Jordan's family came down (next year we're just going to have eeeeeeeeveryone come down here for Easter, except ppl will HAVE to get hotel rooms, lol) and I did some shopping/quality time wtih his mom and little sister. Plans are in the works for everyone to come to NY sometime this summer (hopefully June) to do some wedding dress and bridesmaid dress shopping. Tiger is randomly limping, but continues to play like a goofball and run around and go on walks with me, so I'm trying not to stress about it too much. Tomorrow I'm performing an experiment at work. And by experiment, I mean I'm going to wear a pedometer while we go out on inspections, just for kicks to see how far we actually walk (last time it had to have been at least 3miles, possibly more). Thank goodness it's supposed to be almost 60! Going out on inspections will actually be nice for a while, until it gets to be May when the humidity and 90 degree heat sets in, lol.

In other news, Jordan has completely given up on fighting with me over the dining room chairs, and the purchase of a DSLR. I SO win. I'll be going to Ikea this weekend to buy some chairs so that next time we have people over, they won't have to sit on the floor to eat at the coffe table. I'm still going to wait a few weeks on the DSLR, because it makes sense to wait until I can try out hte Canon Rebel XSi (step up from the XTi). Then I'll have seen all my options and can make a good decision. Whether I end up with the Nikon or not doesn't matter. I just don't want to buy the Nikon now, and then try the XSi in a few weeks and like it better.
Oh and I bought a laptop today! Jordan said I should just get it since I want one (want, not need). I think he's tired of me being on his desktop all the time. :oP

I think, that that is all for tonight. I've got a LO to finish for Mikkel, and then I'm going to go lay down and watch some tv. OH! And congratulations to Mikkel, who got engaged on her Disney Cruise last week!!! WEEEEEEEE!!! Another person to talk weddings with! LOL!

Ok, enough! Good night!! :oD

There's no turning back now....

2008-03-14T14:23:00.002-04:00

It's official. My friend Charlotte and I are signed up for the Breast Cancer 3Day walk on October 3/4/5 this fall. According to the handy dandy countdown on my personal page, that's just 204 days away. I've got that much time to raise at least $2,200. I'm really hoping I can raise more though! Last year my mom raised $4,500!!

I definitely need to go buy new sneakers to start training in. And I'll want to pick up some 3Day gear. And of course I need to start sending out fundraising letters and emails. I'm hoping that Century will make a donation. I know my family will. I'll be asking everyone to split their donations between me and Charlotte. She's really stressing about having to raise so much money, and I want to help her out as much as I can. It all goes towards the same awesome cause anyway! We started our own team, and several of our friends are going to be crew members for us. We are team Shiver Me Boobies (what? We like pirates!) and we pledge to raise a total of $5,000!! Whoohoo!!

I'm so glad that the weather is warming up! I've been taking Tiger out on little jogging/walking trips. She just loves to be outside, so it's perfect. She keeps me company, and I get the exercise I so desperately need. She'll get even more exercise now that I'm doing this walk!

In other news, my designers have been working over time putting together some really awesome kits!!
Here's a LO I did for my friend Priscilla. She's having her second child soon and feels very guilty that her firsts baby book isn't done yet. So she enlisted the help of some of us to scrap the pics for her. Lucky for her, Julie is putting out 2 glorious kits tomorrow at SSD that were a perfect fit!!

And Traci has an AWESOME collab kit with Dani Mogstad hitting the shelves tomorrow too.

If you were over at Kim's blog today, you saw her awesome kit that should hit the DSO shelves sometime this weekend. I've got a LO 3/4 of the way done with it, it's awesome. I'll probably post the LO next week, but I'll get it to Kim and she'll put it up. :o)

Well, I'm hoping to go home soon and start a wonderfully productive weekend. I hope you all have a great weekend and I'll see you soon!

Fantastic Friday!

2008-03-07T00:01:00.000-05:00

Did this week go by super quickly for anyone else? Of course, the whole MONTH that I haven't blogged went by pretty quickly, lol. I kept meaning to post, and then work was super busy, and I don't blog at home usually, etc etc, excuses excuses. I know.

So you know who has the best professional use grab bags on the block right? Of course you do! KimB! Her latest is over at DSO RIGHT NOW, but it's only up until saturday (sunday if you're really lucky) and then all 5 products go into stores regularly priced. At $8 it's a STEAL! So go snag it!

Kim's been giving you sneak peaks all week, so at this point it's not much of a surprise, lol! But I decided to cook up something fun and make a mini kit for all you KimB faithful out there! Everything was created using her grab bag stuff (and a few older professional use things here and there) AND it coordinates with her march color challenge palette! So you can add this one to the huge list of kits you can scoop up this month when you play along over at DSO!

Here ya go! I hope you enjoy it!

In other news, TOOT TOOT!! I was asked to be on Julie Billingsley's (a brand new designer over @ SSD, she was a Sugar Babe first!) Creative Team!! I'm so excited, she has really amazing talent and I'm so excited to showcase her stuff!

I've got a SUPER cute project in the works for this weekend for Traci's Team Blog on monday. Really simple, but hopefully really useful too! She's released some really awesome kits this year, I so look forward to seeing what else she's got under her sleeves! And have you checked out the Hawt Mama Blog?? The girls come up with some really awesome challenges! Definitely gets the scrappin mojo flowin!

In other wonderful news, my good friend Krissie has ventured into the wonderful world of crafting, and gotten totally obsessed as well! She's opened up a jewelry shop over on Etsy, and it's damn good stuff, if I do say so myself! LOL! Look at this amazing neckalce and earring set she made me! For only $25! It's another STEAL I tell you!

Click on the picture to go to the sold item page and see more pictures of my set. Hopefully I snap some pics of myself wearing them and can show them off that way too. It's a really stunning set, I've worn it several times already and always get compliments on it. If you like what you see, send her a message on Etsy (or leave me a comment and I'll get you in touch with her). She will work with you to create a custom piece, or alter a current piece. Anything you like! She's eager to please and she just LOVES what she's doing. So please, go check her out, I'd really appreciate it!

Aside from being super busy at work, and scrapping all the time, and sewing pillow cases and window curtains, and working on baby books for baby shower presents for friends, there's nothing much new going on over here :oP But since I've been busy, I'll leave you all with a few LO's (as always, click to see the credits!).

This I made using Kim's kit from last month, Storybook Romance. SO pretty, I just love it. The pictures are or and from JEssica and David's wedding that we went to down in Disney.

This one I made for one of the challenges for The Amazing Digi-Scrap Race (ADSR). I'm racing with my friend and co-CT member Jenny, who lives out in Colorado. Check out our blinkie over on the side there! I used one of Traci's latest kits, "Paging Miss Bettie". SO friggen awesome. It was an instant favorite.

This one I love. Mikkel Paige (who I am CT-ing for this month as well) has the greatest neutrals paperpack EVER. I find myself going for it all the time. Plus, we finally heard from a friend who is over in Afghanistan. So the timing was kind of sentimental and special. The red, black, and white combo just SCREAMS, NYC to me. :o)

And one last one, cuz it's just too dang cute. From all those 878 pictures I had scanned by Scanmyphotos.com (review post coming soon, 2 thumbs WAY up!!), and Dani Mogstad put out the CUTEST Easter kit ever, Bunny Trail. Me, in my easter bonnet, with my Dad. Circa 1984. :o)

I think that's all for now. Hopefully it won't take me another month to update this thing! LOL! Have a wonderful, wonderful weekend everyone! I hope it warms up soon, I'm so tired of this winter weather nonsense! I want 40's and 50's and SPRING dangit!!

Breathe in.......

2008-02-08T22:50:00.000-05:00

Aaaaaaaand breathe out........
So "Focus" has helped me out in small ways so far this year. The little things seem littler, and I've been less aggravated overall.

Today however, seemed to be a big test.
Could I focus and get my work done, when cramps and a migraine were hounding me.
Could I focus on learning something new at work, instead of agonizing over why my boss seemed to be extra annoying.
And the biggest test of all, could I focus myself to remember that I can not control people. That even though something seems like the biggest mistake in the world to me, it's not my mistake, or even my place to judge.

Focus.

And a little something interesting to pass the time.
Valentine's Day Trivia

Who wants a freebie?

2008-02-08T09:33:00.000-05:00

I know most of you are here from Kim's blog, cuz I've got her freebie for today! LOL! I'm not even gonna make you wait until the end of the post to get it either, how nice am I! Your freebie today is a card and envelope set. The preview shows the finished product. The envelope is a full template, you just have to cut it out and fold it up! Instructions are included too. Special thanks to Bree Clarkson for letting me use her envelope template, you rock my socks girl!!

Ok, so now I can ramble. This week stunk. It took forever, and I've been all blah. Woke up this morning with a migraine (my own fault for not remembering to take my meds for like 2 nights) and cramps. I can't wait to get home tonight and relax and have a productive weekend. I want to get a LOT of LO's scrapped. Why you ask? Cuz it's SSD's 2 year anniversary, and the 5 people with the most Sweet Reward Points get entered into a drawing for a Bamboo Fun Tablet or $100 cash!!! How AWESOME would that be?!?! $100 is a LOT of digi-scrap goodness!!

So anyway, here are 2 LO's that got me points so far :o) The first is for the Treat of the Month challenge. I had SO much fun wandering through Erica Webster's gallery. I have like 5 added to my favorites to lift at some point in the future, lol.

And this one I did for the Paper 2 Digi challenge. I really love that challenge, it's so fun to take "real" things and replicate them in digital. I'm loving the softness of this LO.

My head is seriously spinning with all the LO ideas I have in my head. I'm hoping to get a lot of them finished this weekend.

I have practically no photos from vacation, lol. I'm SO bad. I spent a lot of time relaxing in the hotel, plus we were busy doing stuff with the family. And with all the catching up to do, I barely pulled my camera out of my bag. And since point and shoots suck in low light, I got almost NO good photos of the reception. I REALLY need that SLR. Like, ASAP. It's killing me. The photo a day project is really stretching my creativity in photography, but my p&s is holding me back. I've been reading up on photography and I just can't seem to replicate the results with my camera. It's getting frustrating. I think next month I might just dive in and get one. We'll see, I'm sure Jordan will hate that idea, lol.

I had a lot more on my mind when I started this post, but it's mostly escaped me, lol. So I hope you all have a wonderful friday, and a fantastic weekend! I'll be sipping on some Arbor Mist tonight (classy, I know) pretending I'm Kim and it's summer here!

Hugs n Love!

Super Bowl #42 Baby!!!

2008-02-03T22:46:00.000-05:00

No one gave the NY Football Giants a chance.

Suck it Tom Brady.
Suck it Randy Moss.
Suck it to the 18 - 1 Patriots whose 1 loss season now means SQUAT.

Resiliency = the 2007 NY Giants

Now excuse me while I go buy out Modell's entire stock of Championship Gear. :o)

Fridaaaaayyyyyyyyyyy!!

2008-01-25T13:48:00.000-05:00

Can ya tell I'm excited?? In just a few short hours I will be out of work and officially on vacation! WOOT!! I caaaaan't wait! Plus my sister has switched her flight and is coming in on thursday morning instead of friday morning! So she gets to party with us on thursday night for the bachelorette party! wOOt!! I think we're all going to have a really fun time.

So I'm tweaking the look of the blog a bit. Nothing major yet, just prepping. I'll work on a new header when I get back from FL. Are you itching for some 365 photos? Here's me on wednesday night at our favorite little italian place down in the city, Amicci's:

Since Amicci's didn't have a good dessert menu (ie they only had chocoloate chip canoli's), Jordan was a good man and drove me around to The Cheesecake Factory, where I picked up a slice of the heavenly goodness that is Adam's Peanut Butter Cup Fudge Ripple Cheesecake (here's a picture Kim! I can't believe you don't have a CF over there!!):
(and yes it counts cuz I took it yesterday. I was too stuffed to eat any of it on wednesday night!)

So there are my 2 photo's so far. I wish they were better, but this just strengthens my case for an SLR! LOL! Soon I hope. Fingers crossed and all that goodness. Actually, maybe I'll use that surplus check we're supposed to be getting from the government.....hmmm..... *gears turn inside head*

So this is a random post for the day, but I'm really close to 25 points for SSD's Sweet Rewards, and I'd REALLY like to get a 40% off coupon for next month. Too many designers have come out wtih amazing kits that I (obviously) MUST HAVE! LOL!

Youtube has some of the most ridiculous and random videos you've ever seen in your life. One such is as follows. I absolutely died laughing (since I'm a Giants Fan). My Dad sent it to me the other day. :o)

Hitler was a Cowboys Fan

And since it's so cold out, and I'm headed to a warmer climate in a few days, here's a cute survey:

You Are a Cappuccino

You're fun, outgoing, and you love to try anything new.
However, you tend to have strong opinions on what you like.
You are a total girly girly at heart - and prefer your coffee with good conversation.
You're the type that seems complex to outsiders, but in reality, you are easy to please

What Kind of Coffee Girl Are You?

