Where Did the Time Go?

What is the glue that holds you together?

Everyone has something (or several somethings) that help them keep sanity and reality in focus. An interest. A hobby. A job. A passion. For some it is reading. For others it may be more hands on like gardening.

My glue consists of many ingredients.

1. Creativity - an absolute must. If I go too long without it, I feel incomplete.
2. Nature - there is so much to absorb and it has such a restful effect on me
3. Details - I love to look for details as we are out riding around!
4. Family - especially on a good day when everyone is home and content. Whether we are interacting or not, we are still together.
5. History. I love a good historical tour or day trip! Just soaking up history and feeling connected with the past!

Do you ever feel like you are standing still in time and not accomplishing a single dang thing? I sure do! I just realized that my third anniversary to online scrapping is approaching and I have not achieved the goals I had set myself back then! That really makes me sad and also pretty darn mad with myself! What the heck have I been doing? Time to get my tushie busy and start really concentrating on accomplishing (or trying to accomplish) some of these!

Here and There

That's where we went on day trips while Harold was taking some vacation time! It was definitely a rainy week (and we needed it) but we managed to work around it and still have fun!

The Transportation Museum
A Civil War tour
The Mountains with lots of wildlife habitats
and a few unexpected adventures on the side!

I took approximately 700 pictures and am now trying to catch up on some long over scrapping before we decide it's time for some more day trips!

Monday Thoughts

Time for plants and time for planting! Can you guess what I've been up to by that opening sentence? We had over 250 square feet of pine bark mulch delivered last week and I worked on making an "island" in the backyard. When I ran out of mulch (and I need to get more) I began working on the area of our yard I call the "birdie buffet" because of the berry bushes I plant for them in this section! I added two more bushes - a rosy glow barberry and a cotoneaster! I also found a blueberry bush I am hoping to pick up this weekend to add to the group!

We are also looking at retractable deck awnings! The sun hits our deck almost all day which heats it up and makes it almost impossible to sit outside except in the early Spring or Fall. One of these awnings would be wonderful to have by providing shade and cooling off the deck area. It would also help keep the sun from hitting the back of the house so much thus helping cut back on our high air conditioning use!


In the Spring and early Fall, I work in the yard. During the hot humid Summer and cold Winter months, I scrapbook! Like a friend of mine told me -- "Balance. Keep the balance". *big grin*

Time to share another winning recipe! This time it's Homemade Tomato Dill Soup and sooooo good! Bake some fresh bread or pick up a loaf of fresh caraway seed bread at the bakery for eating with this! You can easily double this recipe which I often do! The fact that this soup is delicious either hot or cold makes it perfect for any season!

2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped
1 (28 ounce) can peeled and diced tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed chicken broth
1 bay leaf

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and cook, stirring until tender. Stir in the tomatoes and condensed chicken broth, and season with dill weed, salt, pepper and the bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes.

Remove from heat, and discard bay leaf. Use a food processor or blender to puree the soup in small batches until smooth. Serve immediately, or chill and serve cold. A spoonful of sour cream is delicious on top!

Feeling Good!

What gets your blood pumping? Is it a passion? A secret? Maybe it's a little of everything! Here are a few things that really keep me on my toes!

Sales! I love a good sale and saving a few pennies to stash away for a rainy day! Whether it be scrapbooking supplies, groceries or anything else I need -- let it be on sale!!

Words! I love single words! I just got some of Heidi Swapp's new one word stamps that I can't wait to use!

Cooking! I really enjoy to cook when I have a good recipe, all the ingredients and the kitchen to myself!

Blogs! I just love to read them! I often forget to leave comments but I do read them! I love to keep up with my online friends daily lives and see what they are up to personally and creatively!
Mini Books! I love the look of these and the whole idea of having smaller scrapbooks for certain things! I just don't do them as often as I wish I did! Maybe I should work on changing that! How do you decide what topic to use on a MB? Do you only do holidays or seasons? Certain people like your kids? Do you break out of the box and find a fun and different topic or do you just do whatever comes to you with no certain topic or theme?

