Just a Scrap Dork

I'm back!!

2008-09-18T13:38:00.002-06:00

Yeah, yeah.. I know it's been awhile since I've last posted anything. This summer was insanely busy. OK.. I realize that is a poor excuse, but that is as good of a reason I can come up with.

So.. what has happened this summer that has kept me away for so long? Let's see.

1. A trip to Disneyland that included, dysentery, almost being tossed out of Disneyland ( my husband's fault),LA traffic accidents, serious sunburns for all, a bug bit, that made my leg swell up like a giant ham, a run in with some rowdy cockroaches, oh.. and a bomb threat.

Follow that by working at at Red Rocks Ampitheater all summer long, starting in May and going until Mid Sept; Selling concessions to earn money for my boy's various sports expenses. Out of 66 event's I worked give or take 60 of them. That's roughly 3000 hot dogs, 2500 soft pretzels and 27,000 beers. Let me tell you, that's servicing a lot of drunk people!

A bright spot in the summer was my dear daughter turning 5!!

The boys started back to school. Thank GOD.

Oh, yeah.. I still worked full time from home 40 hours a week.

Toss in some soccer/hockey tryouts aka.. sports drama, and you've rounded out the summer.

Lastly, My right arm (AKA.. mother) has abandoned me for 2 weeks, to visit a friend (my dad)in Texas. Leaving me to do all the daily household duties, that normal Moms deal with on a daily basis. AGH.....

But, alas.. my world is slowing down, and I now have the time to post a lot more frequently.. and you can hold me to it.

Quick update.. and a Howdy-de-do.

2008-07-01T08:57:00.004-06:00

Hey everyone. It's been a busy summer to say the least. I've been forced to cut out a few things from my normal routine. Updating my blog is one of them. Between having the four kids home ALL DAY for the summer, working full time, working an "extra job" aka..RED ROCKS AMPITHEATER- fundraising for competitive sports for the 2 oldest boys and planning 2 rather large vacations, things around here have been a bit hectic. Sadly, that has left little time for my own scrapping, chatting on the message board, and even talking to my bestest girlfriends. The kidos go back to school on Aug. 12th.. so things should calm down a bit then.

The family just returned home from an extended weekend trip to Rapid City, South Dakota, for a fun filled few days of soccer games, and sightseeing. It was a whirlwind trip for sure. Top it off by being the team manager of 14 boys, and their families. You can imagine the stress and frustration of trying to corral them all to doing the same thing at the same time. Getting my own family somewhere all on time is stressful enough.. imagine doing that for 61 people. Talk about daunting, but I got it done. WHEW.

In two weeks, we are headed to California, for 9 days of family time. The quintessential All American, Southern California vacation. Disneyland, California Adventures, Universal Studios, Sea World, the SD Zoo-the works. The kids are getting excited more and more each day, and the planning has been a lot of fun. We used the SD trip as sort of a "tester" to see how the kids will do cooped up in the car. It actually wasn't THAT bad. But, I can tell you that 20 hrs of driving with kids in the car does not sound like that much fun at the moment. They can barely get along being in the house, with all the comforts of home. How's it going to work, strapped to a moving vehicle with only each other and a DVD player for entertainment? GOD HELP US. LOL But, we are breaking that up over a couple of days, so I'm sure it will work out just grand. (insert eye roll here-- wink) I think all that is left is the packing.. and I'll do that the night before. So we are good to go!

My Disney planner is working out great. The only thing is the binder I altered is too small, I think I'm just going to keep the whole thing together with loose binder rings. (I'm sure a decision I will regret later! LOL)

I have HUNDREDS of photos from our latest Mt Rushmore trip.. and have a few great stories to share. Hopefully, I can squeeze in some time today to upload a few. Just one or two I promise.

Hope all is well with you. Please know I am thinking of you all often. I promise things will slow down soon. Off to work my normal job, then to shill cold hot dogs and skanky molting brats to the teenage wasteland. aka the Snoop Dog concert. In all my years on this blessed planet, I never thought I'd be at a Snoop Dog concert. Yo Yo Yo Boyz..can you find who doesn't quite belong?

Peace out scrap dorks. peace out.

Disney Planner

2008-05-28T10:47:00.008-06:00

So, the Sterner's are headed to Disneyland this summer. Undertaking the great family road trip. With four kids, and nearly 850 miles across several states, in one van Yoikes.. I wonder if we are crazy! After much research, we have made out reservations at all the various hotels we need to stay at. After that daunting task was completed, I realized one thing. I needed a planner. Something to hold all the confirmations, travel maps, and the other pieces of paper you need to keep a family of 6 on track when you are away from home.

Sure, sure, a normal run of the mill three ringed binder would work just fine. But, I'm a scrapper. You know we don't have the run of the mill anything.

It's still a work in process. there are a few pages left to make. But, here is a big bulk of what I've done so far.

The black paper is actually a pocket.. Quote reads.."Vacation: a period of travel and relaxation when you take twice the clothes and half the money you need".

I'm left to make the other side of the things to do page. Plus I want to make a daily journal/highlights section to have a place to write down a summary of what we did or quotes of what the kids said or how they reacted on any given day.

It's Disney with out being DISNEY.

So far, I'm happy with it.

Baseball pictures.

2008-05-01T12:35:00.004-06:00

Here are a couple of pictures I took last night for a friends baseball team.
Here are a few of my favorite.

Layout for today...

2008-04-29T13:12:00.004-06:00

Of course I had to turn yesterdays pictures into layouts. I'm a scrapbooker, that's what I do.

Pictures of the day.

2008-04-25T10:40:00.000-06:00

Some pictures for today..

My Passion for Chipboard

2008-04-18T10:30:00.005-06:00

Naked or dressed, it really doesn't matter how it looks, I love it all. I love the versitality of it.

Here's my stash. Well, most of it anyway.

Friends

2008-04-17T10:57:00.003-06:00

A quicky page about me and my newest friend Marcia (no.. not like the Brady Bunch Marcia. More like Mar-sea-a) Photo was taken at one of my newest scrapbook haunts, Scrapbook Destinations.

The Catch of the Day.

2008-04-13T19:26:00.002-06:00

Lauren.. the eternal crazy kid. Loves to do what the boys do. Today..playing in the soccer nets. Tomorrow.. only the lord knows!

My son the honor student!

2008-04-10T09:31:00.003-06:00

Sam's always been a great student. Lots of straight A's. Well, they just completed taking some placement tests for middle school next year. We just got the news that he's been accepted into the honors Social Studies class!! We couldn't be more proud!

Ah.. Colorado Spring

2008-04-10T09:13:00.001-06:00

65° one day... Cold wet.. gloomy snow the next! Spring in the Rockies doesn't get any better than this.

Playing "H"airplane

2008-04-07T20:18:00.003-06:00

I took these goofy pictures a few weeks ago, while playing airplane with my DD. Good practice working with that backlight! Well.. we had fun anyway.

Picture of the day Challenge..Days 5-7

2008-04-07T10:02:00.003-06:00

Picture of the day Challenge

2008-04-04T10:00:00.007-06:00

At the All Memories Remembered.com message board, I'm involved in a photograph of the day challenge. All that is required, is to take a new picture everyday, and post it. I'm rather enjoying taking pictures of something other than sports. A refreshing diversion, and a great way to brush up on some skills, that I have so quickly forgotten.

Here are the first four pictures I've taken.
Day 4: a frosty morning

Day 3: a sound of spring

Day 2: best friends

Day 1: my fortune

A little Known fact about me...

2008-04-02T11:25:00.003-06:00

I am a big Professor Frink fan. If you don't know who he is.. he's a character on the Simpsons.

He and I are a lot a like. One good example.

We are both serious nerds!

I just love videos like this!

2008-04-01T15:14:00.003-06:00

Oh my goodness. how can you not think this is adorable?

Sour Baby Food Face

It is safe to say that this little baby does not like the good she is feeding him. Look at that funny face he makes.

Click on the picture to see video.

Who Knew?

2008-04-01T14:12:00.004-06:00

I had Chineese food for lunch today. And what should my fortune read?

Who knew I was up for a promotion. All this time, I though I could only go down from here. I think I got someone else's fortune! I wonder what that other person fortune read? Perhaps. "Will buy scrap goodies today." That seems more appropriate!

Growin' Wings

2008-03-31T14:49:00.005-06:00

I wanted to focus on journaling on this layout. Something that I rarely do. I tend to ramble on. As you will soon see.

Journaling reads:
You are just two months away from being an official teenager. You are quickly transforming yourself into a young man. A few of those stereotypical traits kids your age possess have begun to surface. You yearn for independence and privacy. Your friends are beginning to take your focus from your family. You starting to question the decisions your dad and I make for you day in and day out. Yet, though all those changes. You are staying true to you. A bright, fun-loving, intelligent, person. Ever loyal to his family and close friends.

From our interactions these past few weeks, I fear that your transformation into a teenager isn’t going to be easy for either of us. But, as hard and anxious as this process may become, I have faith that you will be able to quickly transition from the amazing boy that you are , into the man you were destined to become.

The yearning to grow your wings has started to be met with a few challenges. First and foremost, is telling white lies to either get out of trouble or for no real reason at all. A bad habit that will be extinguished if you are to remain the wonderful person you have grown into. Not to mention, the unknowing disrespectful attitude. The constant eye rolling and tisking every time you don’t get your way. You are strong yet, defiant. Arguing when you feel life has become unjust. But, willing to stand your ground for what you believe in. Also, equally committed to making amends when you feel you were in the wrong. I am also impressed that you still openly express your love towards your family. A characteristic I hope you never let go of. A sign of a true man.

I, on the other hand, struggle with letting your new found wings grow. Life is not easy out there, and I want to make sure you have the skills to overcome any challenges you face. I want to give you every opportunity to make the right choices for yourself. But, am on constant guard when I see you get off track. I am trying to give you enough space to work through your challenges on your own. But, sometimes fearful that you may stumble in the same pitfalls your dad and I did when we where your age. For so long, we have held your hand so tightly, constant protecting you and encouraging your growth. Now, it’s counterintuitive to let go.

Intellectually I know you are smart, and astute at making decisions for yourself, but I struggle emotionally to let you fail when your decisions are based upon what you want to do, vs. what is right for you. So often, we have come to your rescue before you have made a bad decision. But, now the time has come where you must learn the hard way. You must make your own mistakes. And you must accept the consequences associated with them. Please know they may seem harsh for now. But, in time you will understand they are made out of love for you.
Through patience and faith, you and I will come through this journey strong, healthy, happy, and very proud with whom you turn out to be.

Grow Your Wings.

Goodbye dear sweet Flat Joscie.

2008-03-28T22:20:00.003-06:00

Flat Joscie. You will be missed. Head and hands to the scrap heavens.. I pray that my Mr. Mojo isn't too in love with you girl.. that he packs his bags and leaves to follow you around the country!

Here's my omage to you Flatty bomba blatty..

Journaling reads:
Flat Joscie spent a marvelous two weeks in Colorado. She hit it off big with Mr. Mojo. They became fast friends. During the day, she hung out with me and Mr. M. at work. She even helped us lay a new font mine for the All Moments Remembered message board girls! At night, we scrapped the evening away. I know I channeled her voluptuous counter part, Joscie, as I have never been more inspired to scrap.

Flat J. was impressed with all the scrap joints around here. On our last day together, we hit most of the local scrap stores. (Names). If you hustle, you can hit all those places in about an hour.

My hope for you Flat Joscie is to have some wonderful adventures, where ever you go.
~Daisydo

Ode to a Messy Desk.

2008-03-27T12:25:00.005-06:00

My so called scrap cave, is wonderful. It's pink and black, and definitely reflects my personality. I love having a place that I can call my own. The Sterner boys, rarely enter my realm. Only to upload some I-Tunes, and off they go. I think they must worry that the pink wall may turn them into girls. What ever the reason, I can be rest assured that they don't linger here. The one thing that surprises me everyday, is the constant changing nature of my desk. It really is a reflection of my busy lifestyle. I live here most days from 7:30am to 5:30 pm. I work, and play in the same 12' feet of space. You can always look at my desk, and see my focus for that moment in time. Work time.. papers, scrap time, well.. paper, chat time.. wine glass, lunch time...food. It's command central for the Sterner empire. A lot happens here.

