Inspiration Alley

I've moved ...

2007-01-10T00:09:00.000-05:00

and should have told you long ago ... but you can find me here

I'm Back !!!

2005-10-14T13:12:00.000-04:00

Yes, I know ... you thought I fell from the face of the earth!

I had such a great time on vacation and even extended it a little because my husband bought a car ('66 GTO), so we ended up driving back instead of flying. I will get on this weekend and post details, and pictures! Just wanted to pop on here for a minute and let everyone know I've returned and will soon be posting regularly again.

My 10 Scrapbooking Mantras

2005-09-20T04:32:00.000-04:00

2peas meme

"a meme n (mëm): is an idea that is shared and passed from blog to blog, like a question posted in one blog and answered in many other blogs."

This week [Sept 19th] we are going to talk about our scrapbooking mantras. What is a mantra? A commonly repeated word or phrase AKA what you think, believe, do right now regarding scrapbooking. I've changed the ways that i've scrapped lately so those changes are my mantras right now. They can be serious...silly...commentary on the scrap world etc.

1. ORGANIZE - I really need to find a method of organization that works for me. I've tried various methods but most seem to stop my creative flow.

2. USE WHAT I OWN - I have so much stuff that some of it has gone out of "style". I really need to use what I buy rather than hoarding it.

3. STAY TRUE TO YOUR STYLE - I often get caught up in the new styles of scrapbooking like shabby chic or retro. Some are just not me, or don't suit the themes I scrap.

4. DO IT - I tend to not find the time to scrap unless I am under a time crunch, so that means that most of my personal stuff never gets done. I need to devote time to getting my albums done.

5. GO TO MORE CROPS - I usually get quite a bit done at crops (even though those that know me think I socialize rather than scrap) but I need to attend more, especially the weekend ones.

6. LEARN TO SCRAP WITHOUT ELECTRICITY - since I'm faced with another tropical storm / hurricane, I better learn how to scrap when the power goes out.

7. YOU DON'T NEED IT IN EVERY COLOR - unless it's cardstock, but otherwise, just because they offer a product in 256 different colors, doesn't mean I have to go out and buy all the colors.

8. JOURNAL WITH MEANING - I need to journal better to express my feelings rather than what's going on in the pic.

9. PURGE - get rid of the things I will never ever use again. I have 3 nieces that would love them.

10. MAKE GIFTS - everyone laughs in my family because my wishlists always focus on scrapbooking and stamping supplies, but I rarely turn those supplies into gifts for my family.

Rita Watch

2005-09-19T16:16:00.000-04:00

Just another summer day in Florida. We are under Hurricane Warning for Hurricane Rita. Down here we call the probablility cone "The Cone Of Doom". Even though my business is in North Fort Lauderdale, we've already begun preparing. Tomorrow we report to work if we can safely travel the roads (ie: no Rita). Mom is in Key Largo, and said she's not going to evacuate -- so we'll see.

We've done all we can do (stocked up on food, water, gas, and money; shutters down, etc) so now it's all up to mother nature.

If we do get a lot of rain and winds, I expect there will be heavy cleanup afterward. The neighborhoods still haven't been cleaned up from when Katrina came through late August. Most streets have piles and piles of yard debris waiting for the county to come through. It was as if everyone decided to trim their trees at the same time, so you can imagine. Thankfully, my immediate street has already been cleaned up so that's on less worry for me.

Presents Presents Presents

2005-09-18T11:04:00.000-04:00

Lucky, Lucky Me ...

I got lots of stuff for my Birthday, so I'll tell you about some of it here.

DVD/VHS recorder
$15 Michaels GC
$20 Michaels GC
$25 Target GC
$50 Local Scrapbook Store GC
Designers Eye book by Ali Edwards
Clean & Simple book by Cathy Zielske
MM Metal Eyelet Charms
MM Jigsaw Alpha
MM Embellishment Attachements in Sky, Pewter, and Lime
Lil Davis Chipboard Alphabet
Cheetah Adhesive Refill
2 Clear Overlays 12x12
T-shirt with a cat in a 50s Chevy
Lots of Paperbacks including those by Dean Koontz, Iris Johanson, Patricia Cornwell, and Leslie Glass

Now, of course I've already spent the Michaels GC because they had the 50% off coupon this weekend so I got the MM Distressing Kit.

I had a great birthday, and a great weekend -- now if Rita will just stay away!

