Brynn's Birthday Card

Little tidbits of useless information:

Fantasy football updates:  I came in close to the bottom of two leagues (sigh). In the money league, after being in first place for most of the season, I came in 2nd. (Insert many expletives here). I did win $100. I was the only female in that league. However, I went out in the first round of the playoffs (sigh, again). And, for the fourth league, I came in first (no money, though, but great satisfaction as I, again, was the only female in the league), and I beat my significant other in the first round of the playoffs. (Note to Gary:  You would have had a chance, if you hadn't made your last-minute roster change. Bwaaaahahaha)! So I live to play another day to see who is the actual champion of that league. (Look out nephew, Ryan; I'm rough and tough, hard to bluff, and used to hardships. I am also full of s***)!

Real football updates:  We are Cardinals season ticket holders this year. For the first half of the season that meant grinning and bearing all manner of insults and teasing. But, for the second half of the season, it has meant cheering ourselves silly for each home game, as our team has found a way to win, win, win! Usually in overtime. So we have gotten more than our money's worth of entertainment. One more game to go (on New Year's Day), and then I think I will beg Gary to buy season tickets again for next year! This has been such fun!

Christmas decorating updates:  Nothing new to mention. Which means that a grinch is still possessing my body. Oh dear...

Christmas baking updates:  The upside--Merrilyn and Abby, (sister and niece), did a spectacular job of baking bazillions of cookies over a 4-day period to give away to perfect strangers. (I am not really sure about the "perfect strangers" part, but I do know that they gifted me, um, us, a bucket of them. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! And, too bad, Gary, if you work most of this week, and the cookies somehow magically disappear)!  And the downside--me, do any baking? Bah, humbug. See, there's that grinch again.

Card update: tomorrow is the 8th birthday of our granddaughter, Brynn. Her party was celebrated yesterday morning with a lovely brunch put on by our daughter and son-in-law. (Hey, Ang and Jon)! Brynn made out like a bandit, as family members on both sides gave her lovely gifts. (Although I am not sure how I really feel about the marshmallow rifle, Barry and TJ). Anyway, I actually finished Brynn's card in time to photograph it at 1:00 a.m. before I went to bed Saturday night. So I will give you the recipe below, and I am entering it into two challenges:

http://basicgreychallenges.blogspot.com/
http://outlawzchallenges.ning.com/group/birthdaycard/forum/topics/outlawz-challenge-december-19

Basic Grey Lauderdale DSP
Stampin' Up CS
Cryogen CS
DCWV CS
Magnolia Tilda with Balloon stamp
Stampin' Up Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp
SCACD Victoria Case "Street Views" City Skyline stamp
Memento Tuxedo Black ink
Stampin' Up Night of Navy ink
Prima Flowers
Stampin' Up brad
Glossy Accents
Sharpie White Poster Paint pen
Stickles Star Dust
Me and My Big Ideas Icons
Postage Stamps Window Die (inside card, not shown here)
Spellbinders Labels 4 dies
Spellbinders Edgeabilities Classic Bracket
Copic markers: Y02, Y06, Y08, YG0000, YG00, YG21, YG23, YG25, B0000, B21, B23, B24, B26, B91, YR20, W00, W1, G24, G28, C00, C0, C2, BV0000, BV11, BV13, E0000, E000, E00, E11, E13, E31, E35.

In case I don't blog again this week, (which is entirely possible--no, make that probable), I would like to wish everyone everywhere a Merry Christmas (or whatever you celebrate) and a very safe and Happy New Year!





Christmas Card Finally!

I know I haven't posted for a couple of weeks. Hey, I've been busy! Making Christmas cards. Only two dozen of them at that. But they were quite time-consuming, and I waited until the last minute this year. Drat! Yeah, my friend, Ellie, is right:  using Stickles on all the snowflakes was a bit over-the-top, especially when you consider how long it took me to do that. How long, you ask? I don't really know, except my hand kept cramping from squeezing those little bottles. Oh, yeah, it's hell getting old.

Anyway, here is my non-traditionally-colored 2011 Christmas card. And, if you didn't get one from me, you didn't send me a card in time for me to make you one. So there.

I'd say bah humbug, but I don't want you to get the idea that I hate Christmas. Just because I haven't put my tree up yet. Or done any baking. Or wrapped any gifts. Whatever.

I am going to post this card in the following challenge:

http://outlawzchallenges.ning.com/group/copicchallenge/forum/topics/copic-promarker-challenge-december-9

And, if you care, the recipe for my card is below. And if you don't care, that's OK. I like to keep the recipe for my own use. BTW, it is hard to see the glitter from the Stickles on the snowflakes. But, believe me, it's there!

Papertrey In the Meadow stamps
Stampendous Merry Snowman stamp
Papertrey In the Meadow dies
Cricket Winter Lace snowflake
Cheery Lynn Snowflake #2 and Snowflake #6 dies
Cheery Lynn Flurries XL Embossing Plate
SEI DSP and CS
Stampin' Up CS
Star Dust Stickles
Glossy Accents
Copic Markers:  BG000, BG01, BG05

Tristan's Birthday Card

Yay! I finally finished the card for my one-year-old great-nephew! I have been futzing over this for several days. I just couldn't "get" it. And why is that? Is a one-year-old even going to notice the card? Not likely. But, if he does, I figure it will be because of the bright colors I chose to use for it.

My niece, Abby, is having a birthday party for Tristan tomorrow. He actually turned one on the 30th, but that was in the middle of the week, and none of us could have gotten together then. So the family will all be there to celebrate tomorrow, and I am looking forward to it. Hopefully, he will get to eat a piece of birthday cake and get frosting all over his face. I so love pictures of that. Babies look so funny when they are a mess. Especially if someone else has to clean them up!

I expect to start my Christmas cards today, so that I can give some out tomorrow. But I am not sure just when I am going to do that. We have Gary's Christmas party this evening, so I am running out of time. I know, I know. That's nothing new for me.

So without further ado, here is the recipe for Tristan's card:

La-La Land Luka with Truck stamp
SU So Happy for You and Bring on the Cake stamps
Basic Grey Lime Rickey DSP and letter stickers; BG chipboard numberpile
Bazzill CS
Cuttlebug Spots and Dots embossing folder
Tim Holtz Philosophy Tags
SU trinket
Stickles Eucalyptus and Star Dust
Glossy Accents
Sharpie Poster Paint
Copics: B12, B14, B16, YG11, YG13, YG17, YR0000, YR12, YR14, YR16, YR21, R05, C0, C2, W1, W5, E0000, E000, E00, E11, E13, E15, E18

Wishing everyone everywhere a wonderful weekend!

Dad and the TV

So last week we were supposed to have our granddaughters for Saturday night. However, they were taking turns having digestive issues, so we rescheduled for this Saturday. Which means tomorrow night. If any of you were thinking I could go out and play tomorrow, think again. I will be busy playing at home with Kelsey and Brynn.

We went to the Deli yesterday for Thanksgiving with our daughter, son-in-law, granddaughters, and Gary's nephew, Jack. We had a very nice meal, complete with left-overs for today, and good company. Lots of laughs. And most of them were not directed at me. At least I don't think so. We came back to our house and watched some football while the youngsters watched movies in the den. It's good to have more than one TV and Blue-Ray player. You can entertain more diverse company that way.

Gee, I remember when our folks got their first television. Back in the 50's. It was a large cabinet, which contained a tiny b/w screen. And mostly what we saw was what was known as snow. Or test patterns. Since we lived in a tiny town in the mountains of northern Montana, we rarely saw many TV shows. There were not a lot of them back then anyway, and our reception was terrible where we lived. If there was a snowstorm in the winter (DUH), we saw "snow" on the TV, complete with a hissing static noise. Irritating. But not as irritating as our Dad, trying to fix whatever he thought was wrong with the television. OMG! It was crazy. He would get behind the set with a floor mirror set up so he could see the screen from behind the TV. Then he would fiddle with the tubes and whatever else he could get his hands on. And the picture would go from full to partial, straight to diagonal, and then fade to black. It was a delightful way to spend an evening in front of the television. Just ask my siblings. They remember it too, unless little Larry was too young to notice at the time. (He's not too young now, mind you, but he might have been in the 50's. Insert evil grin here).