Interesting, although I don't know about the girly girly part. Although I am thoroughly obsessed with the new shoes I bought yesterday to wear to the wedding (don't worry, you'll see them eventually, I plan to take a picture for one of the days assignments).

So I've been spending a lot of time at SSD and MSA. They're both smaller communities, which is nice. And since Traci sells there, it's good to whore out her product to some of the people most likely to buy it. Plus I get more one on one with people in the gallery, so I feel like I'm pushing Kim's products too a little bit.
I think that my favorite challenge over there is the Paper to Digi. They find a paper scrapper's gallery on the net, and you lift it and make it your own as a digi lo. It's really a lot of fun, and I feel it really pushes my limits sometimes. Here's one I just finished of Jordan. He makes it hard to take pictures of him, but at least he's kinda smiling in it :oP

I think that LO also has some pretty good clustering, which is something I really want to work on this year. I love scrapping because I really don't have a set style. Some days I feel like putting a million elements on my LO, and other days I go with a much more simpler style. I really find myself drawn to the opposites of the spectrum. Very graphic layouts with little to no embellishing, and then super busy layouts wtih millions of elements and amazing shadow work. I really struggle wtih putting oodles and oodles of elements on my pages effectively, so I'm really going to work on that this year.

I just finished my root beer, and I'm way sad about that. LOL! It was so tasty!

So my mom and I are definitely doing this: ScanMyPhotos.com. I went through all my boxes of pictures last night (seriously, teenagers should not take so many stupid pictures) and pull out what I want to be scanned. It was a little more than I was expecting, but when I put it all in the box (I went with the prepaid box for $99 plus a duplicate DVD for my mom) there is still TOOOOOOOOOOOOONS of space for all her photos. If I'm really awesome, I can get everything sorted at home and get the box to the post office tomorrow to be mailed out. It would be SO awesome to have all those photos waiting for me to play with when we get back from vacation. I'm really excited about scrapping pictures from my childhood. Now if only we could get all those REALLY old photos my grandparents. Then I'd be in hog heaven! Eventually I would really love to set up a Family Tree type book, but I have to see what kind of pictures everyone has first.

Good lord I wrote a novel! LOL! Ok ok, enough rambling for today. If you're good maybe I'll check in tomorrow and post the picture I take for today. I think tomorrow's pic will be of the dogs if I can get up before mom takes them to the vet to be boarded. Poor Scooby fell down the stairs last night. He's getting so old. :o(

Have a great night, a great weekend, and a wonderful week while I'm away!

PS~I got my hands on Kim's Valentine's Day kit, and whooooooooo-eeeeeee you will not be disappointed!!! Definitely pick it up when it hits DSO next week!!!

25

2008-01-23T15:39:00.000-05:00

That's me. 25 years old. That's just crazy! Where did time go? How has it been 2.5 years since I graduated college? I feel old. I know that's silly, cuz honestly, 25 isn't that old. But I do. Last weekend we went to my cousin's 18th birthday party (a big party with her friends and a DJ and such). It was VERY comical to watch and made me wonder if I was like that at 18. Our future's leaders......scary! LOL!

So I mentioned that I'm starting a big new project. I decided to jump in on the Project 365 craze, and document the next year of my life by taking a photo a day. On the 23rd of every month, I'll take a picture of myself, so I can see how/if I've changed over the year. I'll probably upload my photos here every few days to share with anyone who stops by. A lot of people use flickr to share their photos, but I think I'm gonna stick with photobucket. TheDigiChick is doing something fun where each week you take whatever 5 photos you want, and then 2 of the photos you take for a "homework assignment" where there's a theme for you to interpret. I really like the idea of that, and I think that it'll keep me interested and moving with the project as the year goes on. I also got a set of templates by Amy Pearson over at Scrapbook Graphics, that she made up just for her 365 project. It's a simple way to fit one week's photo on a page, and the templates are all shutterfly ready, which is awesome because I want to get all my photos scrapped and printed for a keepsake book for myself. I probably won't use her templates for every single week, but I like having them for when I have a day or two without any mojo. I don't want to get behind on my photos and then get overwhelmed by them. So starting tonight, with a self portrait, I embark on this journey. I'm excited!! We're going out to dinner and I'm excited to eat mussels marinara. It's rarely on the menu at places we go to, so that's my special birthday treat. $20 says Jordan gets the chicken parm, lol.

My fellow CT member Beth sent me a super cute e-card. I DO love those annoying little singer guys Beth! LOL! Thanks so much hon, I appreciate you remembering!!

So I've gotten 15 LO's done this month. I have a feeling I won't be able to keep this up all year, lol. Kim's new kit "Forgotten Not" is so gorgeous. I just love it. Here's the LO I did with it, me and Tigah-now!

This one I did with Natali Design's newest kit, "Essentials". SO stunning. She's up there with Kim and Jofia and Annie Manning (Paint the Moon) for realism in their kits. I LOVE realism, I love doing shadow work to make the page look as realistic as possible. LOVE IT! This might just be a new favorite LO for me. I took this picture a day or two before New Year's in my front yard (in NY). It had snowed the night before, and there was ice on the trees, but the sun was out and had just started to melt it. It was so nice out that morning.

So I'm totally, not looking forward to this election. I really need to start researching the candidates and making some decisions. Iraq will be a big issue for me, and so will Same Sex Marriage. Although with gay marriage it seems like most of them are against it, but do not support federal law banning it. That might be all I can hope for at this point. We'll see.

Whoops I wrote a lot and it's almost time to head down to the city for dinner! Thanks to all who made this birthday wonderful and special!
I hope you all had a good day, and I'll catch you soon!

So much going on!!

2008-01-21T14:59:00.001-05:00

Ok so first off, LET'S GO G-G-G-G-G-G-MEN!! Holy hell, I can not believe we pulled off that win last night!! Not gonna lie, I didn't have TOO much faith in my boys. Yea I love 'em, but this is Brett Farve and the Packers! The same packers that rolled over us like a Mac Truck when we played them week 2! I do kinda feel bad for Farve. He had such an amazing season. If they hadn't played us I would've been rooting for them to go to the super bowl.

So in the beginning of the year I set a goal for myself. 150 layouts. That's about 12 layouts a month (give or take ;P). I've already got 13 done, with another in the works, and plans for about 3 more after that! How cool is that!! Between Kim's awesomeness, and Traci's awesomeness, I really have my hands full with kits! My mojo is in full swing and I LOVE it!! Thank goodness Laura only does about 1 kit a month, and I've been pretty quick with layouts for Kim Hill too. I think that after these guests spots (just Mikkel Paige next month, who I might get to meet in person while we're in FL!!), I'm going to sit back and relax for a while, and just do KimB and Traci. Being a guest is awesome, but it really kinda stinks to leave after a month, the time just goes too quickly! My month with Bree really went too quickly. I just loved working with her. I hope that if a spot opens up she'll take me on full time.

Ok so how about taking a look at some LO's wtih all these goodies?? :o) (click on the images to go to my SSD gallery)

This one uses Kim Hill's "Memory Lane" kit. I just LOVE this photo of us, just before Jordan popped the big question. Such an awesome memory.

This one was super cute for an SSD challenge. The prompt was "If I've only one life, let me live it......", and naturally I chose "as my dog"!! Girl has got the LIFE I tell ya! I used one of Traci's V-Day kits, and Michelline Martin's :My Blue Valentine"

Another Tiger layout (I really need to take some more pictures, lol) using Kim's stunning "Close Knit"

And this one I finished last night. Tiger LOVES the snow, and she's so funny to watch playing in it. I got this cute pic as she zoomed around the yard enjoying the snow (and eating a lot of it, lol!). I used Traci's new kit, "3, 2, 1 Blast Off" which is a collab with the awesome Lauren Grier!

I have another lo almost done using a really special kit that Kim just finished. It's an amazing kit and I just love how the layout turned out. Just have to add my shadow-work and then it'll be on Kim's blog.

Today is also my first post as a Hawt Mama on the Team Blog! I'm so excited! The tutorial is for a super cute Valentine's Inspired project using wood blocks. Check it out and let me know what you think!!

I'm also starting a new project on wednesday (my birthday!!). But I think I'll just post about it then.

I hope everyone is staying warm out there! I still can't believe how cold it was at the game last night! I've got $20 that says Tom Cauhlin has frost bite on his whole face. That man was in bad shape. All I kept saying was "Someone needs to get him a ski mask!" LOL!

Have a great day/night everyone! See you tomorrow!

Focus

2008-01-04T10:08:00.000-05:00

So I joined another scrapbook forum that many people on the boards have mentioned. It seems like a much smaller community, which is fun. It's myScrapbookArt.com. So in browsing the forum this morning before starting some work, I found a thread referencing this Ali Edwards blog post from last year, about One Little Word.

The concept being that you look inside, and pick one word that encompasses your hopes/dreams/wishes/thoughts/goals etc for the coming year. Usually, the word carries meaning in many aspects of your life.

My word for this year is Focus (hence the post title). This word has double meaning for me for the coming year. I am a person who is easily distracted (case in point: I realized while driving home from work that I needed gas, a fun song came on the CD, started singing and dancing, gas was completely forgotten about until I got in the car this morning). My mind doesn't like to dwell on one specific thing for too long. It's a blessing and a curse, lol. At work when I get stuck doing the same thing over and over and over (which is inevitable) my productivity drops. Well that's just not good now as it! LOL! And thus, focus.

But also, I don't always focus on the right things emotionally/mentally. When I make someone a gift (be it knitted or scrapbooked or altered or whatever) I get to wrapped up and focused on the "what if it's not good enough, what if they don't like it". I told a woman just last week at the yarn store, that NO ONE would notice that the crown on the hat she made was a little wrong. No one. They'll love it because you made it and it came from the heart. Well it's time to FOCUS and take my own advice! There are sooooo manyyyyyy people out there who do the same thing (yea, I see you nodding your head in agreement). Whenever I feel myself start to think those negative thoughts, "FOCUS" will come to mind, and I will remember why I do what I do. Why I create. Why I craft. Because I love it. Not because so-and-so loves it. Yea it's awesome to give someone a homemade gift that they love and cherish, and of course I love that aspect of creating. But if I never made another gift again in my life, I would still craft. I'd need a storage facility for all the STUFF, but I'd still create!
Instead of focusing on how Jordan makes me INSANE sometimes (I truly believe the y chromosome was created to drive us double X's batty), I should focus on how much he loves me and how happy we are together. Instead of focusing on why person xyz is being crazy/selfish/whatever, focus on how little that ACTUALLY effects me in life. Am I crazy/selfish/whatever? No. So who cares? (I'm not trying to say that no one ever effects me, but every little mood swing my friends go through should NOT have a huge impact on me. It's called trying again another day when they aren't nuts. It'll probably save us both some sanity.)

Focus. I feel good about that. So what's your word?

TOOT TOOOOOOOT!!!

2007-12-26T11:32:00.000-05:00

WHOOHOOO!!!! Check out my new blinkie over there on the right!!! YAHOO!!! I'm one of the newest Hawt Mama's on Traci Reed's Creative Team!!! EEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I still can't believe it!!!

LOOK LOOK LOOK! THAT'S ME ON THERE!!!

Can you tell I'm just a liiiiiiittle bit excited?? LOL! I only recently discovered Tracy (beginning of Nov) when she joined Sweet Shoppe Designs, but holy mackeralfish is the woman amazing! She VERY quickly became one of my absolute favorite designers, and I feel so amazingly blessed to be a part of her team for the first half of 2008!! I'm still working on getting set up in the team forums and such, but I will be doing a lot of hybrid work for the team and posting my hybrid creations as tutorials on the team blog. Merry Christmas to me!! Lol!!

We had a long but good holiday with Jordan's family. It was very strange to not be home for Christmas, but it had to happen sometime. We're going home to NY on friday to spend time with my family and exchange gifts and such.

I'm tired, and I don't want to be here at work, but such is life. Next year we're definitely taking more time off, lol. If I had more vacation time we would've, but being sick a few times this year didn't help me out much. I'm also rather sad that we didn't have a white christmas at all. No snow. :-( I miss snow. We're scheduled for rain rain rain rain rain. Boo hiss!

On another fun front, my best friend Jesse has moved home to NY from TX! I'm SO excited to go home this weekend and get to hang out with him. It'll be WAY easier to hang out now that he's so much closer.

I think I'll go scrap for a while, then attempt some work. :-) I hope everyone has had a wonderful holiday!