My desk is really just another extension of me. It's old and gray. Sturdy, yet flexible. Wide reaching and accommodating. Purposeful, yet cluttered. Vintage, yet modern. My desk. Is really me.

POAD project day 26

2008-03-26T15:50:00.001-06:00

Found a little gem of a picture from last years vaykay.

The pix of the layout is horrendous. But,you know what. I DON'T CARE. The mojo is in me.. so I have to keep moving.

A layout about me..

2008-03-24T18:15:00.001-06:00

Daughter.

2008-03-23T19:18:00.003-06:00

Today's page. Holy Cow Rubon and Daisy D's "Daughter." Deja Veiws PP and AL big Flower stamps. Pink flowers are from one of the Studio G sets. And the dashed lines are Sassafrass Lass- Stitched boarders. Used SU Water Color Crayons to color in the stamped acetate.

definitely a City Girl

2008-03-21T14:34:00.004-06:00

My kids aren't the biggest fan of the great outdoors. We live in beautiful Colorado..Rocky Moutain High; And yet.. they would rather go to the Hilton than to any mountain-anywhere. This saddens me to some degree, as I am a mountain kid. Part billy goat, believe it or not. Hubby.. would rather eat his own liver than to camp. So.. when we rough it.. it means No room service for us!

During last years vacation to Steamboat Springs, Colorado. I dragged them hiking with the promise of a glorious waterfall at the end of a "gruesome 10 minute hike, on a well maintained dirt road. After about 30 seconds of looking at Gods wonderful creation, they all wanted lunch. Not 2 minutes after eating my well made sandwiches.. they all clammored to go back to the condo-Jeopardy was on.

The most pitiful peas coming from dearest Lauren... I guess she's a city kid at heart.

7 & 1/2 Ben

2008-03-20T15:26:00.005-06:00

I rarely hand journal. I now realize why! My handwriting is terrible. If you haven't figured out yet. I'm sure I'm just being too self critical. But, my "designer's eye" wont let me take my eyes off of my poor handwriting. Oh well. another page done and in the book.

Journaling reads:

Benny, You are too cute for words. That face, those eyes, your smile, Oh the freckles upon your nose. When ever we go anywhere the first thing people say is, "Oh, my goodness, Isn't he just adorable!" I smile and agree wholeheartedly, But, really you are so much more than an adorable face.

You are amazingly funny, happy, tender, absent minded, inquisitive, quite, innocent, respectful, determined, ornery and gentle.

Everything a 7 1/2 year old boy should be.

A visit from my friend. Flat Joscie.

2008-03-19T16:12:00.003-06:00

She arrived today.. Hope her trip wasn't too bumpy. Looks like her ears stopped bleeding from spending a few weeks with Luv2talk! (wink)

I have a few plans for this girl. A trip to my LSS, Hobby Lobby, Super Jo's, Michaels, and Archivers all in say.. an hour and a half. Then maybe to the museum to see some GOLD and a quick trip to the book store, and maybe a soccer game in there somewhere. Definitely.. The mountains for sure. Wow... she'll be exhausted when she leaves Colorado.

P is for Perfect

2008-03-19T09:26:00.004-06:00

So.. I think I found a little groove. I'm taking my lunch break and scrappin' a little something. Feels good to get some more pages done. Now, I'm not committing to everyday. But, am committing to making time for actual scrap scrappin'. I can organize my stash from here till eternity, doesn't get pages done though. That's the point right.

Supplies used: Bazzill paper, KI lace paper (I flipped it over to the white side, and inked it the color I needed) 7 Gypsies Perfect stickers, and Wild Asparagas clear border overlay. MM flowers, Half pearl bling.

"Just Good Enough"

2008-03-14T15:16:00.003-06:00

My great friend Noel, has a saying.. "Sometimes, pages don't have to be good, they just need to be good enough."

Well, this is one of those pages. Let me tell you why. The picture itself, is just awful. The kids are cute, but the overall composition is horrific. What genius at Lifetouch decided that navy blue marble was the background of choice? And I won't even go into the positioning of the kids, or the crap in the background. I know this picture was only eight bucks.. but come on. These are supposed to be "professional" pictures.

I think given what I had to work with... I am happy with this page. It's not a masterpiece by any stretch of the imagination. But, it is done, and I scrapped a page today.

I've been tagged... yet again.

2008-03-13T12:05:00.002-06:00

These questions are pretty good, so I'll play

What is your full name? Ann Marie Sterner

How long have you been married? 14 years on March 24th to one hell of a man. Patient, kind, funny, handsome. My best friend.

What is your dream job? I would love to be a professional sports photographer

What is your dream car? 1955 powder blue and white Corvette Stingray.

What is your claim to fame? Gee.. a mom of 4 who looks tired all the time? I have no claim to fame.

What do you like to do? Scrapbook (of course), sports photography, read, hang out with the family.

What is your biggest fear? Something terrible happening to one of my kids.

What animal describes you? I think a dog. I'm very good friend, and very loyal.

If you could live in any era which one would it be? 21st century baby. I can't imagine life without the Internet, DVR's, and web-cams.

What is your goal for 2008? I want to become healthier. Dang it why are hamburgers so damn tasty?

What is my guiltiest pleasure? Besides scrap supplies. I have a new addiction for camera equipment. Baby do I want the Canon 40D.. OK I want the Mark III, but who am I kidding, I'll never have a need for a body that nice. I'll settle for the 40D.

What do you love about your spouse? He is seriously funny. He laughs everyday. I love that he is always willing to laugh about everything. Never takes himself seriously. And lastly, I love that he is patient and kind. And is teaching our kids to be the same way.

POAD day 10 project

2008-03-10T12:58:00.005-06:00

I finally got my ribbon stash back under control. Feels so good to have things nice and tidy again.

Before..

After..

2008-03-06T09:36:00.003-07:00

Update.

I messed around with the stamps I made last night and discovered a few things.

1. You really do need to trim the stamp pretty close to the image, or get get the dreaded "flash".

2. Staz-on. stains the stamps slightly. But, the stamps aren't perfectly clear like some of the commercial ones you buy, so I'm not sure it's that big of a deal.

3. Like any other polymer stamp, prior to inking for the first time, the surface of these stamps also need conditioned-so the ink doesn't bead a top the image. Just a quick rub down with an eraser did the trick.

JustRite Home stamp making kit.

2008-03-05T18:33:00.004-07:00

This kit is pricey.. but it is fantastic. I have only tried one stamp. Making an alphabet from their included negatives. The instructions suggested you make one of theirs to before making stamps from your own images.

Other than the box being flimsy. OK, that's being a bit nice. My box keeps falling apart. But, not a big deal in the grand scheme of things. My only other complaint is that the polymer is SMELLY!!

The instructions are pretty straight forward. The process is simple to follow and takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. I'm sure there is a learning curve- but a small one at that.

The biggest struggle I had was with getting my lamp to adjust to the suggested height above the polymer packet that makes the stamps.

So far, I would give this a definite A+.

The eyelet hinge

2008-03-01T19:06:00.003-07:00

I use eyelets to hinge the two pieces of clear plastic sheets that house my clear stamps.

Bandwagon Jumper..

2008-02-08T11:24:00.000-07:00

The mail boxes are so quick and easy to alter. Had to give it a go. Especially since I binged, and bought like 7 of them!

OK. For my first attempt, I'm happy. But, hoping to "kick it up a notch."

The Font Thing How To

2008-02-06T17:53:00.000-07:00

So, you got The Font Thing up and installed on your computer. Now what.

Well, here's a great tutorial, already typed out for you by Kathy Smith.
I'll copy and paste it for you. But it came directly from her site Here. I'll go ahead and add a few screen shots for those of you who need visuals! Please email me if you have any other questions.

ETA: My opinion. When downloading and installing fonts. Extract your files to live in the Font directory in your C: Drive--> Windows-->Font Folder. You don't need to move them anywhere. The Font Thing looks for fonts in this file first.

Click on the pictures for full view

Making "Collections" In The Font Thing:
1. Click on the "Collections" tab

2. right click in the top white box
3. Choose "New" from the pop-up menu

4. Type the name of a grouping you want to create. I've made the following collections, but you can choose your own (you may even want to have an "unknown" for fonts you can't place right away, but can come back to):
Calligraphy, Ding Frames and Buttons, Dings, Famous, Fancy, Foreign, Fun, Graffiti and Grunge, Holiday and Spooky, Kid Print, Learning (like for teaching kids to write), Music, Object Letters, Print, Script, Western.

5. Continue doing the same until you have all your categories listed.

Uninstalling Fonts and Making "Collections":
1. Click the "Browse" tab
2. Find your new font folder that you moved everything (except standard windows fonts) into
3. If you originally had installed these fonts in your windows/fonts folder and had to move them, they have been "installed" on your system. You now can decide if you actually want them installed (they'll always come up in your programs, sometimes jamming the program) or if you'd like to just use them when you need them. If you'd like to keep them "installed", just skip over #4.
4. Select all of the fonts in the new folder and right click. Choose "Uninstall" from the popup menu.

*NEVER "UNINSTALL" FONTS INSTALLED IN YOUR WINDOWS/FONTS FOLDER! IT WILL DELETE THEM IF THEY ARE IN THAT FOLDER*.

Adding Fonts to "Collections":
1. Select the "Sample" tab for viewing your fonts
2. select the first font in your list
3. Can't really see it, can you? Increase the size of the font at the bottom to a much higher number (around 48 is good).
4. Right click the first font, "Add to collection" and choose which collection you want to add it to.

5. Go down the list and add each one to a collection (don't skip over any or you'll forget to add them to one later and will forget about that font completely...this is where that "unknown" collection I mentioned earlier comes in handy.
6. Now your fonts should all be organized! You can click on the "Collections" tab and click the collections to see how you did.

Downloading New Fonts:
This is just a note that might make the process a little easier...make a sub-folder in your new font folder for "New" fonts that you still need to add to collections (to make it even easier for yourself, you can make sub-folders for each category under the "new" fonts folder you just added and download the fonts into the appropriate category). Only unzip fonts into those folders after downloading so that you don't forget to add them to a collection. At this point, it would be easiest for categorizing them later if you write down the new font names and what category they are in. Move them into your new "fonts" folder. Then you can go into "browse" and find the fonts, adding them to collections.

How to Use Fonts:
1. Now when you're looking for "just the right font" you can browse your collections and sample the type that you'd like to see how it will look.
2. When you find "the right font" that you want to use, right click on it and choose "load" from the popup menu. This will allow you to use it immediately, but will automatically unload it when you shut down your computer...keeping your installed fonts to the minimum.
3. If there is a font that you use ALL the time (ummm...Scriptina comes to mind...) that you always want available without having to load it, just right click it and choose "Install". This will keep it installed on your system, ready to use at all times until you choose to "uninstall" it.
4. Remember:

Uninstalling a font from Windows/Fonts folder will permanently delete it from your system...
Uninstalling a font from any other folder will only remove it from the "installed" list, but is still accessible!

Text Samples:
You can always type in whatever text you'd like to sample, but some text we use more than others (like our names) and want as a permanent text sample to just choose. Another text sample I'd suggest is the standard "The Quick Brown Fox Jumps Over the Lazy Dog" done in all caps, and done in all small letters since some fonts are only one or the other. I usually use it as a combination...the same sample with half done in small letters and half in caps.
1. Choose "View" in the top menu
2. "Options"
3. "Text Samples"
4. "Add" and Type!

The Font Thing

2008-02-06T16:15:00.000-07:00

OK, I lure you to my website with the love of all things font related. If you must know the truth, I am trying to rule the world by clogging one computer at a time with fonts.

So, I've been found out. A request has been made to provide an easy way to organize these bad boys.

Well, here you go:The Font Thing

Easy to install follow the instructions.

I'll post my favorite categories after I do a few screen shots to help you out with the initial set up.

Scrap out.. dorks

It's official.. I am a Wackadoo

2008-02-06T14:02:00.000-07:00

Ok, so you already deduced that on your own. But, hey... I found a font to confirm it! BWAHAHAHAHA KABOOM!