2peas Meme Challenge #10

2005-09-15T22:09:00.000-04:00

Challenge from the 2peas message board
Since it's Back to School mode...This week [Sept 12th] we are going to talk about school memories. They can be fun...crazy...silly, etc.

1. 3rd grade - punished by standing out in the sun because I was talking too much
2. 3rd grade - always seeing a box on the porch of a house on the way home, and making up stories with my sister as to what was in the box -- turned out they were delivered meals.
3. 3rd grade - my first crush! - Scott Brenner.
4. 4th grade - Dawn dolls!
5. 5th grade - Mr. Copenhagen introducing us to James Taylor - Sweet Baby James Album
6. Elementary School - peanut butter and jelly sandwiches every day! I would not buy the hot lunches, and would be upset if my sandwich (creamy peanutbutter) got mixed up with my brothers (crunchy)
7. Elementary School - Santa apples for the teachers - My mom would make Santa's of apples, and would deliver them for the holidays. They were the coolest!
8. Field Trips
9. 10th Grade - Getting Straight A's and a color TV in my bedroom.
10. Finishing school by noon -- we had split shifts back then.

This was a fun trip down memory lane! Thanks Tanika

Misuse of FEMA debit Cards

2005-09-14T13:09:00.000-04:00

Misuse Article

I haven't said much about the Hurricane Katrina happenings, but when I see stories like this it makes me cringe. Again a minority of those who received the cards are [potentially] ruining it for the many who are doing the right thing and using the cards for food, shelter, and clothing. I'd also bet that these same people will be the first ones begging for more money because they can't buy food.

Insanity!

CKU - Atlanta

2005-09-13T22:32:00.000-04:00

After all the speculation on the scrapbooking sites - Creating Keepsakes has finally announced the 2006 CKU schedule.

CKU-Album, Chicago, IL: March 30-April 1, 2006
CKU-Provo, UT: May 18-20, 2006
CKU-Album, San Jose, CA: June 22-24, 2006
CKU-Album, Atlanta, GA: July 27-29, 2006
CKU-Master's, Boston, MA: August 24-26, 2006
CKU-Houston, TX: September 14-16, 2006

First, I can't believe that they are not doing a Masters in Provo and second ...
CKU-Atlanta is going to be ALBUMS! I just can't tell you how thrilled I am. I wasn't sure I'd be able to justify the expense of getting to Atlanta if it was going to be a regular CKU (since I've already been to two), but since it's Albums - I'm definitely there! Plans are in the works - hotel reservations already made!

Blog Spam

2005-09-12T22:41:00.000-04:00

I didn't know there was such a thing --- but there is!
I was just getting excited to see an actual comment, then I see it's just spam.

If you visit, please do leave a comment (but not SPAM), so I know I'm not just talking to myself.

Wicked Weather

2005-09-11T23:53:00.000-04:00

It's Sunday, and it is raining cats and dogs. Great lightning storms, and the thunder is setting off car alarms. We decided to have pizza ordered in ... which turned out to be a drama of it's own. The Big Cheese, which is where we really wanted to order from didn't answer their phone, so we tried Papa Johns. The first place said they didn't deliver to us and referred us to another store, that store told us to call the first place, so on to Domino's. Domino's said there was a 90 minute delivery time, so we tried another local pizza joint which said the same. By now, the lightening storm had passed (we spent about 45 minutes trying to order a pizza) so we decided to go with an old favorite - Frankies! Only thing was, they don't delivery so I had to brave the wet streets to pick it up.

Pizza is one of those funny things, that once you think about it, you can't change to something else like tuna sandwiches. You've just got to go ahead and get the pizza - and let me tell you it was worth it. Every delicious slice.

Middle Age

2005-09-10T00:06:00.000-04:00

Well, I guess, it's finally here. If you think about it, 45 is as middle aged as you can get -- that is assuming that you're going to live to the ripe old age of 90.

It's weird when you slow down and think about it - I never thought I'd be "middle aged", in fact, I never thought I'd be "old", and I don't think I really am (yet). Heck, I still don't make my bed, or clean my room. I still like Hamburgers and French Fries, and I still call my "mommy" when things go really wrong. I still play with toys (although they are now of the stamping and scrapping variety), and I still sleep through my alarm and need to be woken up in the morning.

So how did I get to 45!

Thinking About Birthdays

2005-09-08T23:02:00.000-04:00

I was just thinking about what to get my niece/goddaughter for her birthday, when it dawned on me that it will be my birthday this month too! Then I thought some more, and realized that in a little more than a week, I'll be 45!