*Hugs*
~Col

Exhausted

2007-12-21T09:01:00.000-05:00

I'm beat. Being out in the cold all day really zaps you. It was a stretch to get things done this week, but last night I wrapped the presents for Jordan's side of the family, and finished off 2 of the 3 things I need to send out today. I have 1 more to finish here at work, or at Jordan's house. I feel bad that the people won't get them til after christmas, but such is life. I wasn't planning on being out of the office all week and getting nothing accomplished. It's sometimes a hard lesson, but really, it's the thought that counts. Which is probably why, according to this little quiz, my stress level is nice and low this holiday.

Your Holiday Stress Level Is Low

You take it easy over the holidays, and you only take on what you can handle.
You know the holidays are about celebrating and fun - not standing in line at the mall!

What's Your Holiday Stress Level?

I have some WONDERFUL news today!! Well I have 2 bits of news but I can only share one for now. Our family friends are having a baby!!! WHOOHOOOO!!!! They called and told my mom last night. I didn't realize the friend had had 2 miscarriages already, so the couple was waiting til she made it to the 3rd trimester before they told everyone. What a wonderful Christmas present for them! I'm so excited!! MORE BABIES TO SPOIL!!! WHOOHOO!! Lol. I really love making baby related things. Of course this means I have to bust my butt to get little Claire's blanket knitted. Can't very well make one for the new baby without finishing hers! LOL!

Thank goodness today should be nice and short. We're leaving at 2 to head to Jordan's parents house so we can skip some traffic. The car is jam packed, Tiger is here at the office in an unused room with her crate and a big ole bone to chew on, and there's pretty much nothing to be done. Next week will be even better cuz almost NO ONE works between christmas and new years. I'll spend the whole week scrapbooking I'm sure :-)

I'm really hoping that this weekend will be more relaxing than it sounds, lol. We're driving all over the place to see Jordan's family. I'm hoping to catch some of those old christmas movies on tv. I love the claymation ones, they make me laugh. Nothing like a silly little Rudolph stumbling through Christmas and saving the day at the last minute! LOL!

Now for something fun, were you naughty or nice this year?? :o)

You Were Nice This Year

You Were 25% Naughty, 75% Nice

Okay, so you weren't *entirely* nice this year
But Santa doesn't expect a modern girl to be perfect
You were good enough - and you'll be rewarded for it

Were You a Naughty Girl or Nice Girl this Year?

Well, I hope everyone has a wonderful long weekend.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a Good Night (I wish, I could use a nap!)

~Col

On the subject of wind burn

2007-12-18T21:20:00.000-05:00

So wind burn isn't usually fun. But if you've been out on a boat all day, or out on jet skiis, or skiing or snowboarding down a mountain, it's really not so bad. Pretty much worth it to enjoy yourself and have fun.

Wind burn because you were on a "barge" on a river, inspecting a bridge in 35 degree weather really, just isn't worth it. It's been a long week, and it's only Tuesday night, lol. I'll be out there again tomorrow, and probably thursday too from the look of it. If I'm out there friday I might cry. I had on thermal pants and jeans, thick snowboard socks that went up to my knees, a second pair of socks, my work boots, a tank top, thermal shirt, t-shirt, fleece long sleeve shirt, sweatshirt, jacket, scarf, hat, hard hat, gloves. And I still froze my ass off. If I put any more layers on I can't climb up and down the scaffolding on the "barge", which is really just a wooden raft. It's so shabby looking, but it's really pretty stable.

Soooooooooooo anyway. I'm wearing like 3 layers now to get warm again, lol. Even after a long hot shower I'm still a bit chilled.

Kim has a gorgeous new kit out called "Purple Christmas"! It's super versatile and can be used for all sorts of things! Here's a LO I made with it. The picture is of some new decorations that I got for the house for Christmas that I'm way excited about. Not purple, but that's what hue/saturdation/sepia are for! LOL!

I just LOVE that dove bird element. SO cute!! Kim really knows how to put a kit together :o) AND it's on sale @ 25% off right now! So hurry and go get it already!!

I'm chilly and tired, I think it's time for bed.
Have a great day tomorrow everyone!!
*Hugs* n Love
~Col

I can't believe I didn't post about this!!

2007-12-03T21:09:00.001-05:00

We have a wedding date!! And a place for the reception! And we're having a chocolate fountain!!!
While we were home in NY for Thanksgiving, we spent 2 days running around looking at various reception halls. We were blown away by one and none of the others could touch it. So we called back the next day and booked it. We shall be married on October 11th, 2009! Hooray! It's the sunday of a long weekend (Columbus Day is that monday), so people can take their time coming
in, and Jordan's aunts and cousins can spend Saturday shopping at the outlet mall :oP It's so awesome to finally have that decided. It's nice to get the big stuff out of the way, you know? So YAY!

Kim has yet ANOTHER awesome kit hitting stores tomorrow. It's called Party On and it's fun and festive and bright and cheerful, just like Kim!! Perfect for all those holiday party Layouts!! Here's one that I whipped up, and I gotta say, I like it a lot. All the reds and oranges are so much fun!! Plus I used a template from my guest ct spot, Bree Clarkson! They're awesome, so check out the credits and see them too! Click for credits!

I'm working on another LO right now and I'm hoping to get it whipped up for Kim as a QP. So stay tuned.

MNF is on and I REALLY hope the Patriots snap out of it and crush the Ravens. I'll cry if I have to listen to the morons at work tomorrow. Although I'm sure they'll complain if they lose too. Looks like a lose lose situation for me! LOL!

So this is fun. Not totally accurate, but you know, whatevs :p

What Your Handwriting Says About You

You are a fairly energetic person. You know how do pace yourself, and you deal well with stress.

You are reserved and not very outgoing. You are deeply thoughtful and introspective. You have a lot of control over your actions and emotions.

You are extravagant, over the top, and indulgent. You set trends and influence people.

You need a bit of space in your life, but you're not a recluse. You expect people to give you a small amount of privacy, and you respect their privacy as well.

You are somewhat traditional, but you are also open to change. You listen to your head and your heart.

You are a decent communicator. You eventually get your point across, but sometimes you leave things a bit ambiguous.

What Does Your Handwriting Say About You?

Ok. Time to finish my LO then work on the clutch I'm knitting. I'm sad it won't be finished in time for wednesday's holiday party, but I'm hoping I'll get it done in time for Dover's party next week. BTW, who decided that Company Parties on week nights was a good idea? Weak sauce.

Later lovers! Have a great night!
~Col

Funny stuff and a TOOT TOOT or 3 :)

2007-11-29T11:19:00.000-05:00

Hellooooooo everyone! How was your thanksgiving? Do the pants fit again? I think mine finally do :oP

So I was going through the list of SSD challenges, and came across these two blog quizzes. I usually do the quiz and then don't post cuz I'm lazy like that (I mean it entertains me for a good 5 minutes so it's not totally useless, but it isn't exactly earth shattering news either), but these 2 made me laugh, so I'm posting. Plus, I want the sweet rewards points. I want a 40% off coupon dangit! LOL! I'm so close, but getting these calendars done is taking up all my challenge time!

So this is my Pilgrim Name. I don't even know how to take that, lol.

Your Pilgrim Name Is

Desire Mullins

What's Your Pilgrim Name?

And this is what part of Thanksgiving I am. I find this one hysterical, yet appropriate (or at least I hope so :oP)

You Are The Stuffing

You're complicated and complex, yet all your pieces fit together.
People miss you if you're gone - but they're not sure why.

What Part of Thanksgiving Are You?

Funnyyyyyyyyyyyy.

So I have some kick ass news too. As I posted a lil while ago, I'm trying to get on some different CT. Whether as guests or permanents or whatever. Kristine was amazing enough to extend me an invite (love ya wench!!), but I want to branch out and spread my wings a bit. I sent in several apps, and got back several rejections, lol. BUT! I also got a guest gig! Whoohoo!! For December I'll be guesting wtih Bree Clarkson at SSD!!! Her templates rock my socks.

Then the other day at DST, someone posted a thread about wanting to be on a CT or get a guest spot, and I mentioned that I was in the same boat that she was. Well I'll be darned if I didn't get 2 more messages from designers asking me to guest for them! So in January I'll be guesting with Kim Hill, and in February I'll be with Mikkel Paige! I'm so excited!!

I still love Kim the best though, don't forget that! :oD

Sooo that's wonderful and exciting. I've gotten a LOT done on my christmas shopping, which is spectacular and ahead of schedule for me, so I'm quite proud. I'm doing a lot of hybrid stuff, and a lot of homemade crafty things to try and save money. Jordan's resigned himself to knowing that I'll spend money for Christmas (like he said, it's what I do) but I do still want to try and save SOME and not go overboard like I always do, lol. So we'll see. That's my mission this month.

Ok, time to eat, and get a whole bunch of digi stuff done. :o)
Have a great day!!

~Col

There's always something to be thankful for.....

2007-11-21T09:09:00.000-05:00

There really is. Always. If you're alive and reading this, you have something to be thankful for. Sometimes it really is that simple! It's been a WEEK, but I'm still alive and kickin, so it's all good. :o)

So the freebie today is a card template. Something different. It started last week because both Kristine and Bunny had some VERY rude people contact them about their blogs. How many times does it need to be said that you (meaning people in general, not YOU specifically dear sweet reader :oP) get freebies because people are kind and generous. You aren't owed them. And you for damn sure have no right to dictate to someone what they put on their own blog. Let's get real here. There was a thread over in DST recently, that Australian was going to ban Santa's from saying "Ho, Ho, Ho". Seriously? PC terms are running rampant. Just because you take offense to something, doesn't give you the right to spout off on it, or demand that Santa no longer say Ho ho ho, get a life! If you don't like what someone says on a blog, LEAVE! Or go buy a sense of humor. Sheesh!

Ok, that was a hell of a ramble. But the audacity that people have sometimes really amazes me.

Now, back to being thankful :o) What are you thankful for? I'm going to whip up a LO today about some of the things that I'm thankful for, hopefully anyway. Might get pushed off til next week. So what am I thankful for? Here's a quick list (in no particular order):
To the troops over seas who give up so much to do their duty and protect all of us here at home in the good ole US of A :o) (you know I had to send to love to all my west point buddies!)
Amazing friends who stand by me through thick and thin
A wonderful loving family
My amazing and sweet fiancee
My ridiculously comical dog, who is also a top notch cuddler
KimB! For giving such an amazing opportunity
All the people I've met online,through blogs/digi-scrap forums who inspire me constantly

I could go on, I'd be here all day and don't want to bore you. So here is the card I whipped up for people out there like Kim and Bunny and Kristine, who take a lickin and keep on tickin :o)

And here's the template. Use it today to thank a designer who's freebies you just LOVE. :o)

Have a wonderful and happy Thanksgiving everyone!

~Col

Lots to read and see here

2007-11-12T13:07:00.000-05:00

So you've been sufficiently warned. :o)

Clearly, I survived this weekend. Unfortunately, my voice did not. :oP I'm a loud person, I know this, I don't try to hide this. But pair me with 15 other people who are also loud, who I haven't seen in a while/never met before, and add a LOT of alcohol and you've got a recipe for disaster on your hands! LOL! By about 2am on saturday I was all raspy, not even sexy deep voice. More like 90 year old who smoked 2 packs a day for 30 years. Gross. Hopefully it'll come back soon. I like my voice! Lol! Saturday was SO much fun. This picture sums up just how drunk and fun we all are. That's me and my girl Tara.

You'll be seeing some LO's in the coming weeks of our get together. I worked on one today at lunch but didn't get it finished.

So it's November. I don't know when that happened, but it feels like it happened to quickly. I'm DYING to get some christmas kits, but am waiting for Shabby Princess to reveal one that I think might be coming out soon before I buy any. Although Penny Springmann put out a GORGEOUS one this week at SSD that I'm DYING to get. Anyway, new month means new Songbird Ave charity kit. This one is called "Sugar Plums" and all proceeds go to Toys for Tots! You can't lose!! Check it out, and then go buy it ;o)

On Nov 3, Digital Scrapbooking Day, Sweet Shoppe Designs debuted a whole slew of new designers and products (over 100 products if I remember correctly). Well I snagged this one called "Winter Thrill" by Dani Mogstad (one of my absolute FAVORITE designers) and am LOVING IT! It's what I used to create my "Winter Laughs" LO that I posted last week. SO fun and versatile. I love the papers and the elements, and the alpha is stunning and perfect for christmas LO's too. Definitely my favorite thing I picked up that, although Penny's 2008 calendar toppers are a close 3rd. :o)

I want to thank all of you who left such sweet comments last week during Kim's huge birthday celebration. We all had so much fun, and I'm so glad that so many of you enjoyed the brag book that we all created. I kinda want to do that for every kit of Kim's! LOL! Just love that woman, but you know that. Oh and I'm glad that those of you who don't normal purchase grab bags, did and were so happy! This kit here is definitely my favorite part of teh personal use bag. It's in the store later today and is 25% off! GO GET IT if you haven't already!!