HERE'S THE WACKADOO font for you!

I've been tagged...(again!!)

2008-02-04T10:13:00.000-07:00

So, I have to list a few things about me that you may not know.

1. I have "feet" issues. I don't like walking on grass barefoot. And I never ever go to bed with dirty feet. I like to shower at night, or at least, I wash them off. Ok, a bit odd I know.

2. I drink nearly a gallon or more of water a day. Yum. My favorite drink

3. My mother is my biggest champion. She supports me through everything. God I am luck to have her around.

4. I seriously am addicted to scrap stuff. Clear stamps, rub-ons, chipboard, and bling are my latest obsessions.

5. I am tattoo-free, Smoke free, piercing free (except my ears)

6. Gold Canyon- Birthday Cake is my favorite candle scent. Makes me so hungry.

7. I've been trying to eat healthier since the new year. I've lost 6 pounds. Ugh.. it's hard.

8. At the end of the day, I read the confessions from the www.truemomconfessions.com to my girlfriend. Some of them seem fake, but I bet most of them are true. Oh, and I have posted a confession or two myself.

9. My husband and I spoil our children. They don't mind! LOL

10. I'm amused by people who gripe because they have nothing better to do. (ahemsmackgirlsahem)

who to tag... who to tag....I'll get back to you on that.

A peek into my scraproom.

2008-02-04T10:02:00.000-07:00

Oh, the joy of re-organizing my stash.

I had my rub-on collection in a "rolly" cart. But the drawers were only 12x12. Unfortunately, quite a few of the rub-ons are larger than 12". Grrr.. why do manufacturers insist on making products that we have no organization for?

Anyway? I re did my stash, and oh, how it makes me happy.

I bought file jackets to sort my fonts into colors. These babies hold a ton! You only see what is too big to fit length wise into the file folders.

OK, so I have a rub-on fetish. Why doesn't Making Memories come out with new fonts and colors? What's up with that darn it!

I wish I could say that these are all my rub-ons. But, nope. Just the fonts and a few accents. The sayings and phrases, are stored elsewhere.

Link me to your stash.. would love to see them!

My last LOAD.

2008-01-31T12:43:00.001-07:00

Doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what I was gonna scrap today.

My kid is on the front page of the newspaper

2008-01-31T08:51:00.000-07:00

Allen's story is online

It's Not Easy Being a Goalie Parent

I'm proud of both of them. And hey.. my pictures are being seen by at least 160,000 people!

My boy..

2008-01-30T18:35:00.000-07:00

Growing up, I always imagined myself married to some Adonis of a man, like Rick Springfield, Fonzie, or if I was lucky, Kenny Rodgers(insert eye roll here), or if I was REALLY lucky, I would latch on to one of the members from Toto, Men at Work, or better yet Journey. With all their glorious hair do's and talent (OK.. maybe not Rick Springfield or Fonzie in the talent department, but you get my point) I never ever gave thought to their personalities and how they were as REAL people.

(Hold on... let's wait for those who are trying to figure out by my references how old I am. I know I just aged myself. I was a shoulder pad wearing, feather hair toting, 80's girl. That puts me in my thirties. Ok.. late thirties. So, put away your quackulators, and get back to my story.)

Now looking back at age thirty-cough cough.. none of your business. I would have never guess that I would find myself married to my best friend. A man who has wonderful traits. A funny, wickedly smart, loving husband and a kind father. The truly sexy qualities, that make honest, loyal, caring men so darn irresistible.

But, on the flip side, he's also a real person, who has characteristics that would drive even the Pope insane. He's extremely messy, stubborn, resistant to change, incapable of watching a romantic chick flick with out inserting smart ass comments evenly dispersed throughout all the teary eyed moments. Unwilling to wash a dish, or pick up a dirty sock, unable to.... I digress. (Sorry got on a little roll there.) My point is, he's not perfect, he has the same idiosyncrasies that make us all human and works in progress. But, those "frailties" is what I find most sexy and genuine about my man.

Long ago, I heard a quote that I really stuck with me. "It's not despite their frailties that you love someone, it's because of them."

When life with this man I call my husband becomes difficult, I rejoice in his sometimes obstinate nature, because he is all mine. Thick and thin, through laughter and frustration, good and bad.. mine all mine.

And I am his. All his.

Are we done yet?

2008-01-29T15:20:00.000-07:00

I'm running out of ideas here... So, here's a little peak into me browsing the message board, looking for inspiration.

Load day 28

2008-01-28T21:13:00.000-07:00

I've had the Journey song "Don't Stop Believing" in my head all day. Don't you just love those types of mind worms?

Here, let me sing a few bars for you...
Don't Stop Believin'
- Journey

Just a small town girl
Living in a lonely world
She took the midnight train going anywhere
Just a city boy
Born and raised in South Detroit
He took the midnight train going anywhere

A singer in a smoky room
A smell of wine and cheap perfume
For a smile they can share the night
It goes on and on and on and on

{Refrain}
Strangers, waiting, up and down the boulevard
Their shadows searching in the night
Streetlight people, living just to find emotion
Hiding somewhere in the night

Working hard to get my fill
Everybody wants a thrill
Paying anything to roll the dice
Just one more time
Some will win, some will lose
Some were born to sing the blues
Oh the movie never ends
It goes on and on and on and on

{Refrain}

So, I thought.. why not a page about a scrap girl, livin' in her scrappy world.

and if you can't get enough.. how about the LIVE version

The good, the bad, the really ugly..

2008-01-28T13:31:00.000-07:00

When you are talking about messes... my office/scrap space is in it's various stages of disaster. Some areas better than others. But, I'm going to take care of it. Maybe that will help with my scrapping blah's.

Before the big clean up..

100% Girl

2008-01-27T20:07:00.001-07:00

Load day #27

100% Girl

Just an itty bitty binge

2008-01-26T17:36:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I went to Archivers in search of one thing. Pink Staz-on. And of course they didn't have it in stock yet. So, it's only natural to buy SOMETHING. Ok, who am I kidding, I bought quite a few somethings.

Hey, while I'm at it..why not create a little page to fulfill my LOAD requirement for the day. Nothing special. But, it's done!

I'm not smarter than a 2nd grader

2008-01-25T16:26:00.000-07:00

My youngest son Benny asked me to download a few songs on to his I-pod a couple of days ago. Being the dutiful mother I am, I first listen to the songs, then if approved, I download them. For those of you with I-Pods, know that all you normally have to do is plug the darn thing, and away you go. Well, apparently not this one.

So for two days, I tried to turn the darn thing on. The first day, I was convinced that the battery was dead. So I let it sit plugged in. On the second day, still nothing. I was bound and determined to get it to work again, so I quickly hit the Help section on I-Tunes. I diligently followed all the advice the experts had to offer. Still nothing.

By yesterday afternoon, my frustration had turned to anger. Thinking that my 7 year old had just trashed his I-Pod.

Preparing to contact tech-support, Benny walked into my office, and asked if his IPOD was ready. I told him, no it wasn't. I then began to question him as to what actions he took to cause his music player to fail. The following is our exchange:

Me: "I think your I-Pod is broken Benny, it won't turn on."
Benny: "Mom, did you push the ON button?"
Me: "What ON Button?"
Benny: "This one here. See Mom, it works fine."
Me: "Oh..."

Man, I feel so defeated to be out technolized by a 2nd grader (yeah, I know technolized is not a word.. but I need to make big words up to validate my intelligence again)!!

So, here's my page to memorialize my stupidity!

Note to self...

2008-01-24T08:45:00.000-07:00

You want to know a little secret? Lean in real close.. and I got a doozie for you... I CHEATED! I scrapped this page last night. Eek.. don't tell! If you must know. I want to get a couple of pages ahead. This weekend is bound to be busy like the last one, and I barely got my pages done on time. My goal is to do two pages today. But, I'm struggling, nothing seems to inspire me today.

One would imagine, that doing 3"x5" pages would be easy to create for this Layout A Day challenge at BPS. But, oh contraire... it's the creator that couldn't rub two primas together, and create a decent page. You'd think that a girl with my many talents (bwahahah) and endless scrap stash could just whip these pages out... but again.. not so much.

Today's page was a bit of a struggle to complete. It didn't come out at all how I planned. Then again, I didn't pre-think what I was going to do, I just winged it. I think you can tell!

Mr. Mojo.. where are you? I think he's seeing another girl on the side. Come on.. fess up.. which one of you took my man?

Well, in the mean time. I've got some cyber shopping to do! See ya in the check-out lines girls!!

LOAD #24

Journaling reads: So many supplies, so little inspiration.. buy, more maybe it will help!

Always Spring

2008-01-23T13:58:00.000-07:00

As I look at the thermometer, I see 31° and wonder if spring is really just around the corner. Lots of bright, brisk, cold snowy days left. But, regardless of the weather outside, it's always Spring in my office.

Load #23

I have a date with the Wax Man!

2008-01-22T10:30:00.001-07:00

I was in a public restroom the other day, helping my daughter use the facilities. As I'm standing in front of her as she's going potty, she looks up at me with those big green eyes, and says rather loudly... "Mommy, you've got a mustache just like daddy!" Hardy har har.

Yesterday, she comes to me as I'm working, and with a big goofy grin, and a giant milk mustache, she says. Look Mommy, I've got a mustache just like you!"

That's it... I've got a date with the wax man!

Load #22

Anal Retentive Scrap'a

2008-01-21T14:36:00.000-07:00

So a couple of days ago, I was super brilliant about scrapping about my love of Bling. Frustrated with the pictures I came up with, I decided to pour all my bling into one giant container. Knowing very well, that one day in the future, I couldn't live with the mess of my bling, and eventually resort my stash.

Looking at that cute little sorbet cup, filled with all the adorable glitzy bling.. I couldn't take the pressure any longer. They must be SORTED!!

Thus.. LOAD # 21

Journaling reads:
There is a deep need inside me
A need to SORT
A need to have colors of things
Separated
A NEED to have little boxes
Labeled
I am an Anal Retentive
Scrap'a

My Favorite Place on Earth

2008-01-21T09:44:00.000-07:00

This entire weekend has been a marathon of activity. Between kids sports, and family fun, I haven't been home except to sleep. Around 8 pm Sunday, I realized I hadn't scrapped my daily page. Panicked I struggled to come up with something that motivated me yesterday. Other than the thought of immanent sleep.. I came up empty. Until I got caught a glimpse of my husbands hand. Blamo.. instant inspiration. OK. So, my page is basic. But, it's the journaling that I focused on.

Journaling on the back reads: I just love your hands. Being in them is my favorite place on earth. I have found my most peaceful moments have been when I'm in them. Through all our good and difficult times together, they have always been my place for comfort. My true home.

** A little side note** Originally I wanted a ghosted heart in hubs hands. But, I couldn't figure out how to attach them. I then moved on to a fingerprint heart on top of the clear page. Unfortunately, the red Stazon didn't look so good and I don't have pink Stazon in my stash. (Guess what I'm buying this week? )

Frustrated, and in a hurry, I just cut the heart out. And.. wa-la... heart window. Effective non embellishment.

Fat

2008-01-19T10:56:00.001-07:00

Don't ask where the inspiration for this one came from. I have no answer for you, other than to tell you. I resolved to eat healthier at the beginning of the year. aka.. dieting and let me tell you, it's a struggle.

I think there should be a study conducted examining the correlation between the munchies and how much you actually scrap. Because, I'm scrappin' a lot, and the munchies are constantly calling to me. Hey.. maybe it's the fumes from my ATG. Could I be getting them from that? MMM... something to think about.

Oh, and please, expel the thought of me actually taking a picture of my own butt. I must admit. I knew for sure someone would walk in on me doing it. But alas, the scrap Gods where with me this morning and no witnesses to that little activity.

Load #19

For those thinking font mine, here's something for your trouble
Fat Free

big daddy lens

2008-01-18T13:56:00.000-07:00

You may not know this. But, I'm a sports photography nut. I take nearly 500 pictures a weekend of my various kids playing various sports. I take some for our local soccer and hockey associations to use on their websites. Mostly, I take them so the hub can use them in his sports stories he writes for our website, or even to appear on the online edition of our local newspaper.