So when I realize how spoiled I am right now with three televisions, (well, I have to have one in my craft room, don't you know), I get a little embarrassed. I am filled with riches, both physically and emotionally. I had much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving. An amazing husband, a really cool family, good health, beautiful home, a veritable cornucopia of riches, I tell ya. I am one lucky woman. One lucky old woman. But very lucky anyway. I thank God every day for this life of mine. I wouldn't trade it with anyone in the world. Yeah, riiiight. That may be going just a tad too far don't you think? 'Cuz it might be fun to see how the really rich people live. Just for a short time--like a day or two years. Something like that. You know, just to experience how the 1% deal with life, love, and way too much money! But, in the meantime, I really have nothing to complain about. Of course, I don't usually let that stop me! Oh, go ahead, just slap me.

 I finally made the card for the Bookendz November selection: Emily and Einstein. What a great book! Another one I would highly recommend to everybody. It is a fast and delicious read. 'Try it--you'll like it!' (Anybody remember what ad that came from? I don't, but I can't get the saying out of my head).

My card is below, and I am only entering it into the book club this month. I had planned on doing another challenge with it, but just couldn't get my mojo mojoing in time! Here is the recipe for the card:

Basic Grey Kraft and BoBunny Gabrielle DSP
Bazzill CS
Sarah Kay Fanny's Cuddle stamp
Autumn Leaves Postmarks stamp
Memento and Tsukineko ink
Miscellaneous ribbon
MS Pearl Stickers
Spellbinders Rectangle, Labels 23, Postage Stamps, Postage Stamp Edgeabilities dies
Copic markers: YR61, YR65, YR68, R0000, BG0000, BG10, BG11, BG15, E0000, E000, E00, E11, E13, E41, E43, E44, E55, E57, E59

Below are the link and the card for the book club.   Wishing everyone everywhere a wonderful weekend!

http://scrapbitzcopics.ning.com/group/bookends

Ron's Birthday Card

So my sister, Barbara, visited me for a few days this week. We had fun working on cards together. She even surprised me with a beautiful thank-you card, which she made right in front of me! And I was so focused on Ron's birthday card that I didn't even notice. Yeah, I'm not oblivious or anything. Much.

Anyway, we got quite a bit accomplished--I have a Christmas card design in mind and so does Barbara; I got Ron's card done and so did Barbara. But she also made a very cute card for our grand-nephew, Tristan, and I haven't yet. And she made the card for me. So, in terms of being productive, she has me beaten by a long shot!

While Barbara was here we had a couple of really good meals. That's because we went out to eat. I had basically nothing in my pantry or frig; just a few frozen entrees, (which we also gagged down for a meal). But we did enjoy eating at Kitchen 56 the day she came out. And we had a wonderful dinner at the Deli on Tuesday. Thursday we had a delicious meal at the Dhaba. However, I forgot to take my ranitidine before that dinner, silly me, and then I ate some super spicy chutneys. I promptly got a massive case of indigestion. Oh, mama, was I in pain that night. Not the fault of the restaurant, mind you. The fault of the diner, namely me. Geesh! Will I never learn? The next day Barbara and I ate at the Deli for lunch with our sister, Merrilyn. Another really good meal! Of course, if you sprinkle in the toast, bananas, and a veggie burger from Burger King that we consumed, you could make a case for some pretty crappy eating, too. Sorry, Barbara! I also need to thank my sweet sister for allowing me to show her my photos from the Maui trip Gary and I took in September.  :^)

Below is the birthday card I made for my brother-in-law, Ron. I am entering it into two challenges:

http://7kidschallengeblog.blogspot.com/
http://outlawzchallenges.ning.com/group/birthdaycard/forum/topics/greetings-challenge-november-14

I used the following to make this card:

Sarah Kay's Jean-Luc playing ball with Claude stamp
Stampin' Up Full of Life stamp
My Mind's Eye Paris & Co DSP 
Bazzill CS
Crate Paper Static Collection Die Cut
Spellbinders Labels 23 and Nestabilities Rectangles
Tim Holtz Spinner, Mini Clip, and Token
Stampin' Up Trinket
Ink by Memento and Ranger
Copic markers: E0000, E000, E00, E11, E13, E40, E42, E43, E44, E47, E49, C00, C0, C1, BG0000, BG000, B0000, B000

Here's hoping everyone everywhere is having a wonderful weekend!

Random thoughts

Where does the time go anyway? I cannot believe it is already Monday night! I did finish another book, so perhaps that's why the time has gotten away from me. Time, time, time. As Carolyn Myss says, we are obsessed with "time". (And the lack thereof.) Yeah, and the older we get, the less time we have, so the faster it seems to go. Bizarre.

I am about to have my sister, Barbara, for a few days. We are going to make cards while she is here. Thank goodness I will have her to push me! :^)  Apparently I need someone to do that right now.

We did get our house cleaned this weekend. And Gary was such a sweetheart--he even washed off our outdoor furniture, so we could sit outside if we wanted to. The weather is now nice enough to do just that.

Had lunch on the patio at the Olive Mill today with my niece, Abby. It was a lovely lunch--good food, good weather, and good company. I love when that all comes together, don't you?

My fantasy football team in the money league suffered a crushing defeat this weekend. I finally figured out, (it only took me two years), that I no longer want to play in money leagues. OMG, it's just too much pressure! Takes away all the fun and makes me CRAZY! (Or at least crazier than usual). So next year, if I am in any leagues, they will be just for fun. Life is too short to be worried about fantasy football, for goodness sakes. Geesh!

We are having the granddaughters overnight Saturday, so their parents can have an evening out for Jon's birthday.  I think all parents deserve a night without kiddos once in a while. Keeps them sane. All of them. They all need a break from each other for mental health. That's why Gary and I lost our sanity years ago--we couldn't get away from Angela. Oh, settle down, Ang, I am just kidding. (Actually, she was a very easy child to raise.--we were lucky!)  :^)

Here's wishing everyone everywhere a lovely rest of the week!

Jon's Card

I managed to finish a card for the birthday of our son-in-law. One November birthday down, and two to go. I also want to make a card for the Bookendz book club this month. And, then, there's that whole pesky design-our-Christmas-card task I have set for myself. Hmmmm.....something tells me I am in a world of hurt. And I only have myself to blame.

Yes, instead of creating cards, I was reading books. Like ten in the last two weeks. What???? Do you realize how many hours I have spent losing myself in other people's lives? And they aren't even real people!

This crap has to come to a screeching halt. Like pronto. I have company coming, a house to clean (obviously, if I have company coming, I need to clean my house!), granddaughters to babysit, and cards to make. I must confess:  I just want to read another book. I am seriously addicted; I need help. Got any ideas? And please don't come up with anything that will hurt.

While I await your constructive advice, I will enter Jon's card into a couple of challenges:

http://basicgreychallenges.blogspot.com/
http://scrapbitzcopics.ning.com/group/cmccopicchallengegroup

And the card recipe is:  Basic Grey Life of the Party and Basic Grey Lauderdale patterned paper, Stampin' Up CS, Cryogen CS, Magnolia Edwin with Bike stamp, Innovative Stamp Creations Presence of Trees stamp, Stampin' Up Full of Life stamp, Spellbinders Sprightly Sprockets and Postage Stamp dies,  Stampin' Up brads, Glossy Accents, and the following Copic markers: C00, C0, C1, C3, C5, C7, C9, E0000, E000, E00, E11, E13, E23, E25, E31, E50, Y02, Y06, Y08, B91, B93, B95, B97.