Stamps! For while it was stickers. Then rub ons. Oh, I still love and use both of these but for now my blood really gets pumping when I shop for stamps! Clear stamps, rubber stamps or any ol' stamp! *GRIN*

Photography! When I have my camera in tow, my eyes are always alert and watching for that special picture opportunity! And what a wonderful feeling to download a picture that completely takes my breath away!

Style! Granted, my basic style is simple but every once and awhile I feel dangerous! Not enough so to completely change my style but enough to add some extra splashes color or a few surprises that are out of the box for me!

Sketches! Recently, I have really been getting into these! And it is so nice to use these instead of moving things around for 3 hours while looking for the perfect layout design!

Stamps and Cameras and Cooks - OH MY!

I admit it. I am officially stamped out! At least until the new stamps begin to roll in! Lately I have indulged in Technique Tuesday, Autumn Leaves, Bam Pop, Rubber Soul, Fancy Pants and other brands of clear and rubber stamps! What happened? When I first started scrapping and up until recently I had no desire to do any stamping and had told myself that even though they were pretty I could use the money on other supplies! YIKES! I fell into the stamping trap! But I enjoy them so as long as I keep it reasonable, who's complaining! Besides, did I mention that I got most of these on sale or with gift certificates? That makes a big difference too! *big wink*

New pictures! That always makes me feel like scrapping! A fresh palette to work with! We will be going to see my folks so that will provide lots of new pictures and we are making plans for another day trip up to the mountains which is always full of great photo opportunities! This time we plan to go up to Grandfather Mountain and visit the nature habitats! Cougars, eagles, bears and more! Yep, there's nothing like new pictures to get my scrapping juices flowing!

Another winning recipe from my kitchen!!

Honey Mustard Chicken
4-6 boneless chicken breasts
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup prepared mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon curry powder
Place chicken breasts in baking pan. Combine melted butter, honey, mustard, salt and curry powder then pour mixture over chicken. Bake at 350 for 60 to 70 minutes, basting every 20 minutes with pan drippings until nicely browned.

Roasted potatoes and corn on the cob will complete this and for dessert try a coconut cake or ambrosia for a lighter touch!

NSD and Food

Well, did everyone have a wonderful National Scrapbooking Day yesterday? I certainly did! I spent it over at Peek playing games and scrapping for the majority of the day! I told everyone here to just pretend like I was gone and they did! No one bothered me all day long - at least with anything major or stupid! *Big Grin*

As I promised, I am going to share a yummy recipe with you today! This meal was so easy to make but it didn't taste easy! My family (which consists of 3 hungry men) enjoyed it alot!

Zesty BBQ Chicken
4-5 boneless chicken breasts but I like to use a bag of chicken tenders
1 bottle BBQ sauce
1/2 bottle Italian dressing
1/4 cup brown sugar
Worchestire sauce
Put chicken in crockpot. Mix BBQ, Italian dressing, brown sugar and several dashes of worchestire sauce then pour over chicken. Cook on low 6-8 hours.

To complete the meal there was corn on the cob, salad (I love to add chick peas to salad now) and a yummy cake dripping with hot fudge (a complete mix from Betty Crocker). GOOD EATING!

Mid Week Tag

Sorry for not posting any updates lately! It has been a BUSY BUSY week!

1. The pros came out about the problem with mice and I am glad to report NO MORE MICE have been seen or even the signs of any and all my dishes have been washed and put away again! I have my kitchen back!

2. We had a free termite inspection done and found signs of the little munchers! I am totally in favor of termite protection no matter what! After all, this is our home! But this finally convinced dh to take action so the house will be treated next week and we will be under the protection of the pros!

3. We have discussed a getting a patio. Right now we have a deck and it's not much to look at! Small and getting very old looking! It needs repair but I would prefer a patio! I might call about getting a free estimate on having one put down!

4. The stop smoking campaign around here is going pretty good! Every now and then I get a craving for a cigarette but not enough to actually light one up!