Anywho...for Christmas, my DH purchased my new kick butt-big daddy lens. Cannon series EF 70-200mm F 2.8 pro series telephoto lens. This baby is super fast. Now, I have to convince him, I need the new Cannon 40D or 5D to make it sing.

In any regard. It puts my other lenses to shame. Walk around with a lens this big, people think you know a thing or two about sports photography. (Livin' the lie baby.. livin' the lie!)

LOAD #18:

Journaling reads:
Why no, I'm not over compensating for something.

Note the veiled attempt at humor, by the addition of the clear man symbol. That was Noel's idea.. blame her!)

My ode to Bling.

2008-01-17T14:30:00.000-07:00

Oh, I just love this stuff. I had a hard time photographing the bling in their original containers. Thought this little sorbet cup would do the trick. Now, I have to resort the stash. Gads..

LOAD #17

Journaling reads:

Bling, Bling
the magical supply
The more I use
the more I buy
Bling, Bling
Colors galore,
Way to cute to just adore
Bling, Bling
is all the rage
I'm sure to use on every page

(Do you know this tune? I bet you do!)

Load day #16

2008-01-17T09:59:00.000-07:00

My inspiration for a daily page.. is becoming a major challenge. Hard to find something that calls me to create day in and day out.

LOAD day 16 was an easy one to come up with. Right when the kids come home.. they start squabbling. Makes me crazy. Why can't they just be nice to each other? All I'm askin' for in an hour. Just enough time to ease me back into Mom of 4 mode. Nope.. they come barreling in... like a riot just broke out. AGHH...

I snapped this gem of a photo not 10 minutes after my little Benny got home. Sibling love.. nothing like it!

Journaling reads:

"Kids: Remember when they didn't make me so CRAZY!"

Things that just make me smile...

2008-01-15T15:00:00.001-07:00

Something about little things that get me happy. (Besides my family) I'm talking about insignificant little scrap items that just bring a smile to my face.

1. Small pop dots. So cute and squishy

2. Paper lace by Doodle Bug. So danty and effective!

3. The feel of my Cropadile going through chipboard. (Like butter baby)

4. When I actually take a great picture. Trust me.. I'm working on it. I have that new big daddy lense, and it's taking me lots of practice with my manual settings to take any action shots that are actually in focus!

5. Bling Baby.. it's all about the Bling!!

Pet Peeve

2008-01-15T14:56:00.001-07:00

Every darn time, I go to the fridge, sneak a cookie from the cookie jar, or pop a piece of gum in my mouth, this darn dog.. KNOWS it. Constantly looking for a bite. Oh, that drives me crazy.

Load day #15

Journaling reads:
I don't stare at you when you eat...So, why do you insist on having those beady eyes stare up at me, every time I put a fork to my mouth?

O the temptation.

2008-01-15T09:01:00.000-07:00

What I have here, is one of those pages, that start off super cute, but somewhere along the lines.. you lose focus and can't figure out how to finish. Where's my Mr. Mojo.. I need to kick him in the bony legs. He has abandoned me.

Alas.. here is LOAD day #14

Journaling reads.

O the Temptation..
The urge to take and use just one is strong. But it's a gift, so I cant. But, oh the temptation!!

Game MVP

2008-01-14T08:35:00.001-07:00

My son Sam was Saturday's game MVP. He received the Hammer Award. Nothing could have made his day more. You'd think winning the game would have been the cherry on top of his day. Nope. The Hammer Award was. He said, he's been waiting all year to get it! Glad he's patience finally paid off.

Load Day 13.

Got Tunes

2008-01-13T10:11:00.000-07:00

I was excited to get a page done for day 12. Had a full day with the family, wasn't sure when I'd exactly get to do it. I actually thought quite a bit about what I wanted to scrap. For the last couple of weeks, I've had this I Tunes gift card sitting on my desk. I thought it made a great accent to the pictures of my eldest son Mikey. The trick on these little half pint pages is the size. Keeping things in proportion has been a bit difficult.

Any-who....Load day #12..

I'm OK with me.

2008-01-11T08:49:00.000-07:00

Load day #11.

Noel gave me some cocktail napkins that feature the quote "She was nothing but a man-chasing booze hound. Why can't you be more like her?"

After close to 14 years of marriage and 4 children later. I think there's a man-chasing booze hound somewhere still deep inside me. Or at least I hope there still is.

Perhaps on the day the photo was taken.. I was boozin' it up. (I wasn't.. but, wouldn't that day have been nice? LOL)

TFL

Oh, for those of you thinking this was a font mine.... it wasn't. (Gotcha.)
Seriously... here's a font for your troubles. Booze

It's Official I am a Procrastinator..

2008-01-10T13:34:00.000-07:00

Load day #10.

Hey, I completed today.. that's one step toward being proactive right?

You and Me

2008-01-09T12:42:00.001-07:00

Load day #9.

I'll be honest, today's page isn't that hot. But, I'm tired, work is crazy today and needed to get it done. So there...

My Mantra

2008-01-07T20:58:00.001-07:00

Load day #8..
I pray everyday, and after I offer graditude for all the blessings in my life, I ask for patience and faith (most days it works!)

Mr Mojo.

2008-01-07T15:26:00.001-07:00

I'm scrappin' about my Mr. Mojo. Here he is in real life. How can you not think he's adorable?

Below is my homage to him. Please note Mr. Mojo is transparent, I just had to back him so his image could be photograph. He's illusive don't you know.

LOAD day #7

Here's day Six LOAD

2008-01-06T20:20:00.000-07:00

Noel and I were scrapping on Friday night, when she finally de-packaged her ATG. I was in the middle, of trying to come up with an idea of what to do for my LOAD page. Watching her unwrap her package, was a lot of fun. I remember when I got my ATG in it's bubble wrap. It also reminded me of all the other glorious moments in my friends lives that I've been witness to. WA-LA.... LOAD page is born.

Journaling reads:
Web camming has become my life line.
My friends live all over the country.
But, I get to see them every day.
With out them, I'd be lost.

Snuggle

2008-01-04T17:18:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I know it's not LOAD day 5 technically, but I'm headed out tomorrow, and needed to complete the challenge. Will load first thing in the am, before I leave.

TITLE: Snuggle. Snugglin' on you makes my bad days good again.

For the record.. I cut down the box that my Stazon ink came in. It has little lines across it. I thought it looked like a fun addition to my "clear" album.

TFL

Why I respect Polly Pocket

2008-01-04T12:07:00.000-07:00

*She needs a little help standing up. (After a couple of cocktails, I know I sure do!)

*Her pants are always difficult to put on. (Yeah, yeah.. I'm on a diet..it's either lose a few pounds, or buy new pants.. I'll go with the former. It's OK to laugh, you know it's true)

*She wears the same clothes day after day... (If you work from home or are a SAHM, you know what I'm talking about. This is my third day with the same hoodie on. I change my t-shirt underneath, but no one else would know that. It looks all the same to them.)

* Her hair looks like she just had a run in with a rabid squirrel. (Welcome to what my DH sees every morning.)

* Her shoes are always lost! MINE TOO!

* Edited to add: I love that Polly is capable of wearing a strapless bra. I need reinforced cables to hold my wobbly bits up!

My new and "improved" scrap space.

2008-01-04T08:46:00.000-07:00

I have been feeling a bit overwhelmed lately when I sit in my office/scraproom. Perhaps it's the fact that I actually have to WORK WORK in here that caused an uncomfortableness everytime I walked in here. That happens to everyone right? My instinct says it was because of the pressure my supplies where having on my subconscious, "USE ME, NO USE ME" or that sad pitiful sound they made everytime I walked out without scrappin' a thing. "Oh, Why haven't you played with us for EVERRRRRRR? snif snif Pleease play with us today!!". Worse than a whiny child. Ok, maybe it's the fact that I actually think my scrap supplies talk to me. Which, uh.. they don't. Regardless the actual reason, I was feeling overwhelmed when I walked into my office. I finally decided it was just the "VISUAL CLUTTER" that made me feel closed in, when I walk in here.

So, last weekend, I decided to do something about it. NEW STORAGE! Woo Hoo! After about 9 back breaking hours of screw tightening, nail hammering, supply moving, and a bit of cursing, my room transformed itself into something soothing and mojo inspiring. A place that I find comfort in once again. I still don't want to WORK WORK in here, but I do want to actually scrap again. It has once again, become a place to rejuvenate my creativity. A Scrap Dorks Home with in a Home.

Sorry the pictures are a bit dark.. My light in here is terrible, and I didn't want to break out the ole' tripod to make the camera work to my advantage.... so there.

This is a picture of what my storage looks like, from sitting at my desk.

The big cabinet right inside the door is full of 81/2x11 papers and miscellaneous paper packs. Black drawers on top of cabinet is all ribbon.

All Chipboard baby! A girl needs that close at hand.

Shoe rack holds Cropper Hopper Embelly drawers, My frequently used punches and some blank stationary. The glass jars from IKEA fit great there. They hold stuff that actually needs to be put away. I plan on moving the jars as soon as I find a cute rack.

Ok. Please note, I built this cabinet the day after I built all the others. I originally wanted it to store my multiple printers. But, sadly they didn't fit. Any who. I thought I was being super smart, thinking, heck.. I don't need to read the instructions, I built 5 other things. I have this process down pat. YEAH.. Brilliant idea. NOT! I'll fix the handles one day... maybe. It's my reminder that I'm not perfect.. It holds my sewing machine, and all my stamp pads

Stamp paraphernalia. I think I need a few baskets to make finding the right stamp pad easier.

Yeah, this wall is a bit much to look at. But, it's functional Top shelf, various stamps t hat I don't use all that often. Next down is my plastic envies full of stickers and rubons all organized by theme. I also store my extra photos here.
Following that are chipboard. and in the little box is MM tools. Magnetic Stamps, Instant Setter. Shelf below that is more chipboard. Do you see a common component to this storage? Chipboard is a necessity! Green containers below that are all clear stamps. They are full. I need another one. Clear envies next to them are all alpha stickers. Lastly, the next shelf down is all stamps. Clear, unmounted, wood mounted. There is one more shelf next to the floor, but we wont go there~ Foam stamps and junk really.

Last cabinet contains my die cutting essentials. On top is the Cricut and in that weird little nook are my Cricut cartridges. This room use to be a bar room circa 1975,hense the groovy green shag carpet. Hippies were "inventive with their design", so much so they added nooks in odd places. But, perfect for my cartridges right?

Said die cut essentials. One shelf has my photo printer. Not ideal place as it's about 13" from my desk, but I can squeeze into that space just enough to get what I need.

So, that's it. This is where I spend a good 10 hours a day, working and scrappin. Who am I kidding, scrappin' and working.

Thanks for looking.

Laugh Yourself Silly

2008-01-04T08:39:00.000-07:00

Today's LOAD is called Laugh Yourself Silly. It's a little half pint page. To be honest, the reason it's so small is because, I'm using the Sizzix File Folder die as the base for all my pages. However, had I really thought about this die, I would have realized that the tab can only be placed on one end or the other. Nothing in the middle. So, that leaves me to cut the pages in half, and fudge it a little. Thus... half pint pages are born.

Anyway. Here's my baby girl. She laughs at nearly everything. She's my reminder to smile, and be a little free, be silly.

BPS LOAD PROJECT

2008-01-03T10:09:00.000-07:00

So, I was conviced to join the Layout A Day class at Big Picture Scrapbooking. I have been in such the doledums of late, that I thought it would be a great way to jumpstart my scrapping. I am in serious need of some Mojo here. Guess what.. between this class and redoing my scrap room (pictures coming soon!)... I actually have been motivated to scrap. Here's my pages so far...
Day 1:

Day 2:

Day 3:

I've been a bad Blogger. Sorry.

2008-01-03T09:53:00.000-07:00

It's been forever and a day since I posted anything here. I could give you lots of excuses about the holiday, and company coming into town. But, all of those would be just that. Excuses. To be honest. I haven't had anything good to share. But, I promised myself (you thought I was going to say resolved..) to blog daily. So, it all starts up again today. Stay tuned

So, I've been tagged

2007-10-28T21:00:00.000-06:00

I've been instructed to post 7 random facts about me, things most likely you do not know.