Heather is a big giant sweetie and passed this along to me today.

Thanks so much hon! I love Heather's blog and her designs are fantastic. Check out her post for today, it showcases her awesome commercial use/scrap for hire products. So if you're a budding designer or a scrapper for hire, you should definitely check her out. Plus her little girl is covered in spaghetti and sure to make you smile :o)

I'm saving a serious post for tomorrow because I don't want it to get buried. But you can go to Kristine's blog or Kim's or Bunny's and scroll back to last week and see a good preview. People really need to think before they speak. Not doing so is becoming a bit of an epidemic in this country. I just got inspired for a LO while thinking of this. If you're lucky I'll work it into a template tonight and post it for you tomorrow. But you're gonna have to go read one of the 3 blogs I just mentioned and linked AND leave a comment there AND here tomorrow after my post if you want it. You'll understand why if you actually go read those blog entries.

I think that's all for today, now that I wrote a small novel. :o) Have a great day/night everyone!

~Col

Fantastical Friday

2007-11-09T11:56:00.000-05:00

I am SO excited it's friday. This week went surprisingly fast and I'm SO glad. A bunch of people I met online are coming into town and we're having a big huge get together and I'm SO excited. I'll have lots of new pictures to scrap, lol. One friend is flying in tonight, and then we're all heading down to VA tomorrow to party the night away and play endless hours of Guitar Hero (which btw I am WAY excited to get for Christmas, lol). I caught the South Park episode where they spoofed GH last night and I could not stop laughing! Absolutely hysterical, lol.

So, I'm pretty proud of this LO. It's the one I completed for week #6 of the SUAS contest, and the challenge was to scrap about what you're going to do to make an impact on the world. So I scrapped about a bunch of the things we're already doing in our home. Jordan and I car pool to work almost every day of the week, all the light bulbs in the house are compact fluorescents (and they REALLY make an impact on teh electricity bill, I HIGHLY recommend them), and our appliances are all Energy star rated. If the county didn't make it such a PITA to recycle, we'd already be doing that. I want to start though, I just need to look into it more. So anyway, here it is, click for credits.

Now I MUST remind you to go to Kim's store one last time. The sale ends sunday (at midnight I'm assuming) and after that the glorious contents of her grab bags will go back into the store at full price. And when you see what's inside, you'll kick yourself for not buying them (AND getting a giant brag book for free).

Here is the LO for today's template. Personally, it's my favorite of the 5 so I'm glad Kim saved it for today :o) Click for credits.

And here is the template. Enjoy! And don't forget, no hot linking, send ppl here, and if you use this template send me a copy of your LO and I'll post it here on the blog!

I hope you all have a glorious weekend! I know I will!!
~Col

Template Day 4

2007-11-08T08:17:00.000-05:00

Where did the week go?!?! I swear, the worst part about getting older is losing all sense of time. I can't believe it's NOVEMBER! Where did the year go?!

So I think I have a new favorite layout on my hands, making that 3 favorites, lol! I did this one for the Sweet Shoppe Designs Treat of the Month feature. I was looking for a LO to spin and lift, but I found this one and didn't want to spin it, LOL! Click for Credits.

I just really love how that one came out. I don't usually cluster elements and things like that, but I'm really proud of that one.

Quick shout out to Tink! I'm glad SOMEONE enjoys my rambles! LOL! I'm really going to try and keep up with the blog more now. It's just fun!

Here's the LO I created for today's template. I was inspired by Hillary Heidelberg's "Got Game?" on page 28 of the 10/07 edition of Memory Makers, and had to lift it. I came up with this:

And here is your template (no word art today, sorry). But tune in tomorrow for a surprise :o) I've got something special planned for those of you who've played along and gotten my templates this week.

I would be a bad CT member if I didn't remind you again about Kim's goodies!!

Personal Use Grab Bag comes with the fantastic Christmas Kit I've been creating these templates with. Commercial use grab bag has more of Kim's amazing goodies. If you've ever bought something from Kim, and enjoyed it, then snag BOTH bags because at these prices it's a STEAL! PLUS when you buy both bags, you get a 21 page brag book that all of us on her CT created! It's a win win! AND her whole store is 40% off, and all of DSO is 30% off for their first birthday celebration!! What are you waiting for???GO NOW!

I hope you're all having a great week! See you tomorrow, TGIF!!
~Col

Wacky Wednesday

2007-11-07T14:14:00.000-05:00

Hellooooooo everyone! I know, I know, I'm late! Sorry! I posted twice yesterday, so I'll be short and sweet today :o)

Here's the LO (click for credits):

And here's the template and wordart! Enjoy!

Ok have a good one!
~Col

Feeling chatty

2007-11-06T16:12:00.000-05:00

I'm feeling chatty today, so I'm posting twice. SSD does a "from our blog to yours" bit every week, and last weeks was interesting, so I'm posting. :oP The post was about your absolute favorite LO. Well, I have 2 so take that ;o) It's my blog and I'll cheat if I want! LOL!

This is a LO I did for SUAS, week #3. The challenge was to use lyrics. I'd heard this song a few times in the days before the challenge was posted, and I knew I had to use them, even though it would be hard. That song reminds me of my best friend who passed away 5.5 years ago. I heard it for the first time very soon after I was told she had passed (bad car accident, though no cause was ever determined), and it's stuck with me ever since. It's a gorgeous song, and I'm sure other people take something different from the lyrics, but for me it will always be bittersweet. I don't often talk about Jaclyn, so this page was a little like therapy. Click for credits.

And this is a recent LO but has quickly become a favorite. I love the grungy-ness and the colors and the textures. Absolutely love this page. :o) Click for credits

I hope you all enjoyed my little extra share, and have enjoyed the templates too!
Have a good night!
~Col

Music soothes the soul

2007-11-06T09:51:00.000-05:00

I love music (as you can probably tell from the blog header). There's nothing better to me, than "re-discovering" a great cd. The way that music can transport you through space and time never ceases to astound me. Just a few weeks ago I found a cd I thought I had lost, and boy did it bring back some summer memories. :o) I just love that. I've been rockin out to John Mayer for 2 days (all the cd's, the live stuff, the stuff you can't get on cd's - I love that man's voice and style) and I am still sitting here diddy-bopping in my chair. Reminds me of dinners at home when we were younger. We always play music at dinner, and inevitably mom would start "diddy-bopping" and then me or my sister would too, and dad would say in his "serious but not really so you can't actually take him seriously" voice "No diddy-bopping at the table!!" And mom would pretend to hang her head in shame, and the rest of us would just giggle and continue to at least bop our heads in time to the music. Ooooh good times.

So. Have you gone to DSO yet? Have you been to Kim's store and discovered that HER whole store is 40% off because it's her birthday and she's so awesome she's passing the goodness on to everyone else?

No? Well what are you waiting for?!?!?! :oD

The personal use grab bag has a GORGEOUS Christmas kit in it, and the commercial use bag is just full of awesome goodies too!! Seriously, if I wasn't on her creative team I'd be going nuts in the store! She has such amazing products, and at 40% off, you can't go wrong!!

Ok ok, you're probably looking for a template with some word art included in it right? Right. Here's the LO that inspired the template (click for credits):

Aaaaaaand here's the template. "Season's Greetings" word art included!!

I hope everyone has a wonderful day! And don't forget, not hot linking, send people here, and if you use a template, show me what you did with it!

*Hugs* n Love
~Col

Kim's Big Birthday Bonanza!!!

2007-11-05T10:05:00.000-05:00

How fun is that word, Bonanza. Makes me smile just thinking of it :oP

SO! Hooray for Kim's birthday!! Can you believe her WHOLE STORE is 40% OFF at DSO!!! The woman is nuts!! Now if you like Kim's kits and creations, you are DEFINITELY going to want to pick up both her commercial and personal use grab bags. Not only do you get 2 amazing bags FULL of awesome goodness, but if you buy both you get a 21 page brag book that all of us on her CT put together!! 21 PAGES!! That's huuuuuuuuge!!!

Ok so you're all probably here cuz you want my template with freebie word art. I see how it is ;o)

Today's LO using Kim's stuff is "Joy", and inside the template you get the word art for free! Click for credits.

And here's the template! Click to download.

Don't forget, Kim's WHOLE STORE is 40% off @ DSO this week! What are you waiting for!?!?! GO SHOP!!

~Col

Well it looks like....

2007-11-02T09:12:00.000-04:00

The cat is out of the bag! KimB included info on her awesome surprise in her freebie for today!! You guys have no idea how fun next week is going to be! All of us on her CT have put together some seriously awesome stuff for you guys. She's got grab bag's, she's got kits, she's got extra goodies to give away. You do NOT want to miss it. :)

So I was all excited to go home last night and work on some of ideas for Kim. I get home and I've got the house all to myself cuz Jordan went home with Tiger to go to the Penn State game this weekend with his Dad. I have a TON of stuff I want to get done so I'm not behind for the holidays, so I decided to sit this trip out. So I get home and get into jammies and set up the tv and start dinner. I go turn on Jordan's desktop (my poor old lappy can't handle PS CS2, lol)......"drive not found. please insert system disk and press enter". Um....what? So I call him, and he can tell that I'm disappointed, so he has me turn it off, unplug it, and let it sit for a while before I turn it on again. So I do that.....same thing. So now he's telling to unscrew this, go check that....yea, no thanks. I was too disappointed to deal with it. Then of course 2 hours later I was bored and wanted to call again! LOL! I'm gonna try and figure it out tonight with him on the phone. It could be as simple as a cable coming loose inside the tower and that's why it's not reading his hard drive. If it's something more serious I'll cry because then I won't be able to make all kinds of goodies this weekend. I wanted to start our christmas cards, I have presents to make, etc etc. PLUS, it's Digital Scrapbooking Day! So there will be oodles of fun things going on, and dang it! I want to play!!!

So I put my name out there a few times recently to try out for more creative teams, with no luck. But to be honest, it's not all that disappointing. I still consider myself a newbie in the digi-scrap world, I know I've got lots more to learn. I got the nicest rejection letter last night, I couldn't even be upset that I wasn't chosen! Lol! But she did say that she's holding onto my app for consideration in case a spot opens up, so that made me feel awesome. The Stand Up and Scrap contest really pushed me and challenged me, and I'm all about self improvement. I've really loved some of the pages I've made lately and that's such a great feeling.

Here's a fun one I did for the Slogan Challenge over at Sweet Shoppe Designs. I have some of the best friends, we have such a blast when we're together! Click to see it in my DST gallery.
Not too much else to report. Work has slowed down CONSIDERABLY for me in the last week or so. Some of the projects I'm on just can't move forward until we get more information or get the go-ahead from the state. I love what I do, but that can be frustrating sometimes, even my boss complains about it occasionally, lol. My company is doing really well, and we keep winning contracts. We've got tons of jobs waiting for us in the wings. I like being busy and learning new things and I get to do both at this company, it's really awesome.

It's so wrong of me, but I can't WAIT to start decorating the house for Christmas! Lol! All the craft ads in the paper are for sales on Christmas decorations and I'm just dying to get in the attic and pull our stuff out, lol. I've got a bunch of stuff I want to do in the house this year, I can't wait to get started. I'm especially excited to decorate the outside with lights. I want 2 little trees wtih lights on either side of the door, and lights all on the banister on the steps, lights around the garage doors.....Jordan's gonna hate me! LOL!

Ok, I think I've rambled on enough for today. :o) Everyone have a glorious weekend, I'll see you on Monday for the fun festivities!!

*Hugs*
~Col

I'm back

2007-10-29T15:00:00.000-04:00

And this time I SWEAR it's for good, lol. I had a really busy couple of weeks there. Plus I got into a bit of a funk. One of those moods where you don't know where it comes from, or when it's going away, and all you can do is ride it out. Well the ride is over thank goodness! LOL!

Good thing too, KimB has some awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwesome stuff coming up next week and a big surprise that I can't reveal quite yet. ;o) It's going to be really awesome and everyone is going to want to play along. All of us on her CT have a few tricks up our sleeves too! Lol! It's gonna be a BLAST, but you have to wait til next week to find out, so stay tuned!

Since I've been MIA, I thought I'd post some of the LO's I've done this month. Clicking on any of them will take you to my DST gallery where you can see credits.

This is my first month for my shutterfly calendar. I won 1 free from one of their contests!

This one I did for a challenge at SSD. I took those pictures last fall on a walk with Tiger. I wish the leaves were that pretty this year.

This one started out as a submission for the SUAS contest, but I ended up submitting something else instead. It still feels a little unfinished, but nothing I was adding clicked, so it stayed as is. :o)

And last but not least. This is the LO I did for KimB's last release, "Bug-ing". Super cute kit, I hope lots of you bought it. And if you didn't, I suggest you wait a week before buying it :oP

I think that's all for now. I've got some freebie's in the works (I think I say that every time I post, lol), so stick around. :o) Have a great monday everyone!!