Boy am I late ... I've got to start coming up with a "wishlist" of sorts. I think my present to myself will be the Hot Air Balloon Trip next month.

Planning the Vacation

2005-09-06T23:57:00.000-04:00

What to do -- What to do!

Working on my vacation plans. Trying to schedule in a hot air balloon ride during the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. (Last time I tried in 2001, the wind picked up and my flight was cancelled, and the time before that I tried in Florida, but trip was also cancelled because of smoke from fires in the Everglades) I want to try again, because you know the old adage -- third times the charm!

Labor Day

2005-09-05T16:17:00.000-04:00

Nothing to report here. It's raining, so I'm scrapbooking while watching a "Law and Order" marathon. Other than making a run for bagels at Einsteins Bagels, just relaxing at home.

Car Show Today.

2005-09-04T22:26:00.000-04:00

We went to a new car show today. It was at a park behind the old Omni Mall. When we first arrived, we thought it was going to be a bust. Only one old car, and the weather looked like it was going to hell fast (already a slight drizzle). But, we has made the drive, so we figured it wouldn't hurt to stick around awhile.

Let me say ... this show was top notch!

It was in conjunction with "Brunch on the Bay" which boasted a Jazz concert for City of Miami residents. They served food - roast pork, spicy chicken, rice and beans, and yuca (all the food was terrific). They also had wine, beer, and champagne for mimosas (of course I had to indulge)and the normal fare of sodas and water. In addition, all day long there was live jazz music.

We took the '55 Buick. There were about 20-25 cars that came out, and the neighbors section of the Herald talked to us about why we brought out the car, etc. It's supposed to be in print in a couple of weeks. I'll have to stalk the Herald website.

Company Picnic

2005-09-03T21:45:00.000-04:00

When they say shade provided by palm trees - don't forget to bring your sunscreen. I did, and I'm just hoping that the sunburned areas turn to a tan. I sure am slathering on the lotion.

Overall, we had a great time. The picnic is held at a hotel on the beach, so you've got the best of both worlds - the beach and the pool. The food was great, and just about everyone attended. The weather held out, and it started raining while we were driving home (actually a driving rain all the way home, but that's another matter).

It's great to get to see everyone's family, and it is one of the only times that we get to see the kids. Since I've worked for the company for just about 12 years now, some of these kids I've known since birth. It's kindof weird to see that the 4 year old boy you once knew, is now a 16 year old with his own car, or the high school girl who once did your filing is now an Airman Apprentice in the Navy. Kids, they grow up so fast.

Circle Journals

2005-09-01T20:58:00.000-04:00

I love Circle Journals, and have agreed to participate in another one today. This group is a bunch of ladies I've met at various crops in Florida. I know just about everyone who will be participating and I am so excited to get to know them better.

My first CJ was done on the Scrapbook Jungle my theme was A-Z About Me. I learned so many things about the group members, but I found the theme kindof restricting because most people worked off the letters from A - Z. My second CJ is also being done on the Scrapbook Jungle, and it has about 3 months left to go. This theme is A Virtual Crop, and I've asked for members to give me a recipe they would have at a crop, plus something funny like a story you would tell at the crop, and then a picture of either them scrapping, or of their scraproom. I can't wait to see the finished product.

Now for this CJ, I went back and forth between several ideas. It thought about "My World" and "A Day In The Life", but finally settled on "True Confessions". I think it's going to be a fun theme. So, now, I've got to figure out which true confession I will use for my layouts.

The other themes for this CJ are "Your Lifes Purpose", "Passions", "Collections from the Journey", "Women's Wisdom", "Sayings We Grew Up With", "Count Your Blessings", "If You Could Be Anyone", and "Magical Movie Moments".

I like Circle Journals because they give me a chance to break out of my "normal" scrapping themes, and it gives you a chance to express yourself.

Did I say that I can't wait to start this one. I think I might have mentioned it once or twice before.

Vacation Approved !

2005-08-31T21:56:00.000-04:00

My vacation was approved today, and I have booked my flight. We have not had a vacation (other than extended weekends for car shows) since 2002, so I can't wait. I really need the downtime to recharge.

Got a fantastic rate on Southwest Airlines. Now I've got to book the rest of the details like the car rental. We're going to Santa Fe, NM (again). I have to pick something new to do this time - but mostly, I just want to hang out, read, and rest up.