5. American Idol! I wasn't too surprised about Chris R. being chosen to leave but I was a little disappointed about Phil! In the past couple of weeks (since Country Week) he has really blossomed and shown his stuff! I do feel he will get picked up for a record deal in the near future so I'm not worried about him! Plus I have to say "Bravo, Phil." He showed how to leave the show with class as he sang his final song! He definitely knows how to act like a pro!

6. I have not been able to do very much for that matter. I have been on crutches this week! I had myself a bad fall in the parking lot of a local restaurant and ended up heading over to the closest Urgent Care unit (since it was Sunday) for x-rays. Luckily there were no broken bones or fractures but the doctor did tell me I was going to be in pretty bad shape for about 3-5 days and he was right! Unfortunately certain things still have to be done. Clothes, dishes, fixing dinner, taking Whiner out and with no one here to help me out during the day it leaves me no choice but to hobble around as best as possible!

See ya soon!

A Busy Week

Big week around here! We have a new family member! It's a JEEP! And she's silver! We are the proud parents of a new Jeep Patriot and we are loving it! Sunroof, heated seats and lots of other extras to make traveling even more fun!

Last Saturday was Astronomy Day so the local Astronomy club got together at a known bookstore to help inform the public. I went along with Harold. Mainly as an excuse to ride in the new Jeep and a chance to get some yummy coffee at the bookstore coffee shop! While I was there I picked up two new cookbooks that look fantastic! I can't wait to try to some of these recipes! As I try some, I will share the ones I am impressed with!

Mice! Ugh!!! Since we live outside the city limits in what could be considered a country area, it isn't uncommon for us to see ONE mouse about every 4 or 5 years. We set a trap, catch it and that's it for another 5 years or so. But this time they are coming in one after another and we can't find where they are coming in at! We keep setting traps and have caught 7 so far! I told Harold this HAD TO END! My pots, silverware, platters and more are having to sit on top of the counters because the mice keep running around in those cabinets! I WANT MY KITCHEN BACK! It's time for the professionals to come in! *update* The pros are coming out today! YEA!!!

This month marks the (possible) end of an era at our house! We are smokers -- there I said it! Both Harold and I have quit several times over the years only to resume the habit. We both freely admit that we have no will power when it comes to this. Our doctor told us about this new stop smoking medicine called Chantix (www.chantix.com) that seems to have had good results with others so we decided to give it a try. It works GREAT so far! We really don't miss the actual cigarette. But we have had to change a lot of our habits because certain activities or times of the day were automatically associated with smoking and we wanted to avoid that urge. People who have never smoked really don't understand how hard it is to do this but I have to give credit where credit is due and this medicine is WONDERFUL! We have agreed NOT to say that we quit smoking and instead just say we are going to see how long we can do without them.

See ya later!!

Is there a Tuesday song?

Oops! Looks like I forgot about my blog AGAIN!

What makes your mornings run smoothly? I have a regular routine each morning that I follow or my day feels pretty much out of whack!

1. Get up and dressed around 6am on the average
2. Take Whiner out.
3. Set out Whiner's breakfast and fresh water
4. Put on coffee
5. Get clothes in the washing machine
6. Load dishwasher with dishes that mysteriously appear overnight
7. Make up the bed
8. Take out the trash
9.. Eat a little breakfast so I can take my medicine
10. Get online while I enjoy that first cup of coffee.

Whew! Just reading it, wore me out! LOL!

My tomatoes didn't survive the unexpected cold spell we had. I covered them up each night but they were just too young and tender. I hate it because they were just starting to take off really good but if need be, I can get more. I will have to get some more.We have had some really nasty weather lately with severe storms, tornados and high winds in general!

I haven't had much time to scrap lately and that makes me sad! I feel like I need a minimum number of hours per week to devote to this! For my own creative feed. I need to start putting aside some time JUST for this! And I think that's just what I will do -- starting today! I'm looking forward to Harold taking some vacation time when the weather gets nicer so we can take another day trip. New pictures!! I desperately need some!