Wishing everyone everywhere a wonderful weekend!

Wine, women, and football

Hey, there! I do not have a new card to display, but thought I would touch base with you. Isn't that a strange saying? Does it come from baseball? And why would you touch a base with someone else in baseball unless you were trying to get them out? So, if I touch base with you, am I trying to get you out? Out of what exactly? Inquiring minds want to know. (Get back to me if you have the answers to these questions, please).

So I am sitting here in leggings, socks, shirt, and a long-sleeved jacket. What the h***? How did it get cold enough for me to be dressed like winter? When it was 90 degrees just a few days back? Keerazy, huh? Actually, I am thrilled to have a change in the weather, but my body has not caught up with it yet. I haven't gotten acclimated, so I am freezing. (Technically, I am not freezing, but it surely feels like I am). I repeat, what the h***?

Fortunately, since it is so much cooler, we are getting our wines this week from Oregon. Some will show up today, and the rest probably Thursday or Friday. This is exciting news! Well, maybe not to you, but it is to me! I have been waiting for four months to get the wine we ordered. We are getting at least a dozen bottles; I hope we have enough room in our new wine cooler for them all! If not, I guess we just have to start drinking our present supply to make room. Yeah, life is tough.

I have been reading like a fiend. (How does a fiend read?) I just can't stop diving into books; it's almost like an illness with me right now. I need to stop reading soon, because I have to get going on some birthday cards (three male ones for this month), and I need to design my Christmas card. It's already the 7th of November, People, and that is just. plain. wrong. I need more time.

Went to the Rubber Stamp show with my sister, Barbara, on Saturday. I spent quite a bit of money and never bought a stamp. Don't need any at the moment. But I did find some wonderful Cheery Lynn dies that I just couldn't live without. Oh, you know what I mean. I keep saying that I have to get the tools right now, before Gary retires--after he retires the income will go down so much that I won't have the extra cash for tools. I'll have to use my spending allowance on paper and adhesive and envelopes. Speaking of envelopes, I got a screaming deal on some 7" square ones at the stamp show. Made out of Cryogen paper, and 25 for $5.00. Twenty cents apiece, are you kidding me? I got 200 of them. And then realized how heavy they were to cart around the show! Not my brightest-bulb moment, but still a really good buy! Oh, and the dies I got? A couple of butterflies (can't have enough of those!), a cool snowflake, and some wonderful doily dies! Yeah, I'm a happy camper! We had a good time and a nice lunch in downtown Mesa at Mango's.

Then yesterday we had a Cardinals' game. Now, I really wasn't looking forward to it, I must admit. They had only won once this year, after all. I kind of dragged my feet getting ready (not on purpose--really), so we got there a wee bit late. Actually, we were there in time,  but it took forever to get into the stadium. OK, not forever, but it was a lonnnng time! (They not only search handbags, but they frisk everyone!) So we missed the Cards getting their first score. But we did see the rest of the game, including overtime. If I had had my way, we would have missed the end. I whined at Gary to leave during the third quarter, 'cuz things were not going well for the Cardinals. Two safeties? Really? And I was ready to bug out of there, but Gary said, no, we were staying until the end of the game. Bless him. The end was really exciting; and when the Cards won in overtime, I was jumping up and down like a little kid. I really didn't know I still had that in me! So I am really happy that we went and stayed for the finish. It was fun to be a part of that wild energy after the game; we fans finally had something to feel good about!

So, I could go on and on about my fantasy teams, but I will spare you that drama. Suffice it it say, it ain't over 'til it's over, and I just may win the most important game of the season tonight! That would put me in first place by myself in the money league--and I am the only female in that league. Wish me luck! Please?? And I wish you a wonderful week!

Food for Thought

So, this month we have gone out to eat quite a bit. I know, so what is new, right? But I thought I would bring you up-to-date on the new restaurants we visited. (Yes, we went to the Deli several times, but that doesn't count as a 'new' restaurant; yes, the food was great at the Deli, as usual). Anyway, we had this dining card to use, which gave you a buy one meal, get one meal free. So we used it three times in the past two weeks, mainly because the card is going to expire on November 1.

The first dining card restaurant we visited was J & G Steakhouse at the Phoenician. We were on the fifth floor of the resort, seated next to the window, with a beautiful view of Phoenix and the sunset. We got to watch planes landing at the airport, which was rather pretty at night. But the best part was the food. Sensational! If you get the chance, do try this restaurant. I know it seems like it would be just another steakhouse, among many, but it really isn't. Gary started the meal with chilled lobster, served with a lemon aioli; I started with a steamed shrimp salad, served with avocado and mushroom champagne vinaigrette. OMG, OMG, OMG. I think I could have made a meal of that salad if it had been larger. It was that good! We then both had steak--hey, it's a steakhouse! The filet is so thick, tender, juicy, oh just so delicious! It was served with four different sauces, all of which were wonderful; but I think my favorite was the black pepper condiment. Oh, my, so tasty! We had side dishes of asparagus and potato gratin; the asparagus was very good, but the potatoes were not to be missed! Really. We were so full that we finished the meal with a light sorbet. Stuffed we were when we left.

The second dining card restaurant we visited was Wright's at the Biltmore. We went with friends, John and Carol, and had a very fun evening. The food there was also wonderful. Gary and I both started our meal with the lobster bisque, served in a puff pastry--very yummy! For main courses Gary had the scallops, which he loved; and I had the filet (with mushrooms and vegetables), which was really superb! My brain told me at the beginning of the meal that I could eat a chocolate souffle at the end of the meal. Well, not so much. I was so danged full that I could only manage to eat about half of my dessert. Unheard of! Sacrilege! And it was sooooo good! :^) I also had a wonderful laugh at the end of the evening. Carol and I stopped to powder our noses (yeah, right), and when we came out Carol asked the guys if they were looking for us. Quick as a whip, John said, no, they were waiting for someone much younger. Now, it may not sound funny to you, but it tickled my funny bone something fierce. Probably because it seemed so un-John-like. I laughed. A lot. It was a mighty good thing I "powdered my nose" first, or I could have had a serious accident! I laughed until I cried. I must have made quite the exit from the resort. Oh, well, it's not like I'll be going back there again anytime soon. They aren't on this next year's dining card! LOL!

We visited T. Cook's at the Royal Palms just last night. I've got to say, it was my least favorite of the three on the dining card. We started with soup--Gary had lobster bisque again, and I had the evening's fall special of carrot and ginger. Both soups were wonderful. Then I ordered the lobster entree, and it left something to be desired--like tenderness and true lobster flavor. Gary had lamb and thought it was good. But neither of us was blown away. We finished the meal with hand-rolled truffles, which were my favorite part of the meal. They were excellent!

Not on our dining card, (and much more casual), but a great place to go is The Herb Box at Southbridge. We met our dining club for the monthly get-together and had such a great time! We laughed so much (at very inappropriate dinner conversation), that the people at the next table asked to be moved--to the patio outside, no less. They wanted to get as FAR away from our group as possible. But our waiters just laughed and said that our group was fun for them. So, what the heck. The food was really good--we had fried stuffed olives for an appetizer. Never tried those before, but will have them again. Tasty! Then I had the jalapeno-marinated chicken entree, which was wonderful! Tender, juicy and flavorful. Gary had butternut-squash enchiladas, which he really enjoyed. We finished with the apple-topped bread pudding, served with salted caramel sauce and salted caramel ice cream. Yup, another OMG! Gary said it's the best bread pudding he's ever had. If you try the Herb Box, be sure to try this dessert. It will make your day! :^)

I enjoyed the Herb Box dinner so much that I went back there for lunch with my sister, Merrilyn! Hi, Seestor! I had the day's lunch special of blackened fish tacos--fabulous. She had a chicken wrap, which she liked, although I think I enjoyed my lunch more than she did. Then we shared the bread pudding, and she said it's the best she's ever had, too! Soooo good.