Short Cut from Hell

2005-08-30T20:42:00.000-04:00

I took a shortcut this morning from the transmission shop. I left a full ten minutes before Jay, but it took me almost 35 minutes longer to get home! The expressway looked backed up, so I decided to take the city streets. I forgot several very important factors ....

1. Schools In Session
2. Rush Hour Traffic
3. Still many Major Streetlights out.

Oh well, it's just going to be one of those things that will take years and years to live down (like when I took out the mailbox pulling into my driveway). My shortcut will come up many times more I'm sure.

Power Up

2005-08-29T18:37:00.000-04:00

It is so neat to see the city coming alive bit by bit.

Sunday we spent the day cleaning up debris from the front yard, and cutting up fallen trees. Jay spent the afternoon pushing water out of the warehouse. (It's never been so clean.) We sat at the Taco Bell for an hour Sunday because they had power (air conditioning), ice, and hot food. After Jay went to the warehouse, I hung out at Borders for the same reasons. No one else in the family has power yet.

This AM, we came home to power! The cats are weirded out because we haven't been home, and it's been hot and dark, but they will settle down soon. I'll be glad to be able to stay at home tonight in my own bed complete with my fur babies.

Home At Last

2005-08-27T14:29:00.000-04:00

Well my day started at 4:30A (yes, that's right ... me ... up ... at 4AM, and I did not stay up all night). My flight out was 7AM, and I wanted to be sure I was there so that I didn't get bumped. Had about 20 minutes to make the connection in Dallas, but have finally made it home safe. I'm still without power at home, but all else is pretty much OK. I'm pretty tired, so I don't think I'll be cleaning up the yard today.

Will try to post from work over the next few days, and will post some pictures when my power is restored. I'm thinking maybe since everything was over, I should have stayed in Texas - at least I had cold air, a hot shower, and maid service. OK, maybe not - Yikes ... I've got to be careful what I wish for.

Katrina visits Miami

2005-08-26T09:45:00.000-04:00

What a wild ride. After all of the projected paths leading to a hit at North Broward, Katrina comes ashore further south near Hollywood, then decided to continue on south to Miami. This was a very wet storm, so there is lots of flooding in the area.

I've talked to Jay, and he says the house and cats are fine. We've got no power (what else is new - every storm we loose power), but no damage to the house, and the huge ficus in the front stood strong. Lots of debris to clean up. Our neighbors did not fair as well. Several had fences come down, trees fallen on cars, and telephone poles in the area snapped like twigs. He said it is difficult driving because of no street lights, and because of debris all over the roads.

No major flooding in our area, but further south in Perrine and Homestead there are areas with a foot of water or more.

I've changed my flight back to Saturday AM which is the soonest I could get back, since the south Florida airports were closed. I see on the news that the storm is pummeling the lower keys now, so I expect they will have flooding as well.

I can't wait to get HOME!

Watching Katrina

2005-08-25T07:14:00.000-04:00

Well, I'm in Texas for work, and Hurricane Katrina has decided that she has her eye set on South Florida. It rough being away, when you really need to be home helping protect the property. In reality, Jay will have everything under control, so I needn't worry. Just wish she would continue to head on a northernly path.

I am supposed to come home Friday, but I'm not so sure that's going to happen. We'll have to see what Katrina does.

Better Than Gathering Dust

2005-08-16T21:31:00.000-04:00

I've been logged as a member at BookCrossing.com for awhile now, but I wanted to say I released my first book out into the wild today! I hope someone picks it up and logs on to report on it's travels. I'm going to release a couple of more next week because I will be traveling, and I think airports will be a good place to release some more.

If you want to find out more, visit the website for BookCrossing.com. The idea is, you log in a book, get an ID number for it, then write a journal. Than leave it somewhere or pass it on. If you leave it somewhere you go back and make release notes so other know where to find it, or it may be found randomly. When it's found, the person (hopefully) go's back to the website and makes a notation that they found it so you can see where it's travelled to. Sounds fun.

I keep you posted on how far my books travel.

My Melanie CD Came

2005-08-15T20:55:00.000-04:00

I've already received my Melanie CD. It was in the mail (at work) today. I promptly started playing it on my computer, so anyone with an office nearby got subjected to it. It sounds as good as I remember it. I am loving it! I actually bought 2 more Melanie CD's at the same time, so I've got enough to listen to for now. Did I say how happy I was that I found these CD's?