End of the Week - at last!

I have come to the conclusion that I won't be surprised at all to see Sanjaya make it into the top 5 on American Idol this year. It really doesn't bother me any more and I don't know why it ever did. Just a chain reaction, I guess. The one thing that makes me sad now is knowing that at least 2 of my faves (Melinda, Lakisha and Jordin) will be sent home because there can only be one winner. Of course there could be another surprise outcome with all three divas being sent on their way. Even if this happens I feel confident that each one will be quickly picked up by some smart music producer and go far in the industry!

These are more of the stamps I ordered last week. Aren't they just adorable? They are Autumn Leaves Astro Boy. Not sure how often I'll use them but I couldn't resist!

I haven't done any scrapping in about 5 or 6 days and I really want to before a scrapper's block completely takes over! I haven't even pulled out my camera in about a week! I have several layouts in mind to do. Now to just make myself sit down and do them! Sometimes that is much easier said than done!

I covered up the plants last night in preparation of freezing weather! I hate how Mother Nature plays these weather games with us around this time of year! Everyone was loving their shorts and flip flops again only to have to pull the sweaters and flannel jammies back out!

5 shows I watched on TV this week
1. American Idol
2. The Wedding Bells
3. Entertainment Tonight
4. Ghost Whisperer
5. Take the Lead - movie on HBO

5 foods I ate this week
1. Fried Ice Cream by Bryers - think I'll stick with Starbucks
2. Zesty Chicken BBQ - new recipe
3 BBQ take out
4 Lasagne
5 Salad

5 songs I listened to this week
1. Sway - Michael Buble
2. Save the Last Dance for Me - Michael Buble
3. I Only Want to be With You - Hootie and the Blowfish
4. Peroxide Swing - Michael Buble
5. Me and Mrs. You - Michael Buble

The List Queen is Back!

Splurging is always fun but after it's over I always wonder why I did it! Impulse buying is not my style but has become a common thing for me to do lately and I need to stop it before it becomes a very bad habit! Best get back on track before I'm derailed completely!

Once again my top three favorites on American Idol this week were
1. Melinda
2. Lakisha
3. Jordin
They have been the same since the beginning. Sometimes varying in rank but the names are always the same.

My bottom three picks for this week were
1. Sanjaya
2. Gina
3. Haley
Exactly in that order! And Gina was voted off this week. I was totally thrilled that Michael Buble was the surprise singer! I love love love his music!

The weather is changing. We have had summer like days in the 80's and nights warm enough to keep the air conditioner running. But for the next 5 days, highs will only reach into the mid 60's while the lows drop into the 30's. My flowers and tomato plants were just starting to take off really well too! Looks like I will be making a trip outside each evening to cover them up to keep the frost off during this cold spell.

I read an interesting article about daily routines. Please don't ask me where I read it because that piece of information has totally vanished from my memory bank for the moment! After reading it though I began to think about our lives and a few of the things that are normal for us. Time to make a list!

It is Harold's job to change the ink in the printer. He has tried to teach me but I just let him do it!

Doing laundry early. I like to get it out of the way as fast as possible!

A pot of coffee is almost always on!

Music. Either from Michael's room, Ryan's room, the computer or the kitchen.

Making Lists. I am the official list maker around here and make a list for about everything imaginable!

Stampin' It Up!

What is it that draws me to buy stamps?

I love them. I buy them. I am thrilled when they arrive.Then I put them away and never use them! What is that all about?

I know they aren't too complicated for me to figure out! LOL!

I will often list using my stamps as one of my monthly goals. One layout gets stamped (usually a date stamp) then no more. Last night I opened my stamp drawers (yes, that was a plural) and I it was too overwhelming for me to even take the time to count them! Acrylic stamps. Rubber Stamps. Foam Stamps. It's an addiction. Plain and simple. But I can think of other things that would be a lot worse!