1. I get annoyed easily. (It's a phase... I hope)

2. I am really afraid of 2 things. The dentist and crickets.

3. I pray every day at 10 am. We used to live next to a church, and the bells
rang daily at 10 am. It was my reminder to be grateful for my life. That
tradition as continued for the last 12 years.

4. I am currently reading 3 books right now. Sue Grafton's S is for Silence,
David McCullough's 1776, and Stephen White's Cold case

5. My husband makes me laugh every day. That is why I love him.

6. I have a laser cut Mickey Mouse attached to my monitor. I've had him for 10 years
one of my prize possessions. (First gift from husband.)

7. My favorite flowers are Tulips.. not Daisy's.

Surreal Conversation in Bizzaro World.

2007-10-21T21:36:00.000-06:00

Today was errand day. Like any other errand day, it consisted of trips to the pet store, the department store, and the local Wal-mart. My mother was joining me on this outing, as it is her birthday, and we have other plans for later in the afternoon. Shopping,the museum and an early dinner. We decided to make an entire day of it. It was the last stop of the morning, that thrusted my life into Bizzaro World for the briefest of moments.

The two of us were talking casually about various topics as we perused the aisles of Wal Mart. Intermittently trying to remind one another of the things we knew we'd needed. As I passed the lady supply aisle, and condom section, headed towards the shampoo, I noticed the personal lubricant selections. Knowing my mother needed some for her nose. (For those going " Uh huh.. sure she does!" She's on oxygen and uses it to keep the inside of her nose moist. So, keep your mind out of the gutter people!) I say rather loudly, "Hey, Ma, how's your KY supply?" Not realizing the volume in which I called to her, several people actually stopped what they were doing, and turned to look. Perhaps just startled that I spoke too loudly, but more than likely because I actually verbalized that phrase to a 62 year old woman rather loudly in a Wal-Mart!

Happy I reminded her that she might need more, she began to discuss the cost saving of the jumbo size tube. Debated if the Wal-Mart version would be adequate. I of course, joked how she might like the warming, or tingling versions better. Over the course of at least 3 or 4 minutes, we talked as if we were discussing the pros and cons of generic aspirin vs. the name brand. Never once mentioning out loud, that it's use was for a nose, and not for the purpose it was originally intended. Looking back, I'm sure people in the area were shocked that we were having such a frank discussion in public.

As I realized this was an abnormal conversation, I began to noticed a few people staring at the two of us. I'm sure most people aren't expecting a mother-daughter conversation about KY on a snowy Sunday morning at their local Wallly world! One poor old man was trying to select a stick of deodorant was so shocked, mouth agape he stood motionless staring at the scene carefully unfolding before him. As I became aware of my surroundings, I looked at the poor old guy, and he quickly averted his eyes back towards the deodorant he came in for. Flustered, I think he just grabbed an off brand of pit roll. Maybe it was called Stinky Old Man, I'm not sure.

Do you ever have that surreal feeling wafted over you, that is similar to a video recorder, replaying the things that just came out of your mouth? And you are shocked you could say such things? Where did those words come? How could I say that? Well, I had that moment hit me. Never in my 37 years of life, would I have ever imagined that I would be discussing in depth the pros and cons of different types of lube with my mother! Yes, it's lube for the nose, but KY is one of those phrases that initiates instantaneous embarrassment and snickers. But, the two of us just discussed it like it was no big deal. And it really isn't. But, it's KY for cryin' out loud, not Vaseline! Big Difference if you ask me. Well, I guess not in my Bizzaro World.

The great thing about my Mom, is she doesn't get the surreal nature of our conversation. She just made her selection and moved on to the next topic of discussion. Leaving me and the surrounding customers to scratching our heads in disbelief of what just happened.

Yet another reason I'm a dork...

2007-10-17T11:04:00.000-06:00

Today, started off like most others. My bed was shaking. Not a normal start to the day, but not unusual either. DH was up early, frantically trying to pack before he leaves on yet another business trip. Somewhere in his brain, he thinks it's OK to try and pack on the bed, as I'm snoozin' away. Inadvertently he is shaking the bed every time he tries to crams something else into his suitcase. "Oh, what's that honey? I woke you? How'd I do that?" Never mind... Yet, one more reason I love my husband. He's an inconsiderate procrastinator. Oh... don't be all shocked, you think about your husband in ways similar to this from time to time. They are terms of endearments more than anything else! {Cheeky Grin}

So, where was I. Oh, right, my day. Being a full time work at home mom, my clothing choices are on the "relaxed side". Usually shorts, jeans, cropped pants, t-shirts. Normal SAHM attire. Nothing too raggedy. Today, same thing. My all too comfy camouflage crop pants, grey t-shirt, grey hoodie, ankle socks. Oh, and I have ponytails today. If you just said to yourself, "What is she thinking? Ponytails? At her age- OMG!!" I know I know, I can't pull it off, but what the hell. This is what you get on a bad hair day...Ponytails. Besides, who's gonna see me anyway?!

That last comment... "who's gonna see me anyway" is just Karma mocking me. KWIM?

Here's where the dorkiness comes in. Because my hairdo took a little effort to pull together, I'm now in a bit of a rush to get the kids to school on time. As I'm headed out the door, I don't see my new grey/silver tennis shoes that match my runway outfit! With no time to find them, I grab the nearest pair of shoes I see. My HUSBANDS work shoes. WOW, some vision I am. Make-up less woman, wearing BIG black dress shoes, white ankle socks, camo pants, grey t-shirt and hoodie, on an those all important piggy tails. Classic beauty aren't I?

Thinking to myself,"no one will see you, put them on just in case something happens and you have to walk," I head out the door.

Yeah, well.. why does Karma poke you on the back, and say... "Think again, lady?"

As I get to the school drop off area, one of the mom's catches my eye, and calls me to her car. Dork that I am, forget I have on hubby's shoes, hop out of the van, only to then realize I have on "wing tips"!! Embarrassed, I just clop across the street in big man shoes. Seriously, I looked like a little kid playing dress up. The woman, noticed my shoes, and giggled.. "Oh, I've had days like that!" Yeah, thanks for the pep talk! What do you want lady? My humiliation isn't enough of a gift for you? She then reminds me about the birthday party my eldest has been invited to. "Yeah, yeah, he'll be there." As I'm about to turn to head back to my car, she says, "Oh, I think you have a little toothpaste on your lip." I bend down to look in the rear-view mirror, and sure enough.. big splotch of dried toothpaste on the corner of my mouth. Some sight I am!

I deserve a Karma sized kick in the ass. I know I do. The reason escapes me at the moment, but I'm sure I do. I realize that everyone has days where life gives you a bit of a lesson, proves to you what a big fat dork you are. But, somehow, my dorky day rotation seems to hit more frequently!

Why I live where I live

2007-10-15T11:38:00.001-06:00

With a fall like this.. why not live here?!

Blog Change..

2007-10-15T09:11:00.000-06:00

I've decided to allow anonymous posters to comment. As long as you are not using foul language, you are free to make your thoughts known. I reserve the right to delete the comments, well that I don't like. My blog, my rules! LOL.
Well, post away my new found friends!

A day in the life on a Message Board.

2007-10-12T12:05:00.000-06:00

Had a confrontation with Ms. Lee Scraps yesterday. Never met the woman before! Not sure the motive. Must be nice to be able to talk out both sides out of your butt.

My proof...

First off, she accused Sara (Gotscrapz), and I of being bullies, being confrontational, and ridiculing. (Post in question was pulled by CK moderators..mmm wonder why?)

So, instead of calling her out on the MB like she did to me. I sent her a PM. See below:

Original PM on CK:

Bulling, contempt and ridicule? REALLY?

Excuse me? Where did I do that? Show me in writing where I ridiculed you? To be honest, I have no idea who you are, so why would I even show any disrespect towards you? The only contact you and I have had, is over the scrap survey ScrapperChick posted. It was obvious that CK removed the bulk of her comments she attached from the smack board. Thus my response to her, seemed out of context.

I understand your line of thinking and with out those comments, my response to SCRAPPER CHICK seemed harsh. I appreciate your comments, trying to clarify why I asked the questions I asked. As a fellow members stated, CK pulled those comments, not her. Besides the point, I have every right to ask why she felt that way and question if she believed the same way. She has every right not to say a darn thing. That's called a conversation. Please explain how an exchange of ideas is considered bulling or confrontational.

She has the right to publicly post those comments as do you. But, make no mistake, I have a right to publicly question them. They are opinions. I respect an adult exchange of ideas, absent of name calling, grammar checking, woman bashing behavior. Perhaps she may convert my opinion to hers. Perhaps my opinions may change the way she thinks. That's what adults do. We debate, and argue, and possible change our views. We may also agree to disagree.

I'm also certain, I have no idea where you get the idea we were ridiculing you. Did you say or do something that warranted such behavior by either of us? Can't say that you did. So, I'd be curious what actions on our part gave that impression. Please enlighten me, as I'm certain, I would apologize.

Furthermore, I in no way was attacking you, or calling you a TROLL. I'm fairly certain, I responded to Gotscrapz tread about some Halloween paper and nothing further. Any assumptions made that we were discussing YOU is your sole responsibility. I'm sorry if your impression is that we dislike you. I'd have to know you to make that judgment.

I think if you were to step back, gain a little perspective of the overall tone of the message board, perhaps spend a little more time, getting to know the bulk of the ladies on the board, you will quickly come to understand our true intentions.

Lastly, if I were to venture a guess, the reason why our comments have not been removed and yours have, is because we have not violated any terms of usage set by CK. I have a long standing history on this message board, and am fairly certain my overall reputation on how I treat people, MB veterans, newbies, everyone will stand for itself. I believe the moderators have a firm grasp on how I respond to individuals. Otherwise, I'd have been given the boot a long time ago.

If I could offer some helpful advise. Perhaps your frustration should be directed towards the moderators, not me. I understand you are passionate about your opinions, but maybe you need to learn to rephrase them so the moderators find them less inflammatory.

I'm sincerely sorry if you feel your feelings have been stepped on, I know Sara or I would never be malicious with our intent. In the future, if you have specific concerns about my behavior, I kindly ask you to bring it to my attention. I am more than willing to discuss your issues like an adult, absent of name calling or ridicule.

She responded:
Daisy,

I am in a conversation with Brian right now and I don't have time for you.

You may try these tactics with other, less informed members here but I have watched you for well over a year and I am well aware of how you work.

I do not need a lecture on etiquette or behavior from you. The day that I do will be cold one in, well, you know.

I have no desire at all to understand you or any of your message board friends. Not now, not ever. You need to stay away from me and I will do the same for you.

So, I responded back to her:

Curious. If you wanted me to ignore you, why the public bashing? I don't know you..I offered my a hand in good faith to rectify the situation. Don't accept- ok.

But, please don't use my name in future posts. The message board can accomodate all opinions. I welcome any future ones you chose to share!

All the best~
Daisydo

And then she said this...(scary eh?)

Daisy, I am attempting to figure out how to "ignore" you. If you don't want your name used in future posts then do not reply to mine. If you do not want your name reported to Brian or the alleged moderator then don't try you bullying practices with any of my friends.

I do not like people like you. I never have. Do not even attempt to tell me what to do. Trust me. Even if they ban me today you will not have heard the last of me. :wink

After we had this exchange, she posted to the Warning thread CK posted.
Very odd.

Joined: 18 Sep 2006
Posts: 58

Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2007 11:55 am Post subject:

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Is there not a way to stop people from harassing you via PM!?!?

Is there an "ignore" button someone in the Private Message area?

Can someone help me please?

Back to top

Joined: 18 Sep 2006
Posts: 58

Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 9:30 am Post subject:

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I have forwarded those PMs to Brian Tippets and others at CK Media. One member here has apologized, another has said that after I forwarded them she would stay away from the boards until the mess was cleared. Another and I have made an agreement to simply avoid each other on threads under the agreement that she never PMs again.

Given those circumstances, and the fact that I cannot turn off the PMs, this is the only way to legally handle them

I will not share a "private" message on a public forum. These women know who they are and what they did. The administrator and Brian Tippets know who they are.