*Hugs*
~Col

Is there anything

2007-10-09T14:09:00.000-04:00

more gut wrenching than a friend who's in a bad emotional place and not being able to help them in any way? It breaks my heart to see one of my closest friends in such a bad place. He's so hurt, and so many people expect so much of him. He can't heal, he can't escape his own head. He's so far away I feel totally helpless. I know he needs more time to deal with everything, I just wish everyone else saw that too. Thank goodness he's moving back home soon. That might be just the medicine he needs. Hopefully he'll get to stop here on his drive to NY and visit and see the new place. That would be the best thing ever.

On another sad note, I finished my LO for Stand Up And Scrap challenge #3. The challenge was to use song lyrics and interesting typography. Lately I've had one song stuck in my head, so I decided to go wtih that one. Except the topic it pertains to is really hard for me. To talk about, scrap about, even think about. The song is "Hear You Me" by Jimmy Eat World, and it reminds me of my best friend Jaclyn. Jaclyn passed away 5.5 years ago in a car accident. We never found out what caused it though. I miss her so much sometimes. I still can't bring myself to go to her grave. I don't know what I'd say. Sometimes when I'm sitting peacefully, just relaxing, I say a prayer to her and make sure she knows I miss her. Scrapping that song was so hard for me. I wanted the page to come out perfect. I'm very satisfied with the page though. Whenever I get it printed I'll have to add a tag or journal on the back of it or something. I didn't include anything other than the song lyrics. I'd share it, but that's not allowed until the contest is over.

I also finished my desktop for October. It came out awesome and I'm working on a template to give away. So stay tuned!

In other, happier news, Jordan has decided that he hates all of the churches in our area and now wants to get married in NY. And at West Point even! It's not what I really want, but it's his wedding too. I won't make him get married somewhere he doesn't want to. It's our wedding, not just mine. He's got too many opinions to just ignore anyway, lol. So we're going to have to go to NY sometime soon and get that ball rolling.

I spent the weekend driving around the east coast and had a GREAT time. A friend flew in from OK as a big surprise and it was so fantastic. We played guitar hero for a zillion hours and I'm now totally addicted, lol. Jordan won't let me buy it yet though, so I might have to wait til Christmas. But I'm mildly obsessed with it now and can't wait to visit someone who has it, lol. I have no shame ;o)

I think that's about all for now. Kim has a new kit coming out and I've got a LO almost done with it, so I'll post that tomorrow. Til then....
*Hugs* n love

~Col :o)

Hurry! Time is running out!

2007-10-04T12:48:00.000-04:00

Kim has another AMAZING commercial use grab bag! But hurryyyyyyyy cuz it's not going to be up for too much longer!! $8 for 6 brand new products which will total $35 when released individually!!! I've got 2 LO's here to give you some sneak peaks on what's inside. :o)

So here's one. Jordan took this picture of my parents (while I took it using mom's camera, lol) last weekend at the party we had for my mom. They've been together 29 years now. Apparently they fought when they were engaged, like Jordan and I do now. So that gives me hope :oP

This one I did as an 8.5x11 for a friend. A while back I did one of her female Rottie, so it was time for handsome Murphy to get his page!

Click on both pictures to see credits.

I also FINALLY finished the cover for my EOL album. It sat there for about 3 weeks, patiently waiting for pictures, lol. I love how it came out and I'm excited to get some more pictures taken for the subjects of the pages. I've settled on a 2 page spread per letter, and using 3 topics. So one page gets 1 topic, the main focus for that letter, and the other page gets the other 2 topics. I absolutely LOVE the Stand Up and Scrap kit, I think I'm going to use that one a LOT.

Let's see, what else. I'm working on a new desktop for October. Hopefully I'll finish it today and I can show you guys tomorrow. I think that I'm going to make it into a template to give away, that could be fun.

OH! Head over to Shutterfly and play their fall game! I won a consolation prize of a free calendar! Now I just have to sign up another email or two and see what else I can get :oP

I think that's all for now. I promise I'm cooking up some templates to give away, and I've started the mini kit for the color challenge at DSO. So there's stuff coming I promise! :o)

*Hugs* n love!
~Col

PS~I'm headed to NJ on friday and RI on saturday and I can't wait to hang out with some of my friends!!!

Freebie Paper Pack

2007-09-27T17:05:00.001-04:00

Just wanted to stop by real quick before the weekend gets away from me, lol. We're headed up to NY to celebrate my mom's 50th birthday. Here's a lo I did with a picture I scanned:

I was out all day at a seminar that I forgot about, lol. Oops! But it was cool to walk around a steel fabricators plant. Brought back memories of Penn State and the steel bridge team.

Once again, this month got away from me and I haven't gotten many challenges done. First thing monday morning I need to bust out a LO for Kim's new releases, and then tuesday I have to do my second Stand Up lo. But at least next week will be easier and I won't be running around out of the office (which takes away from the photoshop time!). I'd been meaning to get to making some elements to make this a full kit for DSO's color challenge, but again, no time. So I decided to just post the paper pack. You get 4 patterned papers (one folded and one embossed), and 6 solids with various textures and distressing. Click on the pic, hope you enjoy!

If you want to get more kits and packs in the same color scheme, come play along at DSO! The link is on the side bar.

On another note, I've been meaning to post about this. Out CT leader for Kim's team, Jazzy, fell ill a few weeks ago and was in ICU. She's since gotten a great deal better, but is still in the hospital. So please try and add her to your prayers, she still needs them. Thanks so much.

I think that's everything for now. Gotta go pick up my sister at the airport in a few hours, then it's home to NY in the morning! Have a great weekend everyone!

*Hugs* n love

~Col

Hello! I'm alive, with a freebie!!

2007-09-24T17:16:00.000-04:00

Holy cow. It's been an insane few weeks folks, so sorry to go missing! I totally didn't mean to!
Lots of work, lots of crazy (and not in a good way) personal stuff, plus working on the new house, etc etc. No time to think! Lol!

So while I've got you here, I've got 2 great LO's to show you with some of my templates (cuz I just LOVE seeing them used!!).

This gorgeous LO was made by Amy using my template #1! Go leave her some love!!

And this one was done by Beth using template #2! Leave her some love too!

Thank you SO much ladies!!
Don't forget, all my templates are still available, just scroll on back to get them!

And for being so patient, and so wonderful during my september 11th post, here's a freebie! Template #9, bringing us up to date and back on track with all 10 templates posted now. I promise to work on some rectangle ones this week to get posted up soon.

Well, there's lots to tell and kinda get off my chest, but that's all I can spare for right now. Tomorrow I HAVE to do my LO for the Stand Up and Scrap competition. I know what I want to do, I just need to find the right picture, and then "git 'er done"!! LOL!! I've also got my LO for the DSO Sketch challenge almost complete, and the cover page for my Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life project. Lots of stuff in progress, time to bang them out and get them finished! Lol! Poor Kim hasn't seen much from me lately and I'm bound and determined to change that ASAP!!

Ok loves, maybe I'll see ya more tonight. If not, hopefully tomorrow!

*Hugs* n Love
~Col

9-11: Never Forget

2007-09-11T11:15:00.000-04:00

September 11th. The day the world changed. The day we were thrust into a new era of fear and paranoia.

Sure, some of that has diminshed in the 6 years since the tragedy. But should it have? We shouldn't live in fear, but shouldn't we respect where that fear came from in the first place? Is it a pain in the rear to have to take our shoes off when going through the security checkpoint at an airport? Sure. But in the grand scheme of things, isn't continued awareness and prevention the only way to ensure safety? If it means that a bomb won't go off on my flight (or any others), I'm perfectly ok with being inconvenienced a few times a year.

Not all areas of the country have lost the sense of urgency and need for vigilence. NYC will never be the same. Just weeks ago when the steam pipe burst, it was hysteria. A huge loud noise, smoke (or what appeared to be since it was just steam) rising into the air. Was it happening again? My own father was spared from such terror on both accounts. He decided to work from home on September 11th, and when the steam pipe burst he had taken an earlier train home out of the city. But on both occasions, he worked within a block or so of each incident.

I still remember how it was afterwards. Being at school, which was a possible target itself (there's a nuclear reactor on campus - research and such), hearing planes and instinctively looking up in fear. Wondering if there would be another attack soon, where would it happen. Endless candle light vigils, and singing of hymns. Thousands of people wandering around campus asking "Did you hear?", "Did you know anyone?", "Are you ok?", "What happens now?".

I don't think I left my dorm room once that day. Not even to go to the bathroom. I woke up as my roommate came back from her 8am class, and she'd something on the big screen in the common building. She turned on our tv and my heart and blood turned to ice. I spent then next few hours trying to call home, but not being able to get through on my cell. My mom had the presence (I don't know how) to email me and let me know that they were all ok. I was transfixed to the tv for days, tears ever present on my face. That eerie silence that followed for the next few days/weeks, will never leave my mind. No parties, no loud music, no planes over head, even street traffic declined as people stayed home, attached to their tv's.

This is a day that we should never forget. When we forget, we doom ourselves to repeat history.

Please take a minute or two today, to have a moment of silence. Think of those who were lost, and the families they left behind, due to senseless violence. Remain aware of yourself and the world you live in.

But most importantly, make sure you send love to those you hold dearest in your hearts.

OMG have you HEARD?!?!

2007-09-01T19:49:00.000-04:00

About STAND UP AND SCRAP?!?!

Sweet Shoppe Designs, Little Dreamer Designs, and DiscTalkRadio have teamed up to create an amaaaaaaaaaazing collaboration kit. AND it's a contest too!! A 6 week long contest, open to anyone (over 18) with absolutely amazing prizes (a years worth of designs from all 3 sponsors?!?! Are they SERIOUS?!?!). It is organized fantastically (from what I can tell so far) in a way that makes it totally fair to everyone who enters. There are 2 level options, Beginner/Intermediate and Advanced. So those insanely talented ladies aren't competing against me, lol. PHEW!! (I went Beginner/Intermediate) The kit itself is effing 700MB! 700!!!! Plus it's only $10, and all proceeds go to the Alliance for Climate Protection.

SSD has a Q&A thread up in their forum if you want to check it out some more before joining. And if you decide you don't want to join but still want the kit, it goes on sale on monday at Little Dreamer Designs for $12. Still an absolute STEAL!!

So as if I didn't already have a bazillion challenges to do, now I've got more! But it's only 1 LO per challenge per week, so I think that's totally do-able. The challenges run from Sept 19th to Oct 30th, with all 6 winners to be announced (and revealed since it's all being done anonymously by order number) on November 4th. I'm not going to get too hopeful, but then again, ya never know right?! :oD And it's always fun to dream of getting an entire year's worth of designs from the sweet shoppe! Lol!!

So aside from that, I've been pretty busy today, lol. I got a lot of cleaning and unpacking and organizing done, so the house looks pretty darn good for my friends to see tomorrow. I'm so excited for them to come down, we're gonna have SO much fun! We went and looked at more couches today, and still haven't bought anything. And dining room chairs are proving problematic too, lol. The table is so retro, and most chairs I find are so traditional and boring and blegh. And god forbid we go to Ikea, that's practically a curse word around Jordan, lol. The smallish living room and giant TV are causing problems with couches and seating and such. Oh and since we have totally opposite tastes, agreeing on a style is a bit hard too, lol. I think we found a pretty good compromise in a sectional with a chaise, but unfortunately we didn't ask if it would be flipped. So that one might not work out after all. Who new shopping for couches was such a pain in the a$$?!?! Lol!

And now it's late and I've got more to do. I have a paper craftin project that I would really love to get done. Except most of that stuff is still in a mild state of disarray. So we'll see, lol.

Have a good night and rest of the weekend!
~Col

Whoops!!

2007-08-31T12:35:00.000-04:00

Ok so first off, it was brought to my attention that template #8 was inspired by one of Becky Flecks sketches from pagemaps. So she gets inspiration credit for that! Let me explain, lol. Since I've started digi-scrappin a few months ago, I've used post it notes for everything. Drawing up sketches, listing LO credits, lists of wants on store sites, etc etc. I THOUGHT I had kept it all organized and transferred a lot of it over to a small journal that I keep in my purse. Buuuuut everyone makes mistakes and somehow along the way, the inspiration for that sketch never go written down on the post it, and I hven't been over there in quite some time. So I'm trying to be better, but at least a friendly reader brought it to my attention! No harm no foul and no hard feelings hon!