Well, that's enough food talk for now. I have a card to post for the CMC Bookendz Book Club. The book for October is The Mercy of Thin Air by Ronlyn Domingue. I loved this book. I read it twice in one month; mostly so I could figure out what kind of card to make for it, but also to refresh my memory for our book discussion chat. It was such a unique story--I highly recommend it for reading.

My card recipe:  Inkadinkado Friendship Heart Stamp, Stampin' Up Pursuit of Happiness Stamp,  Stampin' Up Hello Doily Stamp, Stampin' Up CS, Stampin' Up First Edition DSP, Stampin' Up Ink, My Favorite Things High Tea Party Doily Die, Marianne Designs leaf die, Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels 3 die, Stampin' Up brads, Prima roses, Wild Orchid rose.

For the babies

For some reason it has taken me a long time to get my mojo back. I finally sat down yesterday to work on the baby card, and it was like pulling teeth. You know, slowly rocking the teeth back and forth, while exerting extreme pressure, but this time with no anesthetic. Yes, painful would be a good word to describe what I was going through. The design just would not work its way to the surface of my brain. I futzed with it, slowly rocking it back and forth, etc. Egads, it seemed to take forever. And then I gave up for the night and started reading a new book.

Sooooo, I got back into it today and FINALLY! Some semblance of a design inched its way out of my very tired brain. I let it simmer on my desk for a while. So I could look at it with fresh eyes. Not really. That was just an excuse so I could go finish the book I started last night after I gave up on the card. It was a freakish thing, too. The book, not the card. At least I don't think the card turned out freakish. But the book certainly did. I would not recommend it to anyone, so don't even ask. The book, not the card. Again.

Okey dokey. Well,  after I finished the freakish book, I went back to my craft room and the card for the twins. And I decided that the design was OK, so I glued everything down. Certainly wasn't what I pictured to begin with, but my designs seldom are. They morph into something else by the time all is said and done. I am satisfied. Good thing, too, or I would start pulling out my new haircut.

Oh yeah, I got a new haircut on Tuesday. I was supposed to get it from my hairdresser, whom I have been to for 20+ years. Ever since she got out of beauty school (do they call it that anymore?). But I got on my computer a half hour before I was supposed to leave for my appointment, and managed to zone out while working on my fantasy football leagues. The next time I looked at the clock, it was 20 minutes after I should have left the house. OMG! I've never gotten out of the house so fast! I called my hairdresser to let her know I was late, but she didn't answer her phone. So I left a message explaining that I was 20 minutes late, but I was on my way. And if she couldn't see me after all to please call.

Well, unfortunately she did call, but not until I was almost all the way there. And she could not see me. I got off the freeway and headed for home. I was so bummed out, because I wanted to get a new hairstyle in the worst way.  And suddenly it hit me--I could try Toni and Guy at the San Tan Mall. It was on the way home. I called and got an appointment right away. I showed the new hair stylist a photo, and she did a good job replicating the hairstyle in it. Then it dawned on me how close this salon is to my home. And how far away my other hairdresser is. And I decided to make the change to save me time and gas. I called my "old" stylist and told her of my decision, and she understood completely; she thanked me for letting her know. Apparently not all people notify their hairdressers if they are making a change. Anyway, due to the distance after we moved, I had already changed my dentist and my doctor. Now that I have changed my hair expert, my ties to the old neighborhood are finally cut. But I digress.

Back to our regular programming:  here is the baby card recipe:

Baby Bundle Stamps by Stampin' Up
Stampin' Up CS and inks
Basic Grey Lemonade patterned paper
Me and My Big Ideas rhinestones
Swirl dies by Marianne Designs
Spellbinders Labels 22, 23, and 12
Spellbinders Circle and Leaves dies
Doohickey swirl and leaf dies
Copic markers: E000, E00, E11, W1, W3, YG21, YG23, YG25, R81, R83, R85

I'm baaaack!

Gosh, I haven't posted in a very long time. Mostly because I was gone to Maui with Gary for almost 3 weeks. And he didn't want me posting from Maui; he didn't want me to let the Internet know we were not at home. Security risk, and all that. I know, I know. It would have been fine, but I really didn't want him to worry while he was on vacation, so I didn't post anything to ease his mind. We have been back for 10 days; why haven't I posted in those 10 days? Well, let's see: I was exhausted, my brain was fried, I read three books, I had nothing to say, and I was just too damn lazy. There. That's it in a nutshell.

Actually, I have been too lazy to do most anything, except read and watch the TV shows we Tivo'd while we were gone. You see, I don't travel much. Not much at all. And 19 days in Maui was fabulous, but also traumatic for me. It's hard for me to be away from home, especially for that long. I am such a homebody. It's almost a sickness. Well, maybe it is a sickness. What do they call it? Agoraphobia? Or something similar. I don't know; I just know it is hard for me to go places. So, when we finally got back home, I laid low. Really low. Like, stay-at-home-and-leave-me-alone-so-I-can-recover low. That's why it seems I am so lazy. You know, I am really good at rationalizing my strange behavior, don't you think?

I need to get back to my normal life. The one where I read, watch TV--oh wait, I have been doing that! Yes, but I have not been creating anything. And I do miss that. And I have a card to make for our neighbors, who had twin girls the day we got back from Maui. The babies were premature, and only one is at home now. Hopefully, the other baby will get strong enough to come home soon. So I need to get busy and make a card. I have been avoiding that--primarily because I am still recovering from our trip. But also because I don't have any stamps that say congratulations on your babies. Plural. I just have the "baby" stamps; and I certainly don't want to use those. So I am trying to figure out a nice card that will show two babies, not just one. And I just about have that design in my head, so I will soon transfer it to paper.

Oh, and last weekend, while I was still recovering on the couch, Gary and daughter Angela went to Minnesota for a Vikings/Cardinals game, (which was coyote-ugly for the Cardinals). I forgot my point about their trip for a moment. Oh yeah, they went to the Mall of America for the first time. It really is quite something to see. And they went to an Archiver's store there, you know, for paper-crafting stuff. And Gary bought me three stamps; well, actually two stamps and one set of three stamps. Which was really sweet. And my point here is that I now know what I am using for our Christmas cards this year, because one of the stamps he bought me is a cute snowman. (Gary has a thing for snowmen, and no, I don't think that is kinky). So a snowman-Christmas-card this year it will be.

I will probably post the baby card when I finish it. I don't know if I should post the Christmas card when I get it designed. After all, then my family will know exactly what they are getting before I send it. So there would be no need to send it to them, thus saving me hours of work and a bit of money. Hey, that's actually a great idea! I'll just post it and then email it to them. Ha! Oh,  relax, I'm just kidding. Sorta.

Anyway, it's good to be back, although I miss Maui. It is so beautiful over there, and the snorkeling in Ka'anapali is fabulous. It's so good we are going back next spring. Of course, I can' t say when because Gary would worry about the security thing again. Yes, it's difficult to be him. And, I will again go through my trauma, especially when we come home. It's also difficult to be me.  ;^)

Here's wishing everyone everywhere a wonderful rest of the week!

I can't believe I found them!