I have to justify these stamps and the money I spent on them! I feel guilty knowing that I spent good scrap supply dollars on them only to see them laying around in their unopened packages. One of my goals at this month is to scrap no less than 5 layouts.Five is a safe number. No pressure. I am almost sure to meet it and often go over without feeling pushed. I will add another goal to use my stamps on no less than 2 of these (Start slow and build up).

Wrapping up with a few mid week observations!

Some of my flowers are really taking off while others are doing nothing! Seems like these are totally bored with whole idea of blooming!

A breadmaker might be fun to have! Good hot bread and yummy smells floating through the house!

This house needs a good paint job! Inside and out!

It's time to try out some new recipes. Meal time is getting so boring and predictable!

I really don't miss getting all the subscriptions to my scrapbooking magazines I have had in the past. I can usually read and see enough online about it to satisfy me.

Making Choices

Do you ever feel like you have too many layouts?

And if you keep scrapping at this rate you will be totally over run by them! Sometimes I do but then I remember how much I enjoy it and like everything else, it has it's good points and not so good points. It's just a matter of weighing them out and choosing to do what you feel best about!

1. GOOD. I probably enjoy this craft/hobby more than any other one I have done.
2. BAD. The store I bought my albums at stopped carrying them so I have to look for a new place that carries them.
3. GOOD. I enjoy being able to combine so many of my interests into one hobby.
4. BAD. I have been known to spend quite a bundle on supplies when I should be getting other things I need. For instance, my splurge on stamps this past weekend!
5. GOOD. After working on my family history I realized just how important the story behind the picture really was and scrapbooking gives me the nudge to do this.
6. BAD. Too many pictures to scrap. But I don't remember seeing a rule that says I have to scrap every single one (even though I may try to). Pick the best and leave the rest! Just picking out the ones that really speak to me.
7. GOOD. I just can't say this enough - I enjoy it. Simple as that. Enough said!

I have always been an advocate of having a hobby! I encourage my family to find hobbies and support them in their current ones. Hobbies help a person unwind, relax and breathe. Something to focus on other than the problems and worries of everyday that tend to pile up whether we realize it or not. Plus they have an uncanny way of making you feel good about yourself! I can't think of any better reason than that! Can you?

Choice made! I will continue to scrap!

Keeping it current!

What keeps you coming back to the blogs you read?

I have my favorites that I read regularly for various reasons.

1. I know the person writing the blog
2. Good information
3. Good format
4. It stays current
5. It revolves are a variety of subjects that keep me interested.
6. Pictures. Nothing like a little eye candy to get my attention.

I know I am guilty of neglecting at least several of these so I have added my blog to my list of monthly goals over at Peek (http://www.apeekintoyesterday.com/index.html). These goals always help me push myself to accomplish things I would otherwise let slide. Some months I get each one completed while other months I don't but I still can't ignore the fact that posting them over here really does help me! For whatever reason!

The rain moved in on us over the weekend. Nothing like an overcast dreary day to catch a few extra zzz's and my new flowers will definitely benefit from it but this also made it hard for me to get outside to make some new pictures. And hopefully it has washed alot of that icky green pollen out of the air!

Friday Countdown

Ok, I'm guilty! I love love love houseplants! I love bringing home a new one but I am realistic and have my share of artificial plants sitting around as well. These are the ones I find on sale and feel will compliment a certain corner or either complete the balance where a live plant just doesn't work. Houseplants look pretty and fresh plus they help keep the air clean. And the right plant doesn't take much care. Those are the ones I buy. The low maintenance, low light plants (because inside our home doesn't get a lot of natural sunlight). Houseplants are but one of my many loves along with my backyard birds, photography and cheesecake! LOL! Part of the variety that adds spice to life! So now you know. Scrapbooking is not my only passion. There! I said it!

Starting today I will be doing a Friday Countdown at Peek each Friday so it seemed like a good idea to add it to my blog as well! A different topic each Friday and each one with 10 answers.