I cannot imagine why you would need to know nor why I would feel the need to share them here with you or the people at the smack board just to prove a point. I am not that type of person and have nothing to prove to you. Once two parties have reached a settlement the issue is resolved.

As far as I am concerned, unless I hear from one of them again, this matter is closed.

A few things to make note of. In one sentence she states she doesn't want anything to do with my friends or the message board, but then in the next breath, posts this..

Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2007 6:44 pm Post subject: I, too, would like to apologize.

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While I still believe that CK is responsible for the errors and I strongly believe that the entrant who cheated should be held accountable, I believe that my actions over the last day has been disruptive.

I have a rather strong personality that is often more suitable for court, my past profession before semi-retiring, than for a message board and I apologize for my dogged determination here.

While I won't fit in with your happy all the time mentality, I also do not wish to rub you the wrong way either. I am just a scrapper.

So, with that, I apologize. But, please, I really don't want any PMs telling me to come to the happy side - LOL!

Followed up by this...
Thanks - I promise my deleted posts weren't too bad either! :wink: But I can get very passionate as you can imagine and I will probably stay after Brian...

But I do apologize and I will try not to "ruffle feathers."

BWAHAHAHAH.. No her deleted posts didn't insult me by calling me a condecending, ridiculer. no, not too bad. Guess it's all about perceived perceptions.

Funny how she says she doesn't want to post them on the CK site, as she wanted to keep them private. But more than willing to try and post her "nasty" PM's on the smack site.

Anonymous said...
Lee scraps....can you post the threatening PM's?

_________

I'm working on it. I have two of them copied in my word doc from this morning but right now I am trying to figure out if I am having a glitch in my computer or if I have been banned.

Do you get an e-mail when they ban you?

October 11, 2007 5:11 PM

Such is a day in the life on a message board.

Bizzaro World!

Why I love the smack board... you tell it like it is girls!!

Originally posted on the CKMB:

Himommy
Joined: 29 Sep 2006
Posts: 1404
Location: NW Iowa !!!!
Posted: Wed Oct 10, 2007 11:07 pm Post subject:

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Coming from someone who misunderstood what daisydo once said, She is just asking questions, creating discussions, stating her opinion. When someone misunderstands her or think she is totally out of line she will explain herself. I do agree that it seems both her and Luv2talks post receive a lot of views and responses but that is because people value what they have to say. there is no need to personally attack her. I have interacted with both of these ladies and they have no intetions to bully anyone out of her.

Thank you daisydo for what you add to this board.
_________________

Their comments on the Smack Board
Give me a break!!!! The only reason their posts get alot of looks is b/c the shepple cannot live w/o knowing what they have to say. Respect? I can speak for many and say that is not the case. Many of us feel like Luv2annoy,Daisydon't, and NoSoyJoy are more of a nussance than anything else. Thanks to this dimwit, their egos have been affectionately stroked. BLEECH!

Thanks DaisyDo for being annoying as hell!

Peace out scrap dorks signed~
Annoying as hell Daisydo!
(Move out of the way, my ego is too big to get out of this post!)

How I spent my summer...

2007-09-30T20:47:00.001-06:00

This summer, I reluctantly accepted a "non-profit" position working the Philly Cheese Steak stand at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado. When I say "non-profit" what that technically means, I agreed to work 4-5 hours a night for upwards of 32 nights, over the course of 4 months, with the guarantee of making $50+ dollars a shift. With promises too good to refuse, I agreed to help man the booth selling pseudo Philly Cheese sandwiches to the various concert scene masses. Why would a mom of 4, with a successful career, decide to become a cheese steak chopper? Well, I was lured. Lured with the notion, that I could make fast bucks to offset my son's exorbitant soccer fees. But, now that I've worked in excess of 32 shows. I now feel that I was duped into completing a fools errand! I walked away from this summer, with more than a full soccer account. Much much more...

Working a concession stand is physically intensive work. I didn't expect to sit on my butt all summer long raking in the cash doing nothing. But, someone should have forewarned me when I signed up this year that I will eventually lose all sensation in my feet and lower back. Standing in steak grease on hard concrete for 32 days takes a toll on your poor tootsies. Not to mention, the lower back pain you'd develop from bending over 200 times a night reaching for rolls out of a laundry hamper! Or the numerous steam burns that I would endure tending to the planter grill.

It would have also been most beneficial to learn that I would end up smelling like a 135 pound cheese steak by October 1st. The residual meat, pepper, and onion smells has permeated my skin. No matter how hard I scrub, how hot my shower water is, or what type of soap I use, nothing seems to alleviate the stench of 8000 cheese steak sandwiches made over the course of the summer. Someone, somewhere should have warned me that my hands would forever smell despite the 50 boxes of latex gloves I would eventually go through. I guess I was stupid into thinking that I could handle over 2000 pounds of meat, and not have some lasting effects. Maybe in time that smell will dissipate, but for now, when someone curiously asks me what my "perfume" is called, I will tell them "Holstein."

Duped I say.. I was duped into thinking that working at Red Rocks would be easy money. Besides the on the job burdens, no one ever prepared me for the different types of people I would interact with. Each different concert would bring out different subsets of our culture. So often, we only interact with people who share our values, and interests. Rarely co-mingling with people distinctly different from ourselves. Not ,me.. I've seen all the varieties of people out there. Smart, stupid, rich, poor, clean, dirty, funny, boring, drunk, stoned, normal, happy, sad, flirtatious, abrupt, chatty, you name it. I've met them all. From Rappers to cowboys, they all are unique in their own way. But, none compare to HIPPIES.

I've seen about 50,000 hippies over the course of the summer. So many hippies, that I have now been able to classify them into several different groups. All equally stoned on pot, most are nearly incapable of interacting with "normal" society. Although I'm not sure what normal society is anymore. For the sake of the argument. Let's just say, anyone not on drugs is normal in my book. I worked around 10 hippy events. Each specializing in a unique subset of the hippy culture. Each more unique than the last.

The Broke Hippy: After they somehow paid for their concert ticket, they are left with about $1.66 in change to survive for the entire weekend. As a result, they live in the barter world. "Hey man, I'll trade you my hemp necklace for a sandwich." or "Hey man, can I trade you one of my "special stamps" for a trash bag, so I don't have to sit in the rain and get my joint wet?" or there's the " HEYYY MAAAN, I'll give you guitar lessons for a sandwich". Then there is the "Hey MAAAAN, how about a HUG" Hippy. That one particularly grossed me out.

The Panhandling hippy. "Hey man, can I have a piece of cheese for free?" or the "Instead of throwing it away, can I have that sandwich you just dropped on the ground?" Sorry Pal, I dropped it in wet bird poop, "I'm so hungry man, I'll eat around the poop, just give it to me for free." Or "Hey Dude, I only have $1.66 can I have 1/4 of a sandwich?" or the "Hey man, if I buy a sandwich and then drop it on the ground, will you replace it so my buddy can eat too?" hippy. "Hey Man, why don't you quit the ganja, go get a job, and buy your own friggin' sandwich?"

Stoned Mama Brings Her Baby to the Acid Show Hippy: I can not tell you how many women I saw carrying around her newborn babies in a shoulder slings. Standing next to her husband while he and his buddies are freaking out on acid. NO, the baby isn't gonna get scarred for life.. Nah, little tyke won't get sold for the next baggie of stuff. Stay in denial hippy ma'am. Or my personal favorite. "The tie dyed dressed mini toddler hippy, staring up at a shirtless pastie clad- no pant wearing hippy ma'am. While, she's staring into the black hole of her hemp handbag, in search of $4.00 so her little boy can have a Red Bull. What the heck is that all about? Rock on hippy Mama, rock on!

The Stinky Skudzy Hippy- Afraid of the water, unable to bathe so you can smell them coming hippy 100 yards away. Wanting to give you a high five after you hand them their sandwich. The stench worse than "eau de Holstein". I'll give you a sandwich for free if you promise to just take a bath! Hell, I'll give you every sandwich in the bin, if you just go wash the grime off your hands. Oh, honey.. braided arm pit hair and the glow in the dark pony beads attached to your leg hair. Is that the new look for Fall? Just psychedelic man.

The Organic Hippy- Vegan, authentic greenie type hippy, who is frustrated there is not a vegetarian option in concession stands. But, plagued with the munchies she dares asks if the cheese in the Chicken Cheese Steak is soy. When we tell her NO it's fake cheese , she asks if the chicken is at least free range. "Uh, I don't know. The box just says Costco on it." OK then, she replies, "I'll take it". Way to stick by your morals, you stoned out freak!

My personal favorite, the Mystical Hippies. So caught up in the transendence of what life has bestoed upon them, they are in awe about everything. These are the hippies concerned about auras and past lives. I'm sure the the acid they just took while standing in line has them free associating with anything they come into contact with. "Hey Man, my sandwich has a mystical air around it. I think it's aura is telling me to eat it!" No bud, that's call steam and you are hungry. Why don't you tell your aura to hand over the cash, so we can help the aura in line.

Lastly, there is the authentic, stuck in the 1960's hippy. A routine visitor to our stand. This is the guy that travels around the country in his beat up, tie dyed painted short school bus. Big white beard, tie dyed hippy beanie hat. Confused about why things cost so much these days. Well, Mr. Burnout, most people have JOBS. You know that place you go to and do a service in exchange for money. But,
no, you offer hippy back rubs in exchange for pot and food. Wanting to spend your time talking to me about the olden days. Ignoring the fact that I'm trying to man handle another 200 sandwiches because the rest of your hippy brethren just got the munchies. So, please wander off for your next hit of whatever you are wanting. I don't care what Woodstalk was like. I just want to collect my 50 bucks and go home! Please just get away from me, you freakin'geezer hippy.

I'm sure there are a few functional people out there that only dabble in the hippy world. Work from 9-5, and only play hippy in their free time. But, the desire to be an occasional psychedelic whack-a-do is beyond me. And hey, more power to you, if you want to live the "good" life wandering from hippy festival to hippy festival. But, please do me one favor next year.. when you come to a concert in my town, and want a cheese steak, please have $6.50 on you. I don't want a hug, or a necklace, I don't care if life is all about the "LOVE, MAN," all I want you to do is to hand me $6.50 for your meal and walk away. Tell your Jerry Garcia stories walking, pal. I could give a hoot about your smelly, grimy, dreadlock, tie dye wearing, acid taking, pot smoking lifestyle. I'm here so my kids can play sports and stay off the drugs, something in which you miserably failed at achieving!

Game on Smack Board.

2007-09-28T15:54:00.001-06:00

Bring it..

Looks like someone has been pulling these posts and posting over there. Look now MA, I'm syndicated. (eye roll)

My life as a Mouse killer, Dog butt examiner.

2007-09-28T10:24:00.000-06:00

It's that time of year here in Colorado. Warm days, cool nights. So that means mice. For some reason, the tail tale (or is it tale tail? ) signs are more prevalent than normal (lots of mice poop). I think we must of had a family reunion under the sink! Little piles everywhere. I also think I saw a few tiny beer cans under there too, a few tire tracks if you look close enough. Maybe they are "Hells Mice"?; anyway I digress.

Now, I'm not a big fan of the little creatures, but I don't run and jump on the table and hold my skirt up when I see one either. And since my hubby is a total wuss when it comes to our four legged friends, I'm the "TRAPPER" of the family. Over the course of this week, I've caught 4 of the little buggers. I have a total of 8 traps set at any one time. So, I mean business!

Confident there are more lingers out there in the crevasses of my kitchen, I decide this time to set a trap under the corner of the fridge. As I was cleaning up after dinner. I heard that faint "Snap" sound. A bit conflicted over that sound, (I feel sad that I have to exterminate them.. but glad they are gone), I immediate look to the fridge to see if that one was the lucky winner. But, guess what, it was GONE! I know.. that's not a good sign.

I get down on all fours to see if maybe the trap got shoved under the fridge further than when I initially set it, and it was flat out missing! This is weird, because no one in my family touches the traps (again.. wussies).
As I'm searching for the trap, guess what I see....

The little mouse trying to drag itself with it's front legs across the floor of the kitchen! Little scratchy noises on the floor. OMG! CREEP-OH-LA!! It had it's little tongue sticking out and everything!