Note To Self

2005-08-13T19:26:00.000-04:00

Never start your day with a dentist appointment!

My day went from bad to worse as the day progressed. Started with a dentist appointment to replace two old fillings ($370.00). Tried to go to the scrapbooking store, but couldn't get a parking space (small strip mall and if you're not there when the store opens it's tough to park) so opted to go home. Took Monty for his shots at the vet, and Michael to recheck his ears ($88.00 this day's getting to be expensive). Put gas in the car ($36.31). Now it starts to rain - of course right before we were going to leave for the car cruise. So the day cost me close to $500.00 and I didn't get to buy anything fun.

I had to change this trend around before it continued through the whole weekend, so I was eyeballing the QVC TSV (Todays Special Value) and bought this great card making / scrapbooking kit. It came with an album, a brag book, a card storage system, and kits to make about 50 cards. (I was going to link to it here, but it's already off their site because it sold out) Great price too! Here's hoping tomorrow will be better.

BB6 - Kaysar Back

2005-08-12T23:09:00.000-04:00

I can't believe that 82% of the votes went to vote Kaysar back in. That is so great. Let's see what this is going to stir up in the house. I hope they at least give him a chance and don't boot him off right away.

Melanie

2005-08-11T14:13:00.000-04:00

I've been looking for a CD of the Melanie Candles In the Rain album for over a year now. This is an album I've had since 1970, and played and played and played all the time. I have finally found it, and placed the CD on order, so it won't be long now until I have one in my hot little hands. I found it at the ItsAboutMusic site, and you can play a portion of the songs from their site, or download. And to think I was getting ready to fork out close to $50.00 on ebay or Amazon.

Walked Again!

2005-08-10T21:51:00.000-04:00

OK, I've stuck with it, and walked again tonight. Made it once around the block with a little less difficulty. Of course, I then had to get into the car and clock the route to determine just how long (short) of a walk it is. It turns out that it is 3/10's of a mile. So now, here's the plan ....

A. Continue walking once around the block for about another week.
B. Add a second time around for 2 - 3 weeks.
C. Add a third time around (which would be just under a mile) for several weeks.
D. Then increase my speed until I'm doing a 15 minute mile.

Yes, if you pop in hear and read, it sounds pathetic that I can barely make it 3/10's of a mile, but that's what NO exercise because you're sitting at a desk or computer will do to you. My faithful readers can keep me in check.

Out of Shape

2005-08-09T23:45:00.000-04:00

and that's an understatement. Started walking yesterday. Started easy, just once around the block. Sheesh, I could barely make that (but I did). I guess it tired me out some, because I fell asleep on the couch. Now, I've got to keep it up. I haven't measured the distance, but the goal is to walk a couple of days a week, increasing the distance/speed to that of "normal". I am both, overweight, and not very physically fit, so this is the first small change in my lifestyle -- get moving! Because of my work schedule, I think I'll be walking Mon/Wed/Sat.

The Closer

2005-08-08T23:24:00.000-04:00

is another show I like watching. It's on TNT Monday nights. Kyra Sedgwick plays the lead detective of a murder squad. Her quirkyness makes the show. It gives her a human quality - inability to find her way in LA, sloppy housekeeper, junk food lover, southern belle accent -- all lead to a character you like to watch what case she'll solve next -- sort of reminds me of how Peter Falk portrayed Columbo.

If you haven't had a chance to check it out, try to watch it once.

Also looks like some interesting shows coming up with the new season -- looks like E-Ring might be good, as well as Criminal Minds. Have to see the first episodes before I make up my mind about them.

Vote Now

2005-08-07T23:59:00.000-04:00

Yes, it's true .... I'm a big fan of Big Brother 6.
Please help me bring Kaysar back into the house. Go Vote!

I could not believe that Howie put up James and Sara -- what was he thinking! This season has been really cut throat, and the tables have turned several times already. I'd love to see Kaysar brought back in just to stir things up a bit more.

I haven't picked who I'd like to see win it yet, I'm gonna wait till some more players go home first.

Vote for Kaysar!

(Yep, I'm always behind watching - but TiVo records it for me.)