10 THINGS I DID THIS WEEK

1. Repotted flowers for new container garden
2. Went to the doctor
3. Laundry - of course
4. Cleaned around the bushes in the front yard
5. Went out to eat with Harold
6. Worked on a circle journal
7. Went to see MIL at the nursing home
8. Sat on the deck to enjoy my morning coffee
9. Made a quick grocery store run
10. Fell asleep during a movie on TV

Thursday Thoughts

Very seldom will I do a layout with all the same brands of PP. I just love to mix it up! I love to go through my stash and find older papers that I either forgot about or have become "in style" again! I'm a clean, straight lines scrapper. I'm just not comfortable with it if my design has no flow to it. I want the eye to glide over the finished layout instead of jumping around. Of course, others scrap this way and I just love their results but it just doesn't look as good when I do it! I have recently become hooked on using silhouette borders. They are so simple to make but using one or two in a darker or contrasting color can add so much to the layout!

Michael recently started a new job. Kind of far for him to drive each day but if that's what he wants to do then so be it! Ryan is looking around for a part time job while he still takes classes. Harold has been on his temporary icky schedule at work for almost a week now. Hopefully the remainder of the time left on this will fly by! I am usually able to get a lot of scrapping done when he is working these hours but not this time. Whiner has been driving me nuts! I'm not sure if it's the change in the household schedules or just old age but he will not give me more than 15 minutes of peace and quite before something happens and I have to jump up to take care of the situation! We talk about it being time to have him put down but then he seems to get better so we dismiss the idea and after awhile it all starts up again! But the time will soon come when we can no longer dismiss it or ignore it!

American Idol. My two favorite guys have been bumped off now - Sundance and Chris S. There are a few other good ones left but their style just doesn't really appeal to me that much so I will just concentrate on my favorite gals from here on out. I hate to see good singers knocked out of the loop for others who can't sing worth a toot just because a lot of star struck, giddy 13 year old girls think he's cute! I'm talking about Sanjaya of course. What's sad, is that I think Sanji boy is really starting to believe he's still there because he's good!

The weather is supposed to be cooler the next few days and mixed with occasional rain showers. It will probably feel more like Spring than mid Summer. Just as long as we have no overnight freezing temps, my flowers should enjoy it all.

Chatter

I haven't been getting on my scrapbooking message boards as often as usual. Several reasons. The warmer weather has been a magnet, pulling me to sit or work outdoors and enjoy these perfect days. Harold's schedule at work has kept me busier than usual doing extra things to help him out. Whiner hasn't had very many good days lately and just like a small child, he wants to be held and loved by mommy when he feels bad. I do try to check into my boards once or twice during the day whether I post anything or not.

American Idol is one of the few shows Harold and I watch together so even though we often feel bored with it, we watch it because it is our time to be together. Frankly I just feel sorry for Sanjaya. The little 17 year old boy who seems so overwhelmed and intimidated by the whole thing. Even if he does get voted off, this whole thing will probably leave a big scar on him for a long time! He reminds me of a deer caught in a car's headlights and just can't free himself from the inevitable disaster!

We have looked at some new houses just for fun. Sort of wishful window shopping. It is extremely doubtful that we ever move again but it is still fun to look and dream about a new place with space for things we would like to have but just don't have the room for here.

If you stop by, say hi! I always love to hear from you! And here is a splash of summer color to make you smile!

Hot Days and Bright Flowers

March is an odd month for us, weather wise. It can get extremely cold and even snow one day and the next day it will be a beautiful spring like day in the mid 70's. The past couple of days haven't been cold or even a comfortable like a Spring day. They have been HOT like a summer day in mid July! But the mornings and evenings have been pleasant and those are my favorite times to sit out back on the deck with my camera and cup of coffee while I enjoy the birds. Harold and I decided to take down a lot of older bushes that were starting to die off or getting too out of control. I will replace a few but not all of them. I can't stand the thought of not having another flower garden around the deck so this time around it will be a potted garden. Much easier in the long run because I can skip the awful chore of weeding and just as pretty to enjoy!