EEK! Now that's nasty! I felt so bad for it! You think they'd tell each other to watch out for the traps. But, no.... free meal, come and get it. Snap!

So, what do you do now? You have to put it out of it's misery! I really had no clue what to do or how to do it. I called my FIL, the hunter. He suggested I whack it with a hammer! UH NO! He said to put it in a baggy, and squeeze the air out of it. Again. Forget it buddy. Nothing seemed humane. I decided to drop the BIG phone book on it. Fast and hopefully painless.

Man I feel bad. When I disposed of the poor thing in the trash, I said a little mouse prayer over it! I know trapping mice is a necessary evil, as
they carry disease and everything. I just wish I didn't have to do it! I really feel terrible.

Then about 12 hours later.. I get the delightful chore to do this..
Keep in mind, what I had to do yesterday, this could be 100 times worse!!)

My 4 year old DD came to me about 1/2 hr ago and said, "Suntins wrong with "Harley" (our dog). There is suntin commin' out of his bbhind."

(SHIVER) UH BOUUY!

So, I go find the poor thing, and sure enough, there's something coming out alright. Not entirely sure what to do (Twice in 24 hours I'm clueless as to what I should do!)

I make a phone call. This time I call the vet. Vet says gently pull on it and if you feel any resistance to stop and come right in.

Well, I pull on it, and it's a string. The string from one of my "lady supplies". Which tells me the other part is still inside. This is not good!
At this point, I'm not quite certain who's more embarrassed, me or the dog!

EW EW EW. Where's a half dead mouse when you need one?

I call the vet back, tell her what it is. She says.. oh no problem it'll pass. They eat those all the time! What????

What is it with dogs? They sniff buts, eat their own poop, and now enjoy the taste of a used well.. you know. I'm fairly certain, I will never let a dog lick me ever ever again!!

(shiver)

My life has come down to killing half dead mice with the phone book, and pulling used tampons out of dogs butts. Great! Just Great! Any road kill you need me to scoop up. Looks like I'm your girl!

ew ew ew ew ew ew ew ew. (I need a hug to stop the growdie shivers!)

I quit. Can I have a mulligan on the lat 24 hours. I'm creeped out.

Missing: One Mojo

2007-09-28T07:55:00.001-06:00

Where has my Mr. Mojo gone? I sit here, pictures to scrap, supplies at the ready, and yet no desire. No inspiration, no nothing. You would think after spending 3 days in Vegas looking at all the goodies available, seeing example after example of project ideas, I would have come back primed for creating something magical. But, you'd be wrong. I have the worse case of scrappers block ever. Something must be done. I need a scrap muse. Anyone know where I can find one?

Vegas or Venice?

2007-09-26T07:39:00.000-06:00

I've finally had the opportunity to check out my photographs from Vegas. One would expect that a scrapbooker, on a "scrap related" vacation would have taken hundreds of photographs. But, sadly, I didn't take all that many. I guess I was just living in the moment. To distracted by all the glitz of the strip, to actually snap a ton of pictures. You would also have thought that since the point of my vacation was to meet my good friend Leslie (Luv2talk) in real life for the first time, that she and I would have seized the moment to take some snapshots. But, we didn't. How odd is that! Not one picture of the two of us together! Three cameras between us, and not one side by side shot of us both!

Here's a good one of Luv2talk, doing what she does best.. Talking. Yackin' it up with fellow message boarder ~Kim~ at the Venetian!

The two of us had a blast. I'd go again in a heart beat. Maybe this time, we'd take pictures of us together. On the bright side, I fell in love.. Sorry hubby, the Blue Man has my heart.

Cold Nuggets

2007-09-25T20:43:00.000-06:00

I don't know if it's the lack of qualified workers out there, or the school system not teaching our kids what fast food looks like in picture form, but the quality of service I seem to be getting at the various drive-thru's is abhorrent. And if you one day hear on the news that some stressed out soccer mom, went all Burger King on someones sorry ass, you can just assume it's me.

Let me tell you why..
Mostly likely, it's because I just spent 20 minutes in the not so fast drive-thru trying to explain to Little Johnny what I need. Continually having to correct my order, as he pushes the buttons on the cash register. Because no matter how clearly I speak into that little box, or how many times I correct the order taker, I always seem to get the wrong thing in my sack. I'm now 98% certain that I will get "boned" on something in my order. Fast food service has become so pathetic that my family has come up with it's own term to express how often we get screwed out of the thing we actually ordered. For those that don't know the term "Boned", it means to have your lovely man get his (ahem) first, and then to roll over and fall asleep. Thus leaving you high and dry (wink wink)!! That's the royal boned.

How hard a task is it to push the picture of a hamburger when someone says hamburger? Where exactly does the translation go wrong? I'm fairly certain, that I'm ordering the precise thing that I want. I know I never say fries when I mean chicken tenders. Or limp salad, when I want a Sprite. So, I'm sure the problem isn't on my end. Seeing how I've had so much time waiting for the guy to screw up my order, I think I've determine the exact point in which the entire order process goes completely awry.

One would think it's me because I speak some whacked out version of English. But, nope you'd be wrong. I have no drawl or twang. Nor do I make those weird Swahili clicky sounds. I speak plan ole boring, non-nasal English. I'm from Colorado. We have no accent whatsoever. That said, I do think I've come up with six possible explanations why my order is constantly screwed up:

1. The fast food guy lacks fingers and has to use his nose to push the buttons.

2. He's incapable of pushing a button that corresponds to the spoken word, because he missed training day that showed him which buttons were which. So, is left to guess which pictures match which word.

3. Order taker is in collusion with government agency, doing a psychological study on how to drive soccer mom's nuts.

4. Burger Joint's drive thru philosophy: "You get what you get, and you don't throw a fit." (Funny, that's my philosophy too!)

5. Window person's 20 face piercings and enormous ear eyelet is causing electromagnetic interference in machine, so order is getting messed up.

6. New "reality" show being secretly filmed. Called, "Cold Nuggets" Premise of show is to see how long it takes stressed out soccer mom to go postal when her order is screw up. Grand prize for patient moms.. You'll get your meal right!

Because, I don't believe in any governmental conspiracy theory, and I don't think a prosthetic hand would guarantee a correct order, I'm going to select answer #5.

You expect that when they correctly repeat your order back to you, you are going to be given all the right food. Yeah, well you'd be wrong. No. Burger and fries really means fish and onion rings. I honestly think it's because the giant ear eyelet has done untold damage to his hearing. And thus he has to guess what you just ordered.

Frustrated, I now check my bag before I pull away from the window. I usually find any errors before I leave. But, thus forced into a dilemma. Make practice on time and accept what ever is in the bag. Like a surprise. OR Wait for "window boy" to come back and get your order fixed correctly. With the added bonus of having to listen to Mr. Impatient behind me honk, because I haven't pulled away yet. No.. that's not pressure.

And people wonder why soccer mom's are stressed out?! Hello, I personally have 4 kids. Two of them have to be at soccer practice at the same time, each in a different part of town. Practice starts at 5:30pm. School ends at 3:30, there is homework and chores to do before we depart for the night. The third kid has to be at hockey practice at 4:15. Yeah, I have just enough time to swing through Burger King, on my way to the ice rink and shove some mediocre food down my kids throats. That is if I can actually get what I ordered. Sure, I have 20 minutes to spend arguing with Crappy Attitude guy and his eye tattoo over the fact that I wanted a Sprite and NOT triple bacon avocado cheese fries.. Just get my order right, so I can spend my time driving between stops trying to use my teeth to pry the double knots out of a pair of muddy cleats.

Oh, and why you are at it, can you complete my experience by making sure you ignore my request for a girl toy, because my toddler is totally not going to whine because she got the eye booger ball instead of the pink pony that she had her heart set on.

I think I'll just take my cold nuggets and cut my losses thank you very much. We can try again tomorrow.

I'm offensive and I don't care!

2007-09-25T11:14:00.000-06:00

I have one real question. Is there a new class out there called: "I’m Offended and I'm Gonna Tell You All about It 101!"?

Lately, I've come across so many people who have received an A+ in that class. I think some have taken the Masters course! This mostly applies to those that read online content posted on some message board somewhere.

So many of my friends have been receiving negative feedback on something they have either done or said that has caused someone, somewhere to be offended. The thing that is most surprising is the complainers are all STRANGERS! People out there in the world, so put-off at something you did, that they perceived it as a personal attack on their character. So, much so they felt the urge to complain! Not a friend who knows you, but some random person who's made assumptions about how you converse that they take offense to your tone and word choice. Even though they have no idea what your tone may be because they've never met you.

Ms. Tight Ass' sole mission in life is to make it known that she doesn’t find you funny. She’s not even interested in why you find it humorous, or the back information behind your story, and why it could be considered funny. All that she cares about is making darn sure you understand she finds you obscene! She's not even defending the opposing viewpoint behind the subject matter in which you felt the need to comment about. She's some goody goody lady living 1500 miles away, stashed in a hole somewhere, making judgments on the things you say and do. She also is hell bent on making you alter your behavior to her standards. And if you don't do what they want, they are going to continue to be disgruntled until you either give in, or flat out tell them to go F themselves.

(OMG, she's offending all people who live in holes!! NO, pal. Just the one lady who lives in a hole and wants to bash me for some good natured bantering about some benign subject.) Uh, Boy.. Go ahead and laugh-you know it's true! People behave this way all the time. OK, maybe you shouldn’t laugh. I make take offense to it.

Good example. A friend had a recent request to change her avatar. Someone wanted it gone. Banished from her sight. Did she know the requester? NOPE –just a random busy body lady. Did the stranger give her an adequate reason why it should be removed? Nope. The lady couldn't explain the meaning behind the picture of the avatar to her young daughter. So, instead of saying, "Sorry honey, I don't know what it means", this person figured it best to get it removed from all consciousness!! Then had the nerve to complain even more reverently, when she was told "No". Besides, we’re not talking porn here. It’s an innocent picture of a famous singer. How is that offensive?

Oh, hey Kim, while you are at it "I don't like the squiggly lines next to your message board name. Will you change that for me too? Oh, and would you mind moving because, I don't like your house, I find the color offensive" How's that for brass balls?

I guess my point is... Why start out looking to be insulted?. I'm quite certain not everyone shares my sense of humor. But, just because you don’t get the joke, it’s not an insult on your intelligence (or lack thereof), or a blatant attack on your sensibilities. It means you don’t find me funny. Just because you don't like what I do, doesn't give you the right to ask me to alter something to suit your tastes. Just because you don’t giggle, it doesn't mean that it's not humorous to someone else . Oh, and by they way, it’s called freedom of the legs. If you don't don’t like what I say, walk away, and go read something you do find more to your satisfaction. I’m not evil, or inappropriate. It just means you and I have different opinions. That's OK. But, you can damn well be certain, I’m not going to complain to you about it! I have no desire to make you conform to my standards! Geez, people. Accept that people like different things and move on. Oh, and while you are moving on, how about stopping by the sense of humor store, and pickin' you up one!

Life is so much more enjoyable if you can laugh at it!

The Smack Attack.

2007-09-23T18:19:00.000-06:00

I recently found out that I was a current subject of a scrap smack board. For those of you who are clueless about what a SMACK message board consists of, It's a group of sad, pathetic, lonely, bitter, undersexed, pathetic.. (oh, I know I said that one already, but it's worth repeating),lame people, who have nothing better to do, but to try and verbally abuse the things in which they do not understand. So, given their limited brain power, they basically try and harass everything. Bitch about what I do, call me names, yeah, I'll run and hide, forced into giving up posting on the message board. Good plan. I think it may be working!

Because, ALL of the smack ladies, neither have the talent, ambition, or motivation to participate in something positive, they choose to bash those that do. I pray for their children! They must be some serious parental role models! Just bitch bitch bitch. I'm sure a few of the older kids have already jabbed a hot poker in their ears just to keep from having to hear their mother's voices!! Crying.. please make it stop!