Ok so on to more fun things.
For one, I've decided that DigiShopTalk is the greatest place ever. They have ZERO restrictions on what goes into their gallery, and ZERO limitations on the number of LO's or files or amount you put up there. Amazing! So I'm working on uploading all of my lo's to my gallery over there. Take a peek if you're interested in seeing more of my work!
The other reason I'm loving it, is that there's a super fun "challenge" going on that is really an amazing idea. I'm all about scrapping more about ourselves, and leaving thigns behind so others can see who we are from our own perspective (kids, grandkids, etc). So the challenge is called "Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life" and while it sounds like just another "Book of Me" type thing, it's a lot more. You can take it any direction you want, any style you want, etc etc. It's going to start next week I think (maybe the week after) with 2 groups. One for fast scrappers and one for slower scrappers, and anyone can join in at any time. There are so many amazing ideas coming out in the forum, it's so much fun to think of all the different ways you can put your own stamp on this project. So even though I have about 15 million things on my "to do list", I've decided to jump right in. Right now it's in the beginning stages, and people are working on coming up with their list and writing paragraphs, organizing photos, etc. It's going to be a lot of fun, come and play!!

Since today is the 31st, that means it's the last day to get "Dreamsicle" from Songbird Ave and donate to the Make a Wish foundation! The kit is STUNNING. I haven't had a chance to use it yet this month since I haven't scrapped all that much, but it's really a great looking kit. Plus Robin Carlton was part of the collaboration and she's another one of my favorite designers. So go snag it!!

Let's see...what else....I'm sad that I won't be getting the fairy kit from DSO this month. I never got all my challenges done this week. Which stinks cuz it was really pretty. Oh well, I'll have to try again for next month! Lol! I didn't get many of the challenges done over at Sweet Shoppe either. I think that between both forums I have about 25 or 30 challenges I want to do every month, lol! I'm NUTS!!

Well, I think that's about it for today. No freebie, just a nice big ramble. We're going shopping for couches today (yay) and might get some dining room chairs too (fingers crossed!!). We've got a whole bunch of people coming on sunday to party and I'm anxious to get some stuff finished off in the house to show off, lol.

Have wonderful holiday weekends everyone! Enjoy the GLORIOUS return of College Football!! I know I will!!

Break out the bubbly!!

2007-08-29T16:22:00.000-04:00

Cuz it's tiiiime to celebrate!! I'm engaged!! WEEEEE!!!

Jordan proposed to me on the 19th while we were on our vacation in Florida and it was magical and romantic and perfect. :o) And I finally have my ring! Lol! He's had it since APRIL! But I'm ecstatic, and so happy and so is he, and both our families. A new house, a ring on my finger, life doesn't get much better!

Or does it? Thank you SO MUCH for all those who voted at GDS last week, because I WON the people's choice award for best layering!! How cool!!! WHOOHOO!! Props to Kim for pimping my LO to get votes too, lol.

And WELCOME to Beth, Kim's newest CT member!! Hooray!! Kim's got a rockin CT if I do say so myself ;o) Speaking of Kim, she's got a fantabulous "Buddy Bag" out over at DSO! She and Bunny teamed up to create yet ANOTHER wonderful grab bag full of designers tools! A $60 value for just $10!! You DEFINITELY should go check it out!!

Since it's been soooooo long, I'm gonna go ahead and post a freebie for everyone to toast to my successes! WHOOHOO! Here's template #8. I'm excited to get a LO done with it, so keep your eyes peeled. And as always, PLEASE, if you use my templates then send me a copy of your LO! I'd love to show more people some love on here!!

You know the drill. No hot linking - send people to my blog, if you download leave a comment and let me know why (what you like about it, etc). The comments I receive are always a big boost in confidence and esteem, so keep em comin! Lol!!

Also, don't forget that the august challenges at DSO are QUICKLY drawing to a close, and this months fairy kit is AWESOME! I've got about 8 LO's to bust out in the next 2 days, lol. But MAYBE I can get some done with all my great vacation pictures :o)

Much love to everyone, it's good to be back. I hope to get back into the template groove and share lots more with you all over the coming months :o) Who knows, if I ever figure out how to stop time I might even get a chance to play with all these fun designers tools I keep buying! Lol!

*Hugs* n Love!

~Col

Blog Break!

2007-08-15T20:26:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone! It's wednesday night and I haven't packed a single thing. And Jordan still has 2 loads of laundry to do! LOL! Looks like it's gonna be a late night or a rush job in the morning, lol. We fly outta Philly at 2 and I can't WAIT to get to sunny sunny FL. I'm so ready for a vacation, we haven't been on one since last SEPTEMBER! We went to Vegas (and it was def awesome), but that's a really long time to go without a real vacation (3 day weekends don't count for me).

Anyway, I don't have any new freebies to post, just gonna ramble for a bit :-)

KimB has another fantastical designers tool kit up at DSO called "Age It Quick". It's a set of paper folds and tears and holes and it's awesome! AND it's personal AND commercial use ok!!!! I used it on this LO here which is for the Book of Me chalenge over at DSO (and that fun font is part of the font challenge too!)

Click on the link to go to my DSO gallery and see the credits.
Kim's stuff is always awesome and well worth the purchase so go snag it up now before it's back at regular price!

In other news, my "Penn State Old Main" lo (shown in my previous post) has be nominated as a "Best Layering" LO over at GDS! TOOT TOO!!So if you are reading this blog and it's between 8/19 and 8/25, GO HERE AND VOTE FOR ME!!! That would be really super of you!! :-D

When I get back I'm sure Kim will have lots more glorious things for me to play with, hooray! I gotta tell ya, it's pretty awesome being on your favorite designer's CT. My fingers are crossed that I come back from this vacation with oodles of pics to scrap and some BIG news. :-D Keep those fingers crossed for me!

It looks like I might also be a guest CT for Heather Manning in September. See how things go for a trial period and whatnot. She's trying to steal all of Kim's CT ;o) But that's just a testament to how AWESOME we are! WHOOHOO!!
But I do enjoy Heather's stuff, and since she expressed interest (and Kim said she would share :oP) I figured I'd give it a shot. It's always good to get your name out there right? :o)

So. I think. I should pack. :o( I don't really like packing because I am one of those people who packs approximately 15 times too much :oP So this should be interesting considering we're gonna share a suitcase. How am I ever gonna whittle down the giant pile of clothes on my bed! LOL! Better get started!

I hope you all have fabulous weeks and weekends and that I return to find you well.

*Big Hugs*
~Col

Crazy monday!

2007-08-13T13:15:00.000-04:00

Helloooooooo everyone and happy monday! Did you all have wonderful weekends? I had a nice relaxing one thanks to being the DD on saturday night. But it made sunday morning much more tolerable and we had a great time, so I can't complain. :o)

So first, I've two TOOTs to share! First off, I'm Layout of the Week @ DSO AGAIN! WHOOHOO!! I won it for my "Who Says" LO posted on thursday! How cool!!

And my second TOOT, is that KimB says I'm a Rockin Girl Blogger! Whoohoo!

I know not many people read my blog (most see my template from Ikea and just snag it and move on I'm sure), but a few of you are wonderful enough to stop by and comment on all that goes and leave me love, and for that I am so grateful! So since I've been nominated, I get to pick 5 new rockin girl blogs! Whoohoo!

#1) Kirsty Wiseman aka Limegreenboogiegirl! I first started reading her blog for her glorious overlays, but I've stayed thanks to her wit and amazing photography. It's VERY inspiring for me.

#2) Shandy Vogt! Her use of Swass astounds me and she's a truly genuine and wonderful woman. She's always been very supportive (although she might not even realize it, lol) to me and my work, and is always so pleased to see what I've done using her products. I just love seeing myself on her shines lists, lol!

#3) Misty Cato! Her tutorials have helped me SO much since I first started in the digiscrap world! And her designs are pretty darn awesome too! Plus I love seeing her own work when she posts it. There's always something new I can learn from it!

#4)The Legacy Lady! Since I discovered her blog some 2 months ago, I've stopped by every day to see what new inspiring piece of advise/photo/tutorial she's put up. She writes from the heart and I love hearing what she has to say (and looking at her incredible photographs).

#5) Ikea Goddess of course!! Without whom I probably never would have even started in digital! It's so much easier to start in this medium when you've got so many FREE options out there! I've spent plenty now, but in the beginning, it was all about the freebies, and to be honest, I think it always will! LOL!

There are honestly about 25 blogs I stop by everyday to gain inspiration from but I could only pick 5! So difficult! Lol!

So if you've read this far, then you deserve a gift! A freebie gift of course! So here is template #7 (I promise to get more rectangle templates up and ready soon, I really do!)

Here is the LO I drew inspiration from: Splash!
And here is my own LO for it using KimB's "Bygone Gents" kit of course!

Phew, this is a long post! I think I better quit while I'm ahead ;o) I hope you all enjoy your freebie! I may be able to post another on wednesday (hopefully). We leave for vacation on thursday and won't be back until the 27th pretty late. But I'll have lots of pics to scrap and lots of inspiration to draw from and create new templates for everyone!

Have a great week in case I don't post again!
Lots of love!
*Hugs*

~Col

Terrific Thursday (and a freebie!!)

2007-08-09T12:34:00.000-04:00

Hellooooooooo!! I hope you're all having wonderful weeks and are ready for the weekend! I know I am :o) Spend a few hours trying to understand pre-stressed concrete design, and you would be too ;o)

Speaking of work.....I made a LO yesterday with today's freebie. I used KimB's newest kit, "Bygone Gents". The perfect kit for all those gentlemanly heritage layouts you have to do, but as I show here, very versatile too! And it's ON SALE now for only a few days! So go snatch it up! I really really wish I had heritage pictures to scrap, lol. Next time I'm home I'll have to bug my mom for some.

If nothing else gets done this weekend in the house, it'll be my scrap space. I NEED to get back to work with paper! I've got way too many things piling up to get done. But we do have lots and lots of other stuff done, so I can't complain too much. I need to figure out how to organize all the stuff I keep in the bathroom, that's my only other project I think. Plus we got a TON of tile from Jordan's boss for FREE! So that means those projects will get done WAY sooner, which is nice cuz the guys tore up the linoleum a bit moving the appliances.

Anyway. My lo, "Who Says??" (which in retrospect, "Says who" sounds better, but doesn't flow as well with the journaling underneath...anyway.....):

I must give credit for the inspiration behind this LO and template. I saw this LO in the DigiShopTalk gallery and LOVED it. Mine's a little different, but here's the original, Sisters.

And now, what you've been patiently waiting for, the freebie :o) It's labeled as 10, which is out of order and is driving me nuts, but when I finished it, 7,8, and 9 were in progress. I've since finished them, but wanted to post the LO wtih Kim's new kit, so here's 10, with the others to follow, LOL! RAMBLE!

And don't forget to go check out KimB's newest kit, "Bygone Gents".
That's all for now :o)

*Hugs*

~Col

Droppin by...

2007-08-08T10:36:00.000-04:00

Hi all! Just wanted to pop in and see how everyone is doing. :o) I should have a freebie to post tomorrow, so check back!

I finally got around to creating a new Blog Banner! Whoohoo! I used the new kit I got from Sweet Shoppe Designs - Rockstar, by Dani Mogstad. As soon as I saw it I knew it'd be perfect. I love the bright vibrant colors and teh word art. I bought 2 other kits at SSD but this one worked out best. The others I'll probably use to scrap pics from the (not so) surprise vacation ;o)

In my search to find another forum to participate in and show off Kim's designs, I stumbled upon the forum at Sweet Shoppe Designs. They have some fun and different challenges over there, which is something I LOVE at DSO. Challenges really get those creative juices flowing! Plus, you never have to buy a kit from the shop to participate (like another forum I was looking into). They do a points based reward system to win things from the store or specific designers, which is a lot of fun. Similar to the DSO Fairies Kit they give away based on participation in their challenges, it's just not automatic that you get it (like at DSO). But that's ok, I don't mind not getting things automatically, I have more digi-scrappin stuff than I know what to do wtih I think, lol.

Kim has another new kit coming out on thursday most likely. I'm hoping to play with it at some point today. It'll make me think outside the box, which is always a good thing. :o) I love being a part of her CT. Hopefully I can try and get a few challenges at DSO done with it too. It's always fun combining "assignments"!

Ok, that's enough rambling for now :o) Don't forget to check back tomorrow for a 12x12 template freebie!

*Hugs*
~Col

The jig is up!

2007-08-06T14:50:00.000-04:00

Hey everybody! I hope to get back on track this week and next with some templates. Jordan hooked up his computer (which is what PS is on) so I might be able to steal some time tomorrow on my half day and get some designs done. After that, I'm on vacation! WHOOHOO! That's what the subject of this entry is all about anyway. My mom made a boo boo when my parents were leaving yesterday, and mentioned us going to FL. Apparently all the parents have known about the surprise vacation and when it is for some time now. I suspected we'd be going to FL, but that just confirmed it! LOL! My poor mom felt awful, thinking that she ruined the whole surprise. But I'd suspected it from the beginning and just kept quiet for Jordan's sake. He always called me a ruiner, and said that now he knows where I get it from, LOL! Jordan gave up the goods after they left and told me when we'd be going. 10 days and 11 nights in sunny sunny FL! I can't wait!! It'll be so good to be on vacation. Fingers crossed I get the ring that's been sitting on top of his dresser for 4 months, lol!!