With the weather so warm, everyone has started their planting. I honestly think Spring skipped us completely this year! While we were out doing some weekend errands, I just couldn't resist picking up some plants to set out in my new container garden! Red petunias, colorful snap dragons, big yellow pansies, orange and red gerber daisies and of course some tomato plants! I agreed that these were enough to get me started and keep me busy until I go out again next weekend for some more!

Even this Wood Thrush enjoyed splashing around the birdbath today to cool off!

I'mmm Back!

I took a well needed break from blogging as you can see. Not something I like to do because I always guilty for neglecting my "duties" to it but sometimes you just do what you gotta do. One reason I haven't been around lately is that I've been lost in another world! The world of new products over at Peek (http://www.apeekintoyesterday.com/index.html)! So many new and wonderful supplies arriving almost daily! Some delicious new brads by Imaginisce and 7 Gypsies, Basic Grey's awesome new collections, some adorable things from Bam Pop and Rubber Soul plus so much more! Too much to name all at once! It's enough to make a gal feel light headed and woozy!

I recently started in on my spring cleaning routine. It's not Spring yet but who wants to be stuck inside and cleaning when the nice weather does arrive? Not me! The first thing I tackled was my scrapping area. It's more like a scrapping corner but it's amazing how much it was able to hold! As a matter of fact things kept piling up until I just couldn't find anything I wanted or needed. Time to re-organize and I did. It took a while but I am so happy with the results and I can find everything so easily now. My patterned papers are now in page protectors inside binders that sit on the bookshelf! This freed up a lot of space. Now I can thumb through the binders to find the PP I want to use instead of shuffling through stacks of unorganized papers! My rub ons, stickers, brads, stamps punches and more all have their own special "home" now and I can go right to them when needed. I am so happy with the outcome of all my hard work that I have promised myself to keep it neat! After all, it only takes a few minutes to clean up each time compared to hours if I let it go untended!

Plus I've been catching up on other blogs I like to read and the world of online scrapbooking in general. I found it interesting to read about tips for getting published or chosen for a Design Team! No, I'm not out to try and do either one of these. I guess I was amused more than anything. I have no intention of changing my style or scrapping just so it will make others happy. To do this just to gain recognition seems fake. These are my layouts that stay in my albums. I am more than happy to share them online and if they make a few people smile that's good but I will be true to my own style first and foremost! If I haven't been "discovered" by now, it just ain't gonna happen! LOL!

January ends

Alot of the message board people have gone to CHA and the message boards already seem SO lonely!! I need my chatter and gab! I can feel comfort in knowing that they will be picking out some wonderful goodies to stock the stores with! So for now I will scrap and wait for everyone to return so the chatter can resume then all the new goodies will be arriving soon!

My youngest ds went to register to vote after much lecturing from us about how it was his duty to show his support and vote. He received a letter the other day by registered mail from the County Board of Elections saying he had been denied voting privileges because after careful investigation it was determined that he WAS NOT a citizen of the United States!! ROFL! Uhhhh, I beg to differ with them! I should know. After all, I WAS THERE! So obviously their investigation wasn't as careful as they claim it was! LOL!

Whiner has started his new medication and to be honest I am already NOT very happy with it. I realize it has only been 3 days but is he really supposed to get worse before he gets better! Since he started the medicine we have noticed a BIG change in him and it is definitely for the worse!

If there is one I hate, it's being the new kid on the block in a new scrapbooking message board! I like to feel established (so to speak) with my roots firmly planted so I tend to shy away from joining too many new boards for that reason (as you can see in my sidebar links). However, the gals at Scrapper's Bliss have made being the "new kid' a very enjoyable experience and I plan on hanging around for quite awhile to let my roots grow firm and strong!

For some reason I can no longer get onto several of the message boards I have frequented in the past. It has happened before for short periods of time then we would be able to fix it by adjusting or changing the settings on our computer. I have not been able to acquire access to a few of these boards for over a month now and we have tried everything to no avail! I am no longer trying on a daily basis but I occasionally give it a try with no luck. Some people have told me it's possibly my server but we just aren't ready to change to another one yet.