Ironically, the websites "motto" if you will, discusses the right to free speech and how it honors every opinion. But, what I find most amusing ,is they will turn on one another within this little whacked out group if they dare express an opposing opinion to what ever they are currently bashing. Oh, speak freely only if you think the way we think! Oh, and only if you want to bash that in which you do not have the ambition to participate. It is a smack website, that's what we do!

Well, being the particular bait for this little feeding frenzy this week, I have come under the "attack" of their little shark group. It has been their attempt to insult me by calling me names, scrutinizing all grammar and vocabulary choices I have posted on my personal website, as well as the message board in which I frequent. How sad, they have the time and energy to spend time harassing someone who could give a crap. They even resorted to calling me a lesbian! Ouch! No.. don't call me a girl lover, that would ruin my credibility with my friends and family. No, don't try and use real humor to denigrate me. That would be too difficult a task.

My biggest mistake this entire weekend, was to respond. Why did I do that? Well, I just wanted them to know that all the comments they post I find hysterical!! Oh.. "Daisydog has rabies". Good one! "Daisydon't come around no more we think you are stupid." My particular favorite insult.. was calling me "Dumber" from the infamous duo "Dumb and Dumber!" Ooh, no.. I may cry to my Mommy for that one. Stop!Please be nice to me! Sniff Sniff.. (tear) Oh, Brother..

To give them credit. They do come back with some good one liners in response to anyone that has an altering view point."FU!" Oh.. that took a comedic genius to come up with that response. Or.. "Did you just drop off the turnip truck lady?" Now, I bet all 10 of them had to conference on that response.

What someone really needs to explain to me, if a hobby is so painful, why participate in it? Why visit a message board where everyone drives you crazy? Why Why bitch for the sake of bitching? Isn't there something more productive they could be doing with their time? Oh... wait, this is their hobby! To be miserable. But, more than likely, they are just to damn lazy to get up out of their chairs and walk away from their fingerprint stained computer monitors and actual develop real memories or friendships. To actually invest in something that may have an actual impact on improving their lives. No, all they have time to do is drink Diet Coke and chain smoke. Bark orders from the sweat stained office chairs at their offspring. "Now Bobbysue, I said, open the box of Hamburger Helper right this minute! Don't forget to use tap water instead of toilet water on the noodles or I'll tan yer hide. And when you are done, bring Mamma's her hemorrhoid cream!"

Well, post on girls. I'm loving the unintentional humor you produce every time you post! To stupid to understand that you are the brunt of your own joke!

It was V day today!

2007-09-14T17:24:00.001-06:00

Hubby had the big V done today. You know. The make no babies kind of V. While feeling somewhat sympathetic to his entire situation, I must honestly say that all in all I found a wee bit of pleasure in seeing the discomfort he experienced. Not the physical pain, because that looked like it hurt, but more the pride side of the procedure. After 4 kids, I've tolerated a ton of embarrassment in the lady region. Lots of lookie loos. Lots of discussions whether or not I'm doing "OK" down there, lots of pushing, poking, and prodding. Similar to how one dresses a turkey on Thanksgiving. It was time he ponies up to the humiliation bar, and take a good swig of mortification!

Today, it was his turn to feel a bit exposed. Most notably the point in which the nurse put his man giblets in the cut out square of the sterile dressing, then shines a 200 watt spot light on them, as if preparing for a Broadway monologue. She then promptly left the room, I'm sure the hub thinks it's to go fetch the Dr., I want to think it's to laugh in private! How could someone not think that isn't just funny? Man laying on table with bobbles hanging out? That's comical! I know I couldn't control my laughter, just because of the visual. While waiting for the doctor to appear, I did ask if he was ready to give me a little giggly show. Such question was met with a bit of a dull dead-pan stare. I proceeded to a little rendition of I've got blue balls.
"I've got blue balls, I've got testis, I've got stitches, who could ask for anything more? Old Doc Muller, has my vaaaaaaaassss.." Same dead pan stare. OK, maybe not so funny then, but the fact that we can laugh about it is worth it's weight in sutures. I know he made little off color jokes when I was arse up in stirrups. Revenge is mine now buddy! I'll make all the dumb little jokes I can think of!

The thing that I found most amusing was the way the medical staff handled his privates, as if they were handling a ziplock of franks and beans. Very much mechanical in their approach. No regard for the patients sense of embarrassment his parts are just hanging out for all to see. In contrast, when you visit the lady doctor, they are careful to tell you about every movement they make. "OK Mrs Sterner, we are about to insert this probey thing into your bajingo and see if we can make your eyes bulge out of your head. Oh, and by the way, it may be a bit cold." Nope, not the Man doctor. Flip Flop, out goes the dong. No warning, no preparation that you are gonna be showing your wears. Not much different than flopping out the picture of your kids from your trifold wallet.

On the outside looking in, the fact that they can carry on a normal conversation while holding your privates in your hand is a real talent! "Well, Mr. Sterner, wasn't it Jaque Plante the first NHL hockey goalie to wear a full size mask?" "Why Yes Dr. Muller, I do believe you are right." Fondle Fondle Fondle. Ignore Ignore Ignore. How is it men can ignore the obvious by talking bout sports? What is it about the save percentage of a goalie, or the batting average of the lead off hitter of the 1959 Yankees that puts them at ease? HELLO, you have a strange man's johnson in your hands? What does statistics have to do with anything? As a woman, I'll never understand that. So I guess in my book, I'll take that as humor.

Being a scrapbooker by nature, I fought the urge to take numerous photographs. Some of course are just not appropriate. The shaving procedure by nurse Sharon, probably not an 8x10 glossy for the fridge. Dr. Muller kneeding your testes as if he was making sheepherders bread, not one for the scrapbook, or the image of Mr Happy making his debut. OK, maybe that could be one for my wallet. That said. I did take a few to commemorate the moment. Hubs curled toes as he's being injected with anesthetic. That's a sight all men need to see when they think birthing a child is a snap! Oh, and I will be taking pictures of the specimen bottle he gets to deposit the results of his next date night into! Have to make sure the little swimmers went on permanent vacation. Such memories will be documented for all future Sterner generations to see on one of my scrapbook pages. I'm actually inspired to work on this page. Nothing like a little medical procedure to help Mr. Mojo come back home
where he belongs!

All in all a good day. Future encounters without worry that another mini-me is in production, makes all Hubs discomfort worth it. Easy for me to say so right? To Hub's credit, he amazes me every day, with his sense of humor. He's always ready to use his wit to make things easier to tolerate, both for himself, and for me too. Today was no exception. I could see the trepidation on his face. Thoughts of what he could expect, fear that it would be painful. I'm sure a bit fearful that his man parts were about to be fondled by a couple of strangers. Amazingly, he still managed to find a way to laugh. That's a person with real brave character.

Well, I'm happy to report that Hub is at home as I type this. A fresh bag of baby peas on his "area", hyped up on Vicodin. Me, sitting in a cold ice arena reminiscing about the day. Good times I tell you.. good times. A day forever memorialized in my next scrapbook page.

Peace out you scrap dorks. May you find humor in your next procedure..

My normal Monday night...

2007-09-10T19:06:00.000-06:00

I purchased my laptop for the sole purpose of digitally scrapbooking while waiting for my kids to do what they do. Sports. Either games or practices. Lots of waiting around. Not useless time spent, but these activities puts my passion on hold. In today's digital age of wireless Internet and high speed access, I figured, why not. I can scrap and watch the kids practice. Hockey is great because the rink has free wi-fi!! Not in the scrappy mood, I figured I'd jump on the blogging bandwagon. Who says a mom of 4 can't be trendy. So Here I sit.

Some things to ponder... Why do they make bleachers so uncomfortable? You'd think with the extra butt padding I'm carying around, I could tollerate the hard plastic. Well, think again. I now have little no skid grippy outlines pressed into my tookus. Thanks Bleacher Boys, that sight will be a great turn on for my hubby later. Last thing.. hey Mr. Figgity Dad, STOP WIGGLING AROUND-typing when you are in a cold ice arena is hard enough. I don't need your squirm-in legs making matters worse.

Well enough Daisydo ramblings.. more to come later.

How I spend an hour out of my day....

2007-09-10T19:03:00.001-06:00

After last week and all stress that surrounded my daily life, I decided to hit Archivers for a little retail therapy yesterday!! Yeah, I could go for a walk, but.. there's no goodies at the end of that rainbow.. Hey, I walked up and down the store, that's exercise right? There is something so soothing about going into a scrapbook store, wandering the aisles with a girlfriend. Caressing all the goodies, Oohing and Ahhing all the new papers, stamps, chipboard, what ever. Quietly discussing the potential contained in each and every element we look at. (OK, nothing screams quiet about me. But, I can be contained.. I don't make a scene everywhere I go... it's just a minor commotion.) As always, I head straight for the HOT SPOT upon entering the store. Much to my surprise, what do they have? INQUE Boutique stamps! A small assortment of Christmas and misc. stamps for $1.99. Also in the HS, Stampendous has a selection of clear acrylic stamps. Smaller than the Mike's stamps, but equally cute. All in all a really good bargain. Of course I stocked up on "dollar" stamps, to the grand tune of about $45! How is it that bargains cost so much? Then where do I head? You have to ask? The Acrylic section! Because the dollar stamps just don't completely satisfy my insatiable hunger for stamps these days! Hero Arts has new flourishes! A D O R A B L E !!! (I did that hokey pokey dance with those. In my basket out of my basket in my basket.) I wondered around with them, until I stumbled upon the full sized INQUE Boutique stamps! All I can say is CUTE!!! And actually reasonable in price! So, out with the flourishes, in went the IB- Note It stamp. And only $3.99. Cheap Cheap Cheap!! I wont even go into the paper selections I made. Let's say, that flourishy office/ledger/ cute scalloped-funky cut border paper is still all the rage! And Crate Paper designs are sooo yummy! The texture is so divine it's just fine! Next, I like to head back to the work room. I like to "SPY" on the girls back there. I'm not an out of the house cropper. I tend to scrap alone. I have NEVER lugged my stuff out. Another words, I have house supplies.. no feral paper here! Watching the croppers work is a bit of a case study for me. Curious girls back there. I'm sure a nice collection of standard scrapbookers. Some sit, some stand. Some Like the CM look, with the die cut shapes and little doll people. Others a bit more CKish in style. A few bring in their entire stash, while the bulk of them only a small tote. Not to bash those ladies.. but none of them can hold a tombow to the talent you girls display here on a daily basis! I'm rather curious though... how do they show so much self constraint? To only crop at the store? To only buy the stuff they need at the time they need it? That's so foreign to me. Yes.. I understand WHY they do it. I'm just impressed that they CAN do that. To have the entire store open to their disposal, and to only walk back to their table with one piece of paper. WOW that's a feat! I do have one confession though, no it's rather a statement to those ladies that crop in the Archivers work room. Here goes... "Ladies in the backroom..... I love watching you so diligently work. But, a word from the bit more creative....There is more out in the store other than those oval templates you are all so scrapbent on using. Perhaps use photos larger than 4x6! Look at the examples on the wall! Break out.. use a square photo! Layer some paper. It's ok. Your page wont explode!! I know patterned paper is a bit tricky to use. But, there are more patterns than polka dots and checks. Try them. Or hey... how about a little rub-on here and there? Put it on TOP of a photo! It's ok, you can still jog your memory with the picture!" I promise, the skills you used in geometry class can be used other places than on your layout! Try a curve. Oh, and most importantly.... set down the deco scissors. Those are for accents, not to cut every piece of paper you have on your page!" Now, I'm not saying I'm an expert on scrapbooking.... I'm no Erin Lincoln . But, someone needs to be in that work room, offering loving advice when a layout is about to go horribly wrong. You know those layouts. Heck I've done a layout like that once or twice or a million times before. I just hate watching some of those gals spend good money on paper only to have it under utilized. Spend the big bucks on the paper, but then use it right! Alright.. enough said about that. So... that said. I'm done. Scrap therapy. If you can't make layouts, buy supplies it does wonders for your nerves and stress! Oh, and one last question. Why are supplies purchased at the store more enjoyable than the supplies you buy on line? Is it the immediate satisfaction or is it the hands on sensation? Or perhaps some of you like it the other way. The anticipation... the sounds of the UPS truck? What gets you going?