So as a special thanks for you all being so patient with my craziness, I decided to create a mini kit using DSO's color challenge color swatch (which happens to be hosted by KimB! LOL).

I hope you all enjoy it, I had a blast making it. And if you make a LO using it, or just using the colors, go post it in the color challenge thread @ DSO and you'll get another kit of the same colors that Kim made as a posting gift thank you! So much fun!! I might have to start playing with more options in PS and really think about designing my own stuff. Cuz this was fun!!

Not too much else to report I guess. The meeting of the parents went wonderfully, as I knew it would. The men switched around all our appliances in the kitchen so the newer stuff is in there now. The fridge is AMAZING! Lol! It's the little things in life, right? :o) I hope to get the dining room set up by the end of the week. I was going to hang things in the living room, but I'm anal and want the large picture centered on the couches, and since we're getting new ones, I don't want to hang it yet.

Today is Jordan's birthday, but we celebrated this weekend for the most part. He'll get a lil somethin tonight though. :oP Tomorrow I have a half day, which is always nice. I need to run some errands and go to a dr's appt, but other than that I'm free!

I hope you all are doing well and enjoyed all those templates at Kim's last week. :o)

That's all for now I think. :-)
*Hugs*

~Col

Holy Moly I'm Alive!

2007-07-31T19:45:00.000-04:00

Hey everybody!! I just wanted to pop in real quick and say hello and that I'm alive. We closed on our house last thursday, and things have been KA-razy ever since! Lol! The closing went well, painting is somewhat complete, and the unpacking has begun.

Naturally, I'm still pretty busy at work. I ran out of my stockpile of template freebies and haven't been able to work on any new ones. But don't worry, I have a whole little notebook full of ideas. It's just a matter of getting them into photoshop and uploaded for you to use, lol.

I hope to have things somewhat set up by the end of this week. Our parents are meeting for the first time on saturday, and my parents are coming to see the house for the first time (Jordan's helped us move on thursday). So I want to get lots done so show an almost finished product.

While I'm gone and working my butt off, you should definitely stop by KimB's blog. Her hubby's birthday is thursday and we're doing the celebrating for him! Lol! Template freebies all week I believe! Whoohoo!! PLUS, she has an amazing new designers grab bag kit in stores at an INCREDIBLE price. You'd be FOOLISH not to go snag it up right now before it all hits the shop at regular price. GO GO GO!!

I'm hoping to have something done with some of the stuff on thursday to post. The kit really is an amazing deal, as well as commercially licensed.

So don't forget. Stop by Kim's blog for freebies all week, and head on over to the DSO store to pick up her Designer's Grab Bag.

OH! And the new challenges have started for August! SO MUCH FUN! I highly recommend them :o)

For now.
*Hugs* n Love

~Col

Sharin the loooooooove

2007-07-23T13:34:00.000-04:00

Ok so first off, I need to thank you all. Your support during this whole Michael Vick thing made me realize that I'm not insane, and it's ok to get worked up about stuff like this. I don't rant all THAT often, so it was a little weird of me. Thankfully, almost all of his sponsors have dropped him, and the Falcon's are pressuring him to take a leave of absense which could potentially last ALL SEASON! YES!
I know a lot of people are upset that the NFL hasn't stepped in and flat out suspended him, but I'm ok with waiting for further investigation to be done into the matter. If he actually is innocent (which I know my heart he is NOT) I'd hate to see harsh penalties for misconduct disappear completely from the NFL and other professional sports, on a mistake. If harsh penalties further down the line are going to be enforced, I think the commissioner needs to take his time with the discipline. Who knows, maybe the wait will be worth it and he'll be banned from the NFL all together. :o)
We had a good weekend, did everyone else? We had our company picnic on saturday. Free MD crabs, free beer, outside on the bay. Awesome. We had a great time. We decided to bring Tiger along and she was a HUGE hit! Everyone loved her, and she loved all the attention, lol. She ate sooooo much people food it's not even funny. The CFO brought her food everytime he came over, which was A LOT! LOL!! I forgot to snap any pics, but it was a really nice day.

3 days. 3 days. 3 days. Holy crap 3 days!! (Can ya tell I'm excited?!)

So I've got a BUNCH of LO's to share with everyone before the freebie template :o)
First off, is a LO by Julie using my rectangle template #3:

GREAT job Julie! Thanks so much for sharing, your kitty is just too cute!!

Next up from KimB! She used my template #6 and her new "Pretty Twisted" kit. Great job Kim and thanks for the shout out! :o)

Next up are 2 of my own creations. The first I made for a friend who is down, using my rect temp #3:

Credits: Overlay by KimB "Inflight Overlays - #5, everything else from Robin Carlton and Christy Lyle's "Girl Next Door - It Girl" kit from the Sweet Shoppe

And this one is my template #5 using all KimB's "Pretty Twisted".

Kim's stuff just speaks to me, I loooove playing with it!!
While I'm posting all these LO's, here's a paper version of my template #6, and where I got the inspiration from (it was a posted sketch in a group somewhere, so I figured I'd make it a template since I loved it so much!):

Phew, this is a long one! LOL!
I also want to say oh my goodness! Because the response to my scalloped paper templates was amazing! I'm so so so happy that so many of you enjoyed them AND left me comments! It's such a nice stroke of the ego ;o) Keep your eyes peeled for another set coming in a few weeks perhaps.
Ok ok, here's what you really want. Rectangle Template #4!

I hope you all are having a wonderful start to the week :o)
*Hugs*
~Col

Template Thursday

2007-07-19T14:56:00.000-04:00

Oops! I'm late today! I got distracted by all this media on the Vick case. Apparently several high profile people have contacted the Falcon's as well as the NFL demanding discipline for Vick. So I'm very hopefull he'll get convicted. The feds don't usually get involved unless you're screwed, so that also gives me some confidence.

In other news. ONE WEEK LEFT UNTIL WE CLOSE!!!!!!!!!! YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!! I am "pee my pants excited"! I'm sure packing everything this weekend will lessen that excitement some, but probably not ;o)

So I've got 2 freebies today. A new 12x12 template, and a set of scalloped paper templates! This is only the first set, I've got one more I'm working on and a third in my head to do, so stay tuned :o)

Rectangle Template #3 isn't gettin too much love, so I'm working on a LO for it that will hopefully inspire some of you :o) I should be able to post it tonight *fingers crossed* I used another one of Kim's overlays, those things are so much fun!!

That's all for me for now. Back to the grind!
Have a good night!

*Hugs*
~Col

LO for KimB

2007-07-18T14:25:00.000-04:00

Here's a new LO for KimB using her "Inflight Overlays". So much fun. As soon as I saw them I had the perfect inspiration for this LO!

Tomorrow you'll get 2 freebies! I'm putting up my scalloped paper templates finally. And a 12x12 template! Whoohoo!!

PS~Guess who created the Layout of the Week over at DSO??? ME!! Check it out!!

A big long rant about Vick and pit bulls

2007-07-18T10:10:00.000-04:00

I've got to rant. Hopefully I won't scare anyone away from here. Just know that I take this very seriously, and I don't mean to offend anyone during this rant. But I will defend my dog and her kind til the death.

Michael Vick has been indicted by a grand jury on illegal dogfighting charges. While this makes me insanely happy that he might actually pay for his actions, I can't help but get riled up knowing what he's done to those dogs. The bodies of 7 dogs were dug up in the yard of the property he owns.

Tiger is an American Pit Bull Terrier/American Staffordshire Terrier mix. AmStaff's are essentially the "show dog" version of the APBT. The AKC doesn't recognize the ABPT, but does recognize the AmStaff. She's a pit bull. She looks like a pit bull, I can't pass her off as anything else. And if it wasn't for the extreme ignorance of most of this country, I wouldn't want to pass her off as something else. But too many ppl think "OMG How could you own a pit bull?? They're evil and will turn on your without wanring and eat children!" Insurance companies sometimes won't give you homeowners insurance if you have a pit bull.

Guess what people. It's a bunch of shit. Historically, any pit bull that attacked a human was culled (killed) immediately. In England, the AmStaff is known as the Nanny dog. Know why? Because these breeds are so incredibly loyal to their owners they will do anything to please them. They often slept in bed with children to protect them from harm. Sounds real vicious.

It wasn't until the past hundred years or so, that people started screwing things up. People who buy a dog, but don't want them to live in the house. So they chain them to a tree in the backyard and throw food at it every so often. Ever seen those Animal Cops shows on Animal Planet? Where dogs are so skinny they can barely stand? Where they have no food or shelter or clean water? THAT is the reason the pit bull has gotten a bad name. If you're never exposed to good people, and are only around people who mistreat you for youe entire life, would you be very friendly? Especially if you add in that you'd be starving and emaciated. You know what breaks my heart even more? Sometimes on those shows, the dogs are so wonderful, just stuck in a bad situation, that their whole body wiggles back and forth and they smile at the cops who are there to rescue them. Even though they've been mistreated their whole lives, and should be bitter and tough to handle, they just want some love and attention. I mean, does this face look like a killer?? :o)
Pit bulls are inherently dog aggressive. It's in their genes. I can not deny that. But they are NOT, I repeat NOT, inherently people aggressive. Are there documented cases of pit bull attacks? Yes. Are there documented cases of other breeds of dogs attacking? ABSOLUTELY! Remember a year or two ago when a woman was attacked by her pet dog and had to have the first ever face transplant surgery? Guess what breed that was? LABRADOR. Yup, you heard me. Labrador. The dog that every family wants.

Half of the problem is breed identification. People see a thick dog with a blocky head and automatically say "pit bull". If that's true, then try this game. If you can pick out the pit bull within 5 tries I appluad you.
Find the Pit Bull

Not all pit bulls are dog aggressive. Just like not all labs attack people. It's all in how the dog was raised by it's owners. If given a loving home, lots of attention (AND DISCIPLINE), it can do wonderfully. Just look at Tiger! She's the biggest mush you've ever met in your life. She's never met a stranger she didn't like, and she's fantastic with little babies. Just lays beneath them as if she knows she's there to protect them and love them.

Ok, this rant got a little long and off track. But I can only hope that I got through to someone somewhere reading this. That maybe the next time they see a pretty "pit bull" walking proudly down the street with their owner, that they'll ask if they can pet them. I can almost guarantee that they'll be rewarded with big sloppy kisses. :o)

If you're interested in learning more about pit bulls and the wonderful pets they can be, check out these sites.

Understand-a-bull
PBRC.net
The Unexpected Pit Bull

These are just cute videos of just how gentle pit bulls can be.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=m2OC5Z1Fii8
http://youtube.com/watch?v=7_PvlZVKLyE
http://youtube.com/watch?v=FDk3FPZLzA4
http://youtube.com/watch?v=3naWRGz5OQU

And this one I just like cuz it's a photomontage of pits doing fun things.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=FDk3FPZLzA4

If you have no idea what I'm talking about with Michael Vick and the dog fighting, here are some links to new articles. Read some of them and the details within, and tell me if you wouldn't get riled up by his actions too.

NFL.com

SI.com story

Yahoo News Story

Ugly Details of Vick's Indictment

Monday

2007-07-16T15:07:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone! Did you all have good weekends? I did again :o) I broke my promise to Kim about trying not to havetoooooo much fun (aka getting too drunk) but she broke it too from the sounds of it, lol. So we're even!

We went down to our friends in VA again, so that means pics of Tiger in the pool! She must be getting more comfortable with this whole swimming thing. Apparently her butt floats, so she felt no need to climb all the way onto the little seat like she did last time!Lol!
"Look Ma! My butt floats!"

We decided to see if the dogs would play nice. Poor Dexter is a grumpy old man and couldn't care less, lol. Here she was jumping around him while he just stood there (as if praying for her to leave him alone).

My friend Angela is new to digiscrappin and tried her hand at my template #5. She did awesome!!

I can't get Jordan's wireless mouse and keyboard to work, so unfortunately for me, I won't be getting any designing done. :o( Not until maybe tonight, if he stops playing his video game. I was excited to get a whole bunch done this afternoon so I'm a little disappointed, but such is life.

Monday seems to be rectangle template day. So here's #3!

I'm off to paper scrap since I get on the other computer (this lappy here doesn't run fast enough to handle CS2). I've got a baby album project I need to finish this week.
Have a good night everyone!!
*Hugs*

~Col

Ramble and a freebie

2007-07-12T15:02:00.000-04:00

Happy Thursday all!
Not too much going on today. I haven't had time to play, I've been busting my butt on this report. Who new you had to do a preliminary design on this stuff before suggesting you use it! LOL At least I don't get too bored here. That's a plus.