Blogathon Finished

2005-08-07T11:05:00.000-04:00

I'm definately going to participate next year! I'm a night owl anyway, so staying up won't be too hard. I think my problem will be not getting sidetracked so that I post every 30 minutes. I'm already thinking about what to do and am thinking along the lines of posting a layout or card with every post. Kindof like an all night crop. I had fun floating around to the different participant sites. Some posted pics of themselves as the night wore on. Some of the posts near the end were short an sweet -- but the important thing is that they accomplished something great, and raised money for a charity.

Rain Rain Go Away ...

2005-08-06T23:04:00.000-04:00

The Cruise In tonight was rained out. We went of course (in the Astre), along with about 20 other diehards, but after about 45 minutes the rain came down. This is how it's been happening for most of July and now August. Hopefully this coming weekend will be clear for the next cruise in.

CKU Locations for 2006

2005-08-05T22:50:00.000-04:00

Here they are ....
Found out on the 2Peas Board the locations for CKU next year ....

Boston
Atlanta
Houston
Chicago
Provo
San Jose

I think I'm going to be shooting for Atlanta - it's close enough for a road trip.

Blogathon This Weekend

2005-08-04T21:45:00.000-04:00

I found out about this just a little too late to sign up to participate - but look out next year. This weekend, there's a blogathon for various charities. Visit the main site Blogathon From there you can click on view campaigns to see whih blogs are participating. Blogs will be collecting money for charity and will be posting on their blog every half hours starting Aug 6th at 9AM. It looks like it will be a lot of fun.

I know I'll be a participant in 2006!

We're Not Afraid

2005-08-03T19:48:00.000-04:00

We're Not Afraid is a great website where people can speak out through pictures or essays against the acts of terror that have struck London, Madrid, New York and terrorism occuring in cities around the world each and every day.

Spend some time in the gallery, or even better send them one of you own pics.

I Just Knew It !

2005-08-02T20:44:00.000-04:00

A friend of mine sent this article to me. It fits my world exactly! Enough said.

What's Your Blogging Personality? - Take the Quiz

2005-08-01T23:30:00.001-04:00

Your Blogging Type is Confident and Insightful

You've got a ton of brain power, and you leverage it into brilliant blog.
Both creative and logical, you come up with amazing ideas and insights.
A total perfectionist, you find yourself revising and rewriting posts a lot of the time.
You blog for yourself - and you don't care how popular (or unpopular) your blog is!

What's Your Blogging Personality?

OK ... I'm not sure how accurate this quiz is, but I do find that I revise and rewrite my posts quite a bit. Let me know what you come up with.

Vet Visit

2005-07-31T23:34:00.000-04:00

Why is it that you can never go to the vet, and get out of there without spending less than $100.00. Now we took 2 yesterday, so that became $200.00, and my boy has some kind of ear muck so now there is antibiotics to give (ear drops) every 12 hours.

It's a sight to behold -- the cat is wrapped in a towel, to keep his claws out of reach of me. I'm trying to hold him still, my husbands trying to get not one but two drops in each ear, and the cat is backing up, twisting, and turning, and squirming until of course, my arms get scratched. We have to do this twice a day. How does an inside cat even get such a thing. The other 3 don't have this problem.

Now ... his sister doesn't recognize his scent (this is my hypothesis - she didn't exactly tell me) because she is hissing and batting at him whenever he walks by. Now these two are litter mates, and have never been separated. I don't detect a scent from the drops, but I guess she does.

Two days down, 5 more to go. I think I'll make it, but now I've had to add crawling under the bed to get the cat because he's figured out that this is going to happen each morning and evening.

Baby Shower Today

2005-07-30T20:43:00.000-04:00

Went to a baby shower today for the wife of one of my co-workers. First baby and they made out with lots of clothes, plus car seat, portable playpen, bottle warmer, bottle sterilizer, tons of onesies (which I'm to understand babies live in).

Not having children of my own, I chose a gift from their registry. I got the baby wipe warmer, and my friend (who is a mom twice over) thought this was funny. If I was a baby, I'd want a warm wipey for my hiney, but she informed me that all you need to do is rub the wipe in your hand and it warms up. Who knew.

CKU-A Sold Out

2005-07-28T01:35:00.000-04:00

We talked about this at CKU Orlando -- gave serious thought to attending CKU-Albums. Jen, Linda, and I all want to attend but we decided to postpone and attend one next year - either CKU albums, or CKU masters, but definately something out of the state.

I still had to check out the site - I couldn't believe how fast CKU-A Stamford sold out. I think it took just about an hour. I tell you, if you've never been to a CKU, start saving those pennies, and DO IT. You won't be disappointed. To see so many people which share your passion, to learn new techniques, and to meet to leaders in the industry is something not to be missed.

Now .... I'm waiting patiently for the announcement of next years CKU's so I can start to plan my trip.

Ribbon Swaps

2005-07-27T23:08:00.000-04:00

Now on to the ribbon swaps from CKU. I did two swaps - one with the CKU-O yahoo group, and another with 5 friends. I'm was happy with both swaps, but the one done with my friends had a better quality of ribbons overall.

Swaps are a great way to get a variety of items with a small investment. Chance are, you won't need 3 yards of any one particular ribbon unless you are doing multiples of the same project, so it's fun to get a yard each of a variety. There are some I received that I probably will never use because they are theme related, or were wire ribbons, but if I don't use them in other projects, I will donate them to a charity which does craft projects.

Now, I've got to find a better way to organize them. I have a dowel to hold spools of ribbon, but need to do something for small cuts of ribbon like what you get in a swap. I'll let you know what I figure out. If you've got suggestions, please let me know.

CKU Make N Takes

2005-07-26T22:23:00.000-04:00

I did several of the make-n-takes at CKU. Really wanted to take the one given by Tim Holtz, but the line was so long. Most of my friends were able to do the class, so I'm sure they'll teach me. This year, the make-n-takes were more in-depth. There were less to do, but it took the same amount of time. Also, the lines were very long for several of the areas. There were about 20 make-n-takes, with 12 spots each, and about 600 women wanting to take them. You can do the math to see why there were lines.

Here's a pic of most of the ones I did get to do. I got a chance to try out the new Quikutz machine (the pink one) which is much easier to use - you hardly have to apply any pressure. Most of the items were tags, mini books, and cards.

I Need A Vacation from my Vacation

2005-07-25T22:47:00.000-04:00

After 4 days of nothing but scrapbooking, friends, and Canaveral Coolers, it really is a rude awakening to have to come back to the real world of phones ringing, customers, paperwork and problem solving. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted.

I was so dragging today. Thankfully I got off work at a decent hour so I can get a goodnights sleep. Just need watch all my shows TiVo recorded for me.

Have you Hugged Your Cat Today ?

2005-07-24T21:35:00.000-04:00

I'm back from CKU, and I think my kitties missed me. They would not leave me alone. One was curling around my legs (trying to trip me I think), one wanted to be pet continuously, and the other was the proverbial lapcat. Of course, my fourth was giving me the cold shoulder. The gall of me going away for 4 whole days! They all have distinct personalities.

I had a great trip, and had no problems on the road. My car "blue" rolled over 328,000 miles on the trip home. I'm hoping to take her to 500K, but hubby doesn't think so. He takes care of her and keeps saying that if something big goes, I'll have to retire her. I thank her after every uneventful trip, pray to the car gods, and hope to stay car payment free for as long as possible.

On My Way

2005-07-20T08:07:00.000-04:00

I'm all packed and ready for CKU. Got my ribbon for the swaps, my AAM pages, my ATC's, and all the supplies needed for the classes. Next update will be after I return home. It's amazing how much stuff you think you need to bring. I'm leaving at noon and should arrive around 4pm.

Decided not to participate in the dorm happenings. It took too much time in 2003, so opted out. I just want to enjoy the classes, and meet up with my friends new and old. It won't be long now.

Got Ribbon ?

2005-07-16T16:17:00.000-04:00

I went shopping today for the Prima flowers, and ended up buying more ribbon. It's kinda like cardstock and paper - one can never have enough! I got to my LSS and decided I didn't like the ribbon I was going to use on my AAM pages for the CKU-O swap, then decided to buy some additional ribbon for a small ribbon swap with friends of mine, then found a whole stack of ribbons that hadn't even been put on display yet, so had to buy some of those, and then I saw a cute card done with dotted ribbons, so I had to buy 3 coordinating colors of dotted ribbons to recreate the card. I think I ended up buying about 25 yards all together. It's not that I don't have enough already ... but like I said, one can never have enough. That's why I'm doing 2 ribbons swaps, so by the end of the month I'll have lots and lots more ribbon! Ahhh, the simple things in life.

ATC's

2005-07-15T01:35:00.000-04:00

Artist Trading Cards (ATC's) are like little pieces of artwork. They're just 2.5 x 3.5" and you trade them with other artists. This one I made for a swap for CKU-O. I can't wait to see what everyone else designs. I made 30 of these for the swap.

Ready or Not!

2005-07-13T21:33:00.000-04:00

Well, I've got a few things off my list of Things to Do for CKU. Got the ribbon for the swap out in the mail, finished my ATC's (I'll post a pic later), and bought the extra supplies I'm going to need (any excuse to shop - right?). Now, just need to got to the LSS Saturday and buy some Prima flowers for my AAM pages (already called the LSS and they're on hold at the counter). I just love those flowers. Going to get an extra milk bottle full for a swap at the scrapbook jungle.

I think I'm gonna also bag up some fiber and try to get in on the swaps happening while in the registration line at CKU. Can't wait.

CKU Orlando

2005-07-12T22:34:00.000-04:00

After watching Big Brother 6, I devoted some time to organizing for CKU Orlando. Here's my class schedule.

Friday

Just the Two of Us (CK/Becky Higgins)
Don't Distress Vacation Style (Making Memories)
It's Only Natural (Canson)
Clearly Unconventional (Creative Imaginations)
Handmade Book Basics and Beyond (Scenic Route Paper Co.)

Saturday

Texture Therapy (Colorbok/Kollette Hall)
It's About the Ribbon (Chatterbox)
Leather Strap Book (Rusty Pickle)
ABC's of Color (CK/Ali Edwards)
Synergy (Scrapworks)

I think I'm going to love all my classes. The only thing I regret is not selecting Donna Downey's "Yes, That's a Scrapbook" class. One of my friends is attending it so I'll at least be able to see the finished product, and maybe take some digital pics of it.

Man, I wish it was here already. I really need a break from my normal hectic schedule.

Monday ... Monday

2005-07-11T22:11:00.000-04:00

Everything seems so normal again. Back to the grind. Wish I had an extra day off to make up for my missed weekend. I have so much to do. CKU Orlando is approaching fast.

To Do for CKU:

Finish up ATC's for swap
Bag and mail ribbon for swap. (for some reason I was thinking 10 years each but I really need 15 yards, so I've got to go and buy some more.
Start and finish my All About Me pages for the swap (alright, I have the layout in my mind, I just need to put it all together)
Get pictures together which are required for some of the classes
Buy additional supplies for classes.

Here's an odd twist .... a new storm has developed now named Emily. Hubby was none too happy that I was worried about it ruining my CKU trip. He said I should be worried about things that matter like the house. I'll be keeping a close eye on her path that's for sure.

Bugger !@

2005-07-10T22:54:00.000-04:00

No electricity really sucks! My little block of 9 houses lost power Friday night. Hurricane Dennis was still over Cuba, but what the weather man refers to as the "outer bands" still pack some wind and rain. Anyway, it was hot, it was humid, it was dark, the cats were being weird and clingy. (You do not want a cat to come into your lap when you are all sweaty unless you want to have a really hairy lap). After whining and complaining about every 12 hours to FPL, we've finally got POWER! Electricity is a wonderful thing. Turn on the A/C.

Go right now and add this to your emergency plan .... If you need a crutch to handle stress, like cigarrettes, or chocolate make sure you've thought of this and have them with your emergency supplies. I was low on cigarrettes, had no chocolate, AND didn't have a good read available. Not a pretty sight.

The used bookstore was open Saturday, but also had no power. She thought it was funny that I had my own flashlight with me. Found a few books that would do, and off we go went into blissfulness.

Hurricane Dennis

2005-07-08T17:49:00.000-04:00

Paying attention to the news all day watching which way Hurricane Dennis is deciding to go. From the looks of things this season will be a busy one. Four named storms, and it's still July. Looks like Dennis (the menace) will stay off the coast, but we will still get some squally weather and lots of rain.

Kay Scarpetta Series

2005-07-07T22:40:00.000-04:00

Just finished another of the Kay Scarpetta series books (Cause of Death). I think the next one is Unnatural Exposure. I read about a book a week, so I need to get my butt to the used bookstore and get the next few in the series. It seems I'm out of books and need to reload. I read Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Stuart Woods, Leslie Glass, Patricia Cornwall, Iris Johanson, James Patterson, and several others. Just getting started with Dan Brown. I'm reading Digital Fortress then I want to read the DaVinci Code.

Why?

2005-07-06T01:56:00.000-04:00

You might ask ... why a blog, when you've resisted for oh so long. No particular reason, other than I didn't want to be left behind. Many scrappers I know have one, so I said Why Not!