Well, color me stupid! I just found my "lost" posts. Yeah, they were in my 'edit posts' file; they were labeled 'drafts'. Oh, me. Chalk it up to being new to blogging, inept with computer skills, and just plain old. But I thought I would go ahead and publish the second "lost post". Because you wouldn't want to miss this terrific piece of writing. Really. Yes, I am just kidding. But at least it will catch you up on some things. And I repeated the information on this week's card. So here goes:

I just finished writing a fantastic entry. Really. It was the funniest, best piece I have ever written. And no one can dispute that, because no one will ever see it. Somehow I managed to delete the damn thing before I posted it. And I don't know how that happened. So now I have to start all over again, and believe you me (is that grammatically correct), this one can't possibly match the excellence of the one I lost. Period.

I did mention, in this lost piece, how happy Gary is to finally be on sabbatical for five weeks. He's delirious. Not really, but he is quite happy. Except for last night at dinner. He did get upset with me when I remembered just minutes before the NFL season started that he screwed up our family-league schedule. Hey, it wasn't my fault that I noticed the scheduling problem in the middle of the night, and that this fact didn't stick with me when I got up yesterday. I think he should have seen the problem, since he is the commish of that league. And I am just a lowly league member. Fortunately, he did manage to correct the problem using my cellphone during dinner. (Yes, his phone was out of juice, adding to his consternation). After he solved the dilemma, he got over his upset. Oh, btw, the scheduling problem involved our newest member, John Kaslow (honorary brother for our family league). Gary put John on bye week for the whole season. Which meant he wouldn't be able to actually participate. Well, hi-howdy, John, and welcome to our family league! (Btw, dinner was delish at the Deli (as usual). We had crab-and-shrimp cakes, a sweet corn saute, and a summer slaw, served with a Chardonnay and followed by a lovely custard. Mmmmm, mmmmm, good).

Oh, I also mentioned, in the lost post, that Gary went bowling on the first day of his sabbatical and then went to his eye appointment. The one where he was to find out if he has glaucoma or not. Fortunately his vision is not deteriorating at the present time. We were very glad to hear that. He goes back in four months for another check-up. He does, however, have dry-eye. Just like I do. It's no big deal--you just hydrate your eyes several times a day with eye drops. Actually, I think that dry-eye is probably more common here in the desert than people realize. And age, no doubt, has something to do with dry-eye as well. Not that we're old or anything. Stop laughing. This minute.

Would you believe we have another draft tonight for fantasy football? Well, of course, you would. It's only my fourth league this year. Gosh, I am really a glutton for punishment, aren't I? This is an auction league, which means that you get to bid for your players with imaginary money. Maybe I will end up with a fun team on this league. Who knows? But I am sure you will be waiting with baited breath to find out. Not.

So I also said, in that wonderful lost posting, that I finally finished the card I mentioned in my blog last Saturday. And I am so glad that you didn't hold your breath waiting to see it. Honestly, I cannot believe it took me a whole week to make that card. Truly. It was the most exasperating card I have ever done. Basically because I made it hard on myself. I wanted a certain look, and I spent hours, and hours, and hours trying to get it. I tried bazillions of die cuts and flowers. Well, not really. But it was a LOT of different ones. I tried dozens of different arrangements. OK, maybe just a couple of dozen before I settled on the one you see below. I think that I was trying too hard to represent the story (The Language of Flowers), for the book club I am in. And then I was also attempting to meet the requirements of five different card challenges. So I guess it's no wonder that it took me so long. Anyway, the components of my card are as follows:

Basic Grey Sweet Threads designer paper, Stampin' Up CS, Alota Mini Flower Shop, Magnolia Mini Happy Spring Tilda, Hero Arts Birthday Message, Magnolia Doohickey dies, Marianne Designs die, Nestabilities dies, Wild Orchid roses, ZvaCreative and Recollections crystals, Glossy Accents, Signo Uniball white, and, of course, Copic markers. The colors used were: E000, E00, E11, E25, E31, E35, E39, E50, C00, C0, C1, BG000, BG10, YG0000, YG95, YG97, YG99, W00, RV000, RV10, RV13, and RV17.

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

CMC Bookendz Challenge #2
Basic Grey Challenge #52
Magnolia 10th Inspiration Challenge
7 Kids Challenge #29 - Easel Cards
Copic Creations Challenge #57 Pretty in Pink

We're spending a sports-filled weekend. We have a Diamondbacks game tomorrow night and then a Cardinals game on Sunday afternoon. Here's wishing everyone everywhere as lovely a weekend as I will have!

Heavy sigh

I am so defeated. I wrote two really great posts, both very witty and interesting. At least, according to me. But both of them got deleted before I could post them. Then I tried to write a very short post to explain this to you, and to showcase my card, (which took me forever to make). And I accidentally deleted that short post, too. So I am now writing this on MS Word, (as Gary recommended), and then will copy it to my blog. This will be very brief, because I just don't have the energy to go through another great rendition of the past week. Suffice it to say, I think you would have enjoyed either long post that now reside in Never-Never-Land. Heavy sigh.

My recipe for this card:  Basic Grey Sweet Threads designer paper, Stampin' Up CS, Alota Mini Flower Shop, Magnolia Mini Happy Spring Tilda, Magnolia Doohickey dies, Marianne Designs die, Nestabilities dies, Wild Orchid roses, ZvaCreative and Recollections crystals, Glossy Accents, Signo Uniball white pen, and, of course, Copic markers.  Colors used were:  E000, E00, E11, E25, E31, E35, E39, E50, C00, C0, C1, BG000, BG10, YG0000, YG95, YG97, YG99, W00, RV000, RV10, RV13, and RV17.

I am entering it into the following challenges:

http://scrapbitzcopics.ning.com/group/bookends

http://basicgreychallenges.blogspot.com/

http://magnolia-liciouschallengeblog.blogspot.com/

http://7kidschallengeblog.blogspot.com/

http://copiccreations.wordpress.com/

Here's wishing everyone everywhere a wonderful weekend!

Headdesk

Headdesk is a word my daughter, Angela, uses to express frustration with things--usually her daughters, but not always. Well, today I am using her word to show my frustration with Angela Gary the world, oh OK, with myself. Yeah, I am banging my head on my desk. Mostly to knock some sense into myself. Partly to knock the cobwebs out of myself. And, partly, just because I can.

I am warning you in advance, this pertains to Fantasy Football. Again.

Thursday night was supposed to be our draft night for Gary's work league, but we drafted on Wednesday night instead. An in-person draft again, which I really hate. I am much more at ease making decisions in the privacy of my own home, in front of my own computer, in loose clothing, no make-up, and crazy hair. (Hence, this blog)! Besides, I am going to be the only female in a league of eight people. Really makes me feel uneasy. Don't know why, don't care. Fortunately, two of the men didn't show up, so I was only outnumbered 5 to 1.

I got comfortable on my bar stool and prepared my draft papers. (That's a half-truth. I did prepare my draft papers, but there is no way a 62-year old woman can get comfortable on a wooden bar stool.) The draft started, and I was next-to-last to draft. Great. All the best running backs were gone. So I took the top quarterback, my fav, Aaron Rodgers. My team was starting out on the right note. And that's when it hit me. The stupid stick. Apparently, it hit me over and over again for the rest of the draft. I don't remember.

What I did realize, later that night, is that I drafted two running backs with a 6-bye week, two running backs with a 7-bye week, and a wide receiver with a 7-bye week. This would be OK if I had 35 players on my team. But since I only have 15 players, it was too stupid for words. Really. I now have no way to move guys in and out of positions when needed. Gawd. Help. me. And, to add insult to injury, I drafted a kicker who is hurt and cannot play. Brilliant.

Now, this particular league is a money league. Which means it cost me Gary $70 to enter. Gag. And I have to pay to trade players. OUCH. Which I will have to do next week to get a healthy kicker, not to mention the fortune I will spend when bye week #6 rolls around. So it's no wonder that I was sleepless Wednesday night, thinking about all the inane decisions I made during the draft, and how I needed to correct them. In the morning, Gary told me that I need not get too anxious about the running backs and wide receivers right now. He said to wait and see how they play--that way I would know which under-performers to get rid of. That did help calm me. In fact, I got so relaxed I was able to take a really good nap on Thursday. (Of course, I can take a really good nap any day of the week). Thank you, Gary, for coming to my rescue again. See, I knew I married him for a reason. (And besides, he didn't get mad over the fact that I needed to spend money right away to take care of my boo-boos. Bless his sweet heart.).

So I still have to draft for the family league. This will be an online draft on Sunday night; I am tempted to let it auto-draft for me. (That way I can claim innocence and not stupidity when I get a crummy team). Anyway, I was feeling happy that it was the last draft I would have to do this year. Hold on. Yup, wait just a gosh-darn minute. Gary talked me into another league--how the hell did that happen? And this one requires that you bid on players. Charming. Good thing that it is pretend money you use for your bids. But, I don't think that is going to help me much. Sigh. I think I need to just say no to fantasy football next year, don't you?

I will be back in a couple of days to show you my new card that is being created as we speak. Well, not really. But I do have some things figured out for it, and I am going to my craft room now to work on it. So stay tuned. And, pray for me, please. I obviously need help.

In the meantime, I wish everyone everywhere a great holiday weekend!

Are you ready for some football?

Well, it's official! Fantasy football is here for 2011! I was at my first draft of the year tonight--for the Deli league. Of course, I did NOT get most of the players I was coveting. But then, last year, I wasn't particularly happy about my team either, and I won the title for the second year in a row. Do you think I can go for three? Odds are not in my favor, but I will have fun trying! And, crazy me, I have two more drafts to do for other leagues. Gary is trying to talk me into a fourth league. I am hoping he fuhgeddsaboudit! KWIM?

Last night we attended the Cardinals' first home game, albeit a preseason one. It was a really HOT walk from the parking lot to the stadium. I needed a shower after we got to our seats, which are in the upper, upper deck. :^) But we can see the whole field really well, and our seats are on the 35-yard line, so I am happy with the location. The game was fun to watch--saw some really exciting plays on both sides of the ball. And the walk back to the car was not as traumatic--it was dark, the air and pavement had cooled off, and a little breeze was blowing. All in all, a nice evening to share with Gary.

We had two eating adventures this weekend. We went to Tien Wong Hot Pot in Chandler on Friday night. Gary picked it out because it was in the Phoenix Magazine's 23 Best New Restaurants list. I wasn't particularly excited about it--after all, it is the Chinese version of fondue. And, for some reason, that didn't sound great in 100+ degree heat. Was I ever wrong, wrong, wrong. Yes, there is a first time for everything. Anyway, the food was incredibly delicious! We started with the spicy lemongrass broth, which they brought to the hot plate on our table. After it heated to boiling (in a flash!), we cooked lobster, clams, pork dumplings, pea tips, baby bok choy, oyster mushrooms, enoki mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, and somen noodles in it. There were also two dipping sauces to use if we wanted. OMG. Soooo good! If you live in the area, do stop by and try this little place; it's well worth the visit! But, be aware that you can get drips and drabs on your clothing. Pack a bib!

The other eating adventure was last night before the football game. Gary decided we should try the Arrogant Butcher in downtown Phoenix at CityScape, which is also listed as one of the 23 best new restaurants. Score! We had several appetizers: crescenza cheese with razz cherry marmalade and crusty bread, prosciutto and hot coppa served with house-made mustard and crusty bread, grilled asparagus, roasted peppers, and marinated olives. Oh. so. good. And light. We ended with a salted caramel pudding. Which Gary said he would taste. And then he ate over half of it, because it just melted in your mouth. Yum! If you live anywhere in the Valley of the Sun, take a trip downtown and try this unique place! I think you will love it.

I will mention two other things. I did not consume any alcohol with my meals this weekend. After my wine overload at the wine dinner on Wednesday, I just was not in the mood. Gee, I wonder why! And, secondly, I was able to get into my new crop pants for the game Saturday night! Yay! I think I will actually be OK on the upcoming trip wearing my new wardrobe. Hallelujah! I don't have to explain to Gary why I spent his hard-earned money on clothing I can't seem to get into! And, btw, I do feel better as a smaller size. I no longer get out of breath when I wipe down the shower! VBG!

OK, that's it for the update. Here's hoping everyone everywhere is safe and having a wonderful week!

Excessive much?

This has been the week of excess. Not just in our heat wave, (which seems more like a heat tsunami, if there was such a thing), but in food and drink. For me at least. It has also been the week of my favorite local restaurant, the Deli. Which I think is actually "the deli", but that just doesn't look right in a sentence, does it?

Anyway, I am still trying to get fit for our upcoming trip to Maui. Yeah, good luck with that. So on Monday, my friend Ellie asked me if I would like to attend the Trilogy Scrapbooking Club on Wednesday--our super SU rep, Diana Gibbs, would be there doing a couple of make-and-takes. And then we would go to lunch at the Deli, (the deli). Well, she didn't have to ask me twice, now did she. So, after the club fun, we trekked out to Queen Creek, (which is only a couple of miles away), to have another delicious lunch at our "hangout". For me it was the 1/2 club sandwich and the soup-of-the-week, tomato bisque. Oh, yum! I restrained myself from having dessert, since I had eaten a cookie at the club meeting. Yes, I know, Baaaaad Penny.

Then it was back to the Deli (the deli), for the monthly wine dinner that same night, this time with my infamous spouse, Gary. And our lovely waitress gave us generous pours for each of the three scrumptious courses. The pours were so generous, in fact, that I was quite inebriated when I left. Which I really don't care to be. So, next time I will be sensible and ask for smaller wine portions. Silly me. OMG, I had a serious hangover yesterday! Anyway, the first course was shrimp skewers served with crunchy apples and an Italian dipping sauce. Heaven. On a tray. This was followed by a lovely spinach salad with a warm prosciutto dressing. In a bowl. Then the main course was a wonderful filet mignon in a Cabernet wine butter sauce with sugar snap peas and mashed potatoes. On a plate. The only disappointment was the dessert. Don't get me wrong: it was great. as usual, but not what I had expected. We shared their superb carrot cake. Also on a plate. But I had seen the evening's special dessert--a beautiful berry custard--when I was in earlier for lunch. And they ran out of it before we could order. Dang it. I was all set for Nicole's excellent custard and someone slammed on the brakes. Sigh....

OK, so yesterday I was not feeling good. I did manage to get some laundry done, my exercising in, and even worked on today's card. But then the crash came, and I toddled off to bed for a long afternoon nap. Yeah, the old grey mare just ain't what she used to be. Can't handle three glasses of wine at one meal. No sirree, Bub.

So today I met my darling daughter, Angela, for lunch. Guess where? Yup, see how smart you are? The Deli (the deli) again! That's three, count 'em, three times this week. That seems to be a bit excessive, huh? Except that the food is so good, and I had different things to eat each time. Today it was a yummy crab meat sandwich, with the tomato bisque soup. (Well, the soup was so good on Wednesday, I just had to have it again today). Then we followed that with one of the Deli's (the deli's) chocolate chunk cookies. These cookies do not have just a few chocolate chips in them; no way, they are loaded with chocolate chips. More chips than cookie dough. So they are chocolate chunks, and oh soooo good! And thank you, again, for lunch, Darling Daughter. And, btw, your eyebrows are gorgeous! :^)

OK, so I didn't need the cookie. I know. Don't rub it in. I have no will power when it comes to desserts. Perhaps I should just eat them and skip the meals altogether. No? Ah, you're probably right. Anyway, I am now stuffed, again, and ready to show you my card for the week. I am entering this into two challenges:

CMC Copic Challenge #25, Winged Things: http://scrapbitzcopics.ning.com/group/cmccopicchallengegroup

Copic Creations Challenge #56, Blue-Greens:  http://copiccreations.wordpress.com/

My recipe for this card is as follows: take one Magnolia Edwin with Butterfly image, stamp it, color it with Copics, cut it out, and add it to patterned paper and butterflies. Oh, OK, I'll be a little more specific, just for you:

I used the following Copics:  E0000, E000, E00, E11, E13, E25, E31, E50, BG70, BG72, BG75, BG78, C00, C0, C7, YG0000, YG03.

I used paper from the following collections:  DCWV Linen Closet, DCWV Far East, My Mind's Eye Honey Cake, Kaisercraft Chapter 1, and Magnolia Butterfly Dreams. Die-cuts were done with Nestabilities Circles, Magnolia Doohickey Fence and Vintage Tag, and Sweet Stamps Butterfly dies. I added some miscellaneous buttons and Tim Holtz trinkets. That's it.

And, please, everyone everywhere, be sure to have a great weekend!

Making up for lost time

I am back again--so soon? Yup! I am making up for the time I lost while I was in my book-reading frenzy. I do that at least once a year. I dive into books and don't come up for air until my appetite is satiated. And I am now back into crafting mode.

So......I have a new card today. I suddenly realized there is a little boy we know with a birthday September 4. I was mulling over, (yes, I did use that word), what image I should color, when I remembered that I already colored one for a CMC class. Eureka! How to make a quick card, huh? Well, not so much. It took me hours to figure out that I needed to cut out the colored image, and even more hours to create a card with it. Don't ask. I can't explain why.

Anyway, while Gary did practice draft after practice draft for fantasy football yesterday, I was working on Miles' card. Yes, it appears we lead separate lives right now. Not to worry--this happens every year at this time. I could be on fire, choking to death, or running around naked (now that's an unpleasant thought), and he would not notice. He is too wrapped up in practicing a fantasy football draft than he is in life itself. And I am now OK with that since I have my own room I can go play in.

Back to the card: I decided I could enter it into a couple of card challenges while I was at it. So I am submitting it to:

Magnolia-licious:  http://magnolia-liciouschallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Basic Grey:           http://basicgreychallenges.blogspot.com/

And, if there is anyone out there reading this who can explain how I use the link so that the whole web address doesn't show, please explain it to me. Of course, you may need to repeat yourself a time or two or ten, since I am not the most computer-savvy person in the world. And I'm old. 

I used the Magnolia Edwin with bike image that I had previously colored in a monochromatic black-and-white. Of course, I colored it with Copics, but I cannot remember the exact ones. I used the C family, probably C00 through C9. I won't swear to that, mind you, because I cannot recall exactly. Remember, I'm old.

I used Basic Grey Basic White patterned paper and SU card stock. My die cuts were done with Spellbinders Labels 8, 20, and Grand ovals, along with a Magnolia Doohickey fence. The Label 8 die cut was embossed with a Cuttlebug Clockworks folder. I added SU ribbon, and Tim Holtz trinkets. Isn't it a wonder that I showed a little restraint with the embellishments? Yeah, I thought so, too.

There are a couple more challenges I want to enter this month, so I hope to show you another card in two or three days. Shocking, huh? And here's wishing everyone everywhere a most magnificent day!

Hmmmmm.....

I ate too much again tonight. I seem to do that every time we go out to eat dinner. That would be OK if we went out once a month. But we go at least twice a week, maybe more often. Just how did I think I was going to fit into those new crop pants for our trip to Hawaii when I eat like a piggy? I mean, they do fit better than they did when I got them. BUT, they do not fit as well as they should. Face it, Penny, they are still too tight. Ugh.

Now if I could exercise the way I should, it would go a long way toward having a tighter derriere and gut. I would say 6-pack abs, but that might make me snort water out of my nose. No, the description of my abdomen is definitely "gut". It is smaller than it was a few months ago, and for that I am grateful. But it needs to be smaller yet. And I cannot even mention my rear. Please, the thought of how wide it is right now is truly painful. And those lovely dimples. If they were on the right cheeks they would be darling. But they aren't, and they aren't. And I am running out of time. Any suggestions, other than a starvation diet? (Which I could never follow anyway. I am much too fond of food).

I hurt my knee a few weeks back, when I leaned on it wrong to get into my chaise. I heard something pop and felt a sharp pain at the same time. Since then I have had trouble doing any aerobic exercises, as the front and back of my knee are really sore. So is the back of my calf. I refuse to go to the doctor, don't even think about telling me to. If I need a surgical repair, it has to wait until after our trip. I am not missing out on this trip to Hawaii like we did with last year's trip due to Gary's broken foot. So there! Anyway, that's my reason for not being able to do my exercise program anymore, and I'm sticking to it!

I actually still exercise every other day. I do my "gut" exercises and lift weights. But I am not able to do the aerobics that I was doing; hence I am not losing the weight I had thought I could when I bought those damn darn crop pants. Isn't it wonderful when you can rationalize your failures? I have perfected that over the years.

So we had a wonderful meal at the Deli last night: orange roughy with asparagus and an orzo salad. Just YUM! And Nicole made a delicious custard, which I just had to try. Unfortunately, Gary didn't help me finish it. I did that all by myself. I'm good that way. Just ask my gut. Or my butt. Either one will be happy to acknowledge my proficiency at finishing desserts. My favorite part of the meal. And I blame my father for that! It was his fault that I grew up loving sweets. Wasn't it? See, I am still rationalizing. Or hadn't you noticed?

To add insult to injury, (and what does that mean in this context?), we went out to dinner again tonight. We ate at the Fairmont Princess La Hacienda. And, just like last night, I ate more than I needed to. More than I should have. Oh, woe is me. The food was very good. We had guacamole, chips, and shrimp ceviche to start. Then I had wonderful crab enchiladas with yummy black beans and rice. And, oh yeah, here comes the dessert! Cinnamon churros with three perfectly scrumptious and fat-laden dipping sauces. The only good thing is that Gary shared the dessert this time. Oh, I forgot to mention the two Margaritas I had--no calories there, right? You know, some people actually don't figure in the calories from alcohol. But they are there, believe me. And they are empty calories.

So, anyway, I need to find a  big-ass rope and flagellate myself. Perhaps if I did that each time I overeat, I could discourage myself from overeating. Or, that might just give me another reason to bathe in the comfort of food, specifically sweet food. Ay-yi-yi-yi.

Well, if anyone has any great ideas how I can get into those crop pants by the time we go to Hawaii, let me know. ASAP. SOS. Please? I am really running out of time.

In the meantime, I wish everyone everywhere a more sensible food plan. And a great Sunday.

Finally!

Yes, I was reminded today by my sister, Merrilyn, that I had not blogged for over a week. I had to finish a behemoth book about WWI (loaned to me by that selfsame sister), and get started on my card for the CMC Bookendz book club. Plus I had nothing funny to say. Well, that's not entirely true, but some funny things just cannot be shared. With anybody. And that's all I am going to say about that! So there.

I have also been busy finding restaurants on Maui for our upcoming trip. You know, 'cause I'm a foodie. Wait, can you be a foodie without eating escargot or organ meat? If not, then I guess I am not a foodie. I'm just a person who loves good food and really loves to go out to eat it! So I should be in 7th heaven in Hawaii, because there are some marvelous-sounding places to go to dine. So many, in fact, that I will have to narrow down the list. Hmmm, such a problem to have, huh?

Gary was gone to San Jose again last week. And came home Friday with back and stomach pain, located where kidney stones would be found. I found this odd, since my SU rep, Diana, was hospitalized at the same time for a kidney stone that she had to have blasted. As in lithotripsy. Gary gutted it out over the weekend and went to his urologist on Monday. The lab there found blood in his urine. Gary's urine, not the urologist's. Just want to make that clear. Anyway, that is indicative of an existing, or recently passed, kidney stone. So they did an x-ray and couldn't see any stones. Which probably means that he had already passed it. We can only hope. I really think that Gary should quit traveling, as he keeps having these health "issues" while he is away. Sigh.

Remember when I spoke about all the eye problems happening in my family? No? Well, I never. Ever. Oh, shoot, now I forgot what I was going to tell you. Waiting. For it to come back into my consciousness. Still waiting....

Oh, yeah, eyes. So Gary went to the eye doctor yesterday about his "floaters" in his left eye, which he got when he was in Iowa last month. Floaters. Yeah, that's one of those funny words in our family. Gary always called things better left unmentioned "floaters". Oh, sorry. I digress. TMI. Anyway, the doctor told him that the floaters were not serious, and nothing to worry about right now. BUT. Drum roll, please. But, he thinks that Gary might have dementia. Oh, sorry again. Not dementia, but glaucoma. Seriously? Yup, seriously. Oh crap. (I might just as well have said 'oh floaters'). Anyway, Gary has to go back to the eye doctor next month for an hour-long exam. To see if he really has dementia glaucoma. If so, it can pretty easily be treated by eye drops. For the most part. Of course, if that doesn't work (and, with Gary, who the hell heck knows), there is always a laser surgery that can be performed. At least this is not the blindness sentence that it once was, thank heavens!

Gary called me to give me this info, and then he said--and I quote--"Waaaaaaa, make them stop!" Guess he is tired of having things happen to him, too. And we both agreed that getting older sucks. However, the alternative isn't all that great. I prefer to stay on this side of the dirt for now, don't you?

Now to my card. I am uploading it to the CMC Bookendz website. It was to be based upon the book selection Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See, (which, btw, was a really good book). I used the Magnolia stamp, Chinese Tilda, for my card subject. I chose colors for her based upon the DCWV Far East paper collection and Stampin' Up cs. I colored her with Copics (what else?) in the following colors:

W00, W0, C3, C5, C7, C9, E0000, E000, E00, E11, E13, E70, E71, E74, E79, V0000, V000, V01, V91, V93, and V95. I also used an Atyou Spica clear pen and a white Uni-ball pen.

I used Spellbinders Grand Labels 4, Labels 4, Parisian Accents, and leaf dies. The other die used is from Marianne Designs. My flowers are from Prima and Wild Orchid Crafts. The half pearls are Stampin' Up. Whew! I think that was enough for one card, don't you? :^)

I will leave you with a wish for everyone everywhere to have a wonderful weekend! 

He's Awake Now

Gary finally knows about my glasses. Not that he noticed by himself. No way. He suddenly remembered that he needed to submit the bill for my lenses to our flex account to get reimbursed. So he called Aztec Optical to ask for the bill. Then he called me and said, "When did you get your new glasses?" After laughing my butt off (oh, I only wish), I told him I had gotten them a week ago. Color him embarrassed. In fact, that's what he told me when he got home and looked at me. That he didn't want to say anything because he was really embarrassed. As well he should be, right?

I added insult to injury when I told him that I had bought something for the house two weeks ago, and he still hadn't noticed. So he sat on the sectional and looked around the room. Bless his heart, he did find the new baskets. About time, don't you think? Oh me, oh my. I will say he got the most sheepish expression on his face I have ever seen. :^) Oh, and when I mentioned that my sis, Merrilyn, said he owed me a big present, he just said, "Well, I'm taking you to Hawaii." Yeah, OK, that is a pretty big gift. And I do appreciate it a LOT. However, I will have this to hold over him for a quite awhile, methinks.

We had the granddaughters, Kelsey and Brynn, for the weekend. To give their parents a break, which I think all parents deserve from time to time. Gary was the ultimate grandpa. He took them to the pool twice a day, rented movies for them to watch, and played many games with them. I am not quite the game lover that he is, so didn't participate in all of the games, but did try a few. And one game, in particular, made me feel utterly stupid. It is based on the Harry Potter movies, which I haven't seen. Kelsey thought I would be good at the game since I had read all the books. Ah. Not. I didn't answer even one question right. It will be a cold day in hell before I try that one again. Gee, do I sound bitter?

So, something I ate really cleaned me out yesterday. That, or I had a 24-hour bug. I wasn't feeling well for a couple of days, but it felt more like a cold coming on than anything else. All I can say is--thank heavens for Imodium A/D! I feel like a new person today. My stomach did shrink, and I looked really thin sideways last night. But then I ate a couple of meals and I am back to my rounded look once more. Crap. No that was yesterday. Sorry. TMI.

I am going to get back to being creative any day now. I miss it a lot. I finished the Ice and Fire series and then read the Snow Flower book for the CMC book club. Now I need to make my Asian-themed card, and I will be ready to rock and roll on other cards. Hopefully for challenges. We shall see. But I will get a start on this tomorrow. For sure. No, really. I mean it.

Wishing everyone everywhere a happy Thursday! Btw, are your significant others more observant than mine? :^)

Gary, WAKE UP!

Okey dokey. I have discovered that Gary is ridiculously oblivious. I mean, I cannot even believe how little he notices.

Case in point: last week I bought two new baskets for the open shelf above our pantry. We did have two woven wicker baskets on that shelf, and I felt they didn't look "modern" enough for our room. So I have been on the lookout for new ones. I just so happened to find some at Joann's on Thursday that are PERFECT! I just love them--they are woven turquoise fabric in a very modern style. The color matches the turquoise Fiesta vase I have on the counter across from the pantry. I put them up on Thursday and waited to see if Gary would notice. I was sure he would as they sit just above his eye level. Yeah, well, today is Tuesday, and he still has not spotted them.

Second case in point: yesterday I got the call that my new glasses were in. And it wasn't just any message. When I answered the phone, I was asked if I was "Giggles Mull." Guess my hysteria during my frame selection was remembered! Anyway, I was tickled to get the frames so soon, as I didn't expect them for another two weeks. After I got back home, Gary called me to ask me to meet him at Brio for dinner, and I did not mention my new glasses. I thought he would notice them as soon as he saw me. Not. After we were seated I kept looking at him, thinking he would be sure to notice the glasses if he looked at me again. Nope. And here's the kicker:  while he was looking at me, he actually asked me when my new glasses were due to come in. I could NOT believe it! I managed to keep a straight face as I mumbled something about them being due in a couple of weeks. I wonder how long it is going to take him to notice them. I will see. Hopefully, not as long as it is taking him to notice the new baskets!

I must admit I laughed several times last night about this. In front of him. But he never asked me what I was laughing about. That's how much attention he is paying to me these days. I think he is so caught up in work, the Diamondbacks, the Cardinals, and Fantasy Football that his mind doesn't have time for anything or anyone else. OMG.

Anyway, I will be making another card soon--after I finish my last book of the Ice and Fire series. I must get done with that so I can read the first selection of the CMC Bookendz. Here's wishing everyone everywhere a great rest of the week. (And may your significant others be more observant than mine). LOL!

Don't tell anyone--I actually made a card!

So, I am still reading the series I cannot seem to put down, but took time out to make a birthday card. I suddenly realized that I needed to get this card done. Now. I guess I have been so buried in my books that I forgot I have obligations. To other people. Not just to myself and my fantasy world. Hmmpf.

Since I had a card to make, I thought I may as well make myself more useful, (I know--hard to believe, huh?), and enter it into a couple of card challenges. So I searched online and found two that I could enter. One gave me the color combo for my card--thanks, Suzanne at Color Me Creative! The other gave me the layout, thanks to Basic Grey!  Okey dokey!http://scrapbitzcopics.ning.com/group/cmccopicchallengegroup

I chose to use Basic Grey Blush, since it had the wonderful color scheme Suzanne chose--light turquoise and red with white/cream. I picked one of my Magnolia images (