I also want to take a second and say thanks to everyone who reads and comments in here and on the 4shared links. I really appreciate it and your comments always make me smile! So keep em comin!! :o)

Today is officially 2 weeks until the move. I really really need to read our HOA documents and get moving on the deck plans if we're gonna get the built this fall. Note to self...... :o)

Today is really dragging. It feels like it should be so late, but it's not even 3pm! Crazy. I hate slow days. At least tomorrow is a half day and I get to go get my hair done. No more roots please thank you. Plus everyone always better about life with a fresh hair cut ;o) I have to stop by the LSS and snag some gifts for a birthday exchange swap in one of my groups, so that should be a lot of fun.

On the subject of paper scrapping, CHA is right around the corner and I'm going a little insane. I've just barely gotten all the stuff I wanted from the winter CHA! And Basic Grey (my FAVORITE company) has 5 new lines out! Naturally I want 4 of them! LOL! And it'll all come out AFTER the big move when I'll be forced into a budget and penny pinching. No fair!!

So here's a new 12x12 template for ya. I didn't get a chance to play with it and make a LO, but I might try and do it tonight. I'll post tomorrow if I can. Jordan got the full and glorious version of CS2 on his computer the other night so I'm all set to play! I've been unzipping files onto the external HD the past few nights. I need to make 2 more cd's of stuff on the work comp to take home tomorrow. Don't tell Jordan but I have around 10GB of digiscrappin stuff on the work server! EEK! I started going through and deleting kits that I don't use. Now that I'm really into it I'm much pickier about what I DL and buy, so that's good. I cleared out around 4 GB the other day, so I figured that's a good start.

Right, the freebie. :o) Enjoy! I'd love to see what you come up with!!

Have glorious days and nights my friends!
*Hugs*

~Col

Lot's of LO's!

2007-07-11T14:51:00.000-04:00

Well yesterday was awesome. I got a whole bunch of stuff done that I've been meaning to do. I got a few more LO's done for DSO challenges. Those things are a lot of fun and keep the creative juices flowing! If you haven't checked it out, GO NOW! Lol!

So here's the LO I did for the Quote Challenge. I used my own rectangle template #2.

Everything is from Sweet Shoppe Designs Girl Next Door collection. The ribbon was created using those papers and Dorothy's Freebie Ribbons which are awesome and I can't wait to use again.

This I made for the "Scrappin on my Desktop" Challenge. It's fun and I LOVE the way Tiger's picture came out in the frame.

Paper, frame, ribbon, and blue star by Shandy Vogt from her "Spangled Glory" kit. Red brad by Jannidee from the Liberty Mega freebie. Calendar by Thao Cosgrove for Scrapgirls A Year to Remember brush set.

This pretty lil number I made using a friends picture for the Ad Challenge.
All papers and elements slightly altered from Danielle Engebretson's "Verona" kit (no idea where I got it though, sorry).

And finally, a funny picture of me from a few months ago. I was trying to figure out a friends camera problem and my loving boyfriend snapped this crazy pic, lol. Don't mind the double chin! (Talk about motivation to work out! LOL)

I cheated and used a QP. Also from teh Sweet Shoppe's Girl Next Door collection (album collection that is). You'll be seeing a lot more QP's from me, they were too cute to pass up! Now I just have to find pictures to put in them......

I'm working on a paper template set to give. I haven't decided if it's done or not yet though, so you won't see it til next week probably.
I've also gotten a wonderful response from my rectangle templates, so I'll definitely continue to make those.
And don't forget! If you create something with my template shoot me and email and lemme see!!!

*Hugs* n love

~Col

Phew, what a weekend!

2007-07-09T13:09:00.000-04:00

Hi all! Did everyone have a good weekend? I know I did :o) And I've got the sunburns to prove it! (Lesson learned, always wear at least SOME sunblock when going to the lake all afternoon, lol). We went out to western MD for the weekend and had a great time. Jordan's family is great and a lot of fun. His mom let me use her golf clubs on friday and I actually didn't do half bad! I hit a whole mess of balls pretty well. So I took comfort in that and blame my poor first performance on the mens clubs, lol. Jordan's a good golf teacher. There's still room for LOTS of improvement, but I'm excited about getting better at this sport!

Saturday we got to go to the lake for the afternoon and relax. We went out on the pontoon boat and Tiger had no problems! I was curious to see her reaction but I got none, lol. She was as happy on the boat as she was on the dock. AND we got her to actually jump off the dock! I was so excited! But naturally she did it when I was in the water and thus didn't have my camera ready. Son of a b! There were 2 other dogs, the owner of the dock's 2 year old unneutered males. A yellow lab and a chocolate lab, both from teh same litter? Weird. Patton was the yellow lab and was obsessed with Tiger. He wanted to hump her, but was also really cute and licked her face, and when he had her toy and she came over he's drop it to her like a present. SO CUTE! I was so excited and happy to see Tiger having fun with other dogs. As long as she could bark at Patton and run away she had a grand old time. We got her thoroughly exhausted, which is always our mission, lol! I got some good pics of her too:

I'm going to work up a LO for my new rectangle template. Hopefully I can bust that out quickly and use it for the quote challenge as DSO, lol. I'm all about killing 2 birds with 1 stone! For the time being though, here's the freebie for today. Rectangle Template #2.

I hope you're all having good days! And if it's not stiffling hot like it is here, I hope you're enjoying the summer. :o)

*Hugs* n love

~Col

Quick LO

2007-07-05T17:41:00.001-04:00

Here's a LO I did using Kim's "All That Jazz" for the lyric challenge over at DSO.

Enjoy!

Crazy Day

2007-07-05T13:05:00.000-04:00

Hey everybody! Today has been a little crazy. We tried to go to the urgent care center to get my face checked out yesterday but they were closed. I woke up this morning and my face was still all swollen. We drove past on the way to work but naturally it wasn't open yet. So we went back an hour or so later. $50 later, there's nothing wrong, lol. The Dr. said that basically several things were working against me, but it was nothing to be too concerned about. The forehead can only swell so much since there isn't much up there other than bone. Gravity basically brought the venom down to my nose and eye area, and there's much more there to swell. So it was just a delayed reaction, and yesterday was probably the worst of it. It's still a little uncomfortable today, but my misery should be over soon.

I have to try and finish writing this ridiculous report today. I just have no idea how to finish this last part and naturally BOTH of my bosses are out today. Super.

3 weeks!!!! Only 3 weeks left til our closing date. Come oooon father time! Let's speed things up a bit!!

Since there were approximately a billion 4th of July celebration kits posted tuesday and wednesday, I don't feel so bad about not getting one out. Maybe my design skills will be honed enough to do something for Labor Day. I might just start right now! LOL

Here's a picture of my cutie I took yesterday. She was so cute and crawled up on the couch to lay with me in my misery in the morning.

I know it's not a great pic, but she's still cute ;o)

This is a LO I did today. The picture is from Mark's email (which I posted yesterday). He was re-enlisting one of his soldiers for another 5 years of service. The quote just seemed appropriate.

Credit to: Shandy Vogt for the papers from her "Spangled Glory Addon" (and if you head over there and make a LO with it and send it to her she's offering her whole Spangled Glory kit for free!), the brad and tags are from Jannidee from her portion of the Liberty Mega Freebie Kit, the easy paperclip is from Kim B's "Born in the USA" freebie, and the journal paper is from Journals2 by Tracy Drane aka Dranet.

I haven't had a chance to zip up some of my rectangle template freebies. We're going away for the weekend tonight so I won't be on til sunday, but I'll post a template then for sure!!

Have great days and nights and weekends everyone!!

*HugS* n love,

~Col

A Letter from Iraq I wanted to share

2007-07-04T17:18:00.000-04:00

I'm warning you now, this is a LONG entry and there's no freebie. My swollen face just isn't cooperating with my design wishes today. I'll put up a 4th of July freebie tomorrow I hope.

My hometown is a small town in lower NY in an area called the Hudson Valley. I live about 20 minutes from teh West Point Military Academy. When I was younger, we were unofficial sponsor families for several cadets. They've known me since I was 8 years old I think, and the "originals" (as we like to call them occassionally) are like big brothers. Back in 2002 one of the originals brought a current cadet to the house, Lane. My mom naturally gave him our phone number and told him to call if ever he needed a break from "the Point". Well boy did he start calling! Lol! He brought friends, who all got our number. They brought friends, who all got our number. 5 years later we still have several boys who routinely call and stop by. We've put together several graduation parties, had families stay with us when hotels got booked, trips to airports, driven to and from the Point more times than we could probably count. But we would never change a thing. Knowing all that, it's not hard to figure out where my patriotism comes from. We currently have at least half a dozen boys overseas, and other preparing to go soon. I don't "do" politics, but the war is never far from my mind. I don't care what your political stance is, the troops deserve to be supported.

And on that note, I want to share this email. The author graduated from West Point in either 2004 or 2005 (I think, so many have come through!) and it's a wonderful reminder of what we too often take for granted here in the good ole US of A. If you have the time, please read it and take the message to heart. I know I have on this 4th of July.

Happy 4^th of July. I hope you all are enjoying the great American holiday with family and friends and of course, some good fireworks. As I sit here in Baghdad memories from 4^th of Julys past occupy my mind. Great family barbeques in Syracuse, fun at Otisco Lake, rounds of golf and camp fires in the Adirondacks, fireworks overlooking the banks of the Hudson River at West Point- all of these memories are vivid in my mind. I can see the American flags flying proudly, hear the National Anthem playing and feel the pride of the American people. I am physically 7,000 miles from the States but a large part of me feels like I am home this 4^th of July.

My favorite thing about the Fourth is the collective patriotism that encompasses the nation. Day to day, people in America take our freedom and way of life for granted. They don’t realize that we live under the best system in the history of the world. In America, we don’t fear an oppressive government. We can walk the streets and not worry about our safety. We can express our opinions openly and participate in our political process. We can practice religion freely. Most importantly, we have the ability and freedom to pursue our dreams. Americans are so used to having security and freedom that we sometimes fail to step back and see how good we have it. It is nice that at least once a year the nation pauses and acknowledges how fortunate we are.

My parents have always taught me to be appreciative of the blessings in my life. Through my experiences, I’ve found that you appreciate things more when you are separated from them. Being in Iraq is a daily reminder of how good we have it back home. As I patrol the streets of Iraq, I can’t help but think how much better life is in America compared to Iraq or any other country for that matter… For countless years, the people of Iraq lived in fear and were denied the basic freedoms that we enjoy so much in America. U.S. presence in Iraq has given Iraqis something they were vastly unfamiliar with- hope. The “new Iraq” is full of possibilities and in time Iraq will be a peaceful, prosperous nation.

Fredrick Douglas, a prominent figure in American history, once said “Those who profess to favor freedom and yet depreciate agitation are people who want crops without ploughing the ground; they want rain without thunder and lightning; they want the ocean without the roar of its many waters. The struggle may be a moral one, or it may be a physical one, or it may be both. But it must be a struggle.” America, the defender of freedom, is currently engaged in a long, enduring struggle against terrorism. Every day in Iraq is exhausting and dangerous. Thousands of brave American soldiers patrol the streets of Iraq and fight terrorist here instead of in our homeland. For those who don’t believe the war in Iraq is related to the war on terrorism all they need to do is read the morning headlines. Every day there are terrorist and insurgents who show their dislike of America and her ideals by carrying out lethal attacks against American soldiers. Every attack validates their hatred of America as well as their determination to defeat us. America’s cause is just. And this battle against those who oppose freedom is one that we cannot lose.

I am thankful that I am an American and I am honored to be on the frontlines defending the freedoms and values that our nation cherishes so dearly. Whether you are in Syracuse, Boston, Columbia, Nashville, DC or abroad, I hope you enjoy our nation’s birthday. And this 4^th of July I urge you to look around and soak in the freedom that permeates the air, freedom that not everyone gets to experience.

God Bless America,

Mark

Happy 4th!!

2007-07-04T10:47:00.000-04:00

Well I woke up this morning, and my face is all swollen around the eyes. I don't know wtf is going on with bee sting, but I'm pretty uncomfortable right now. Benedryl seems to making it worse, so I'm not taking any more of that. I'm going to keep icing it and take some acetaminophen and see if that helps. If not, we might be going to a clinic or something later on today.

I hope to be able to work up a special 4th of July freebie today. If I can't, I may post it later in the week anyway.

For now, thanks for all your well wishes on my addition to Kim's CT!

I hope everyone takes some time today to remember what this day is about, and express your patriotism. And please please please remember those overseas fighting for what this country stands for.

Thanks.
*Hugs* n love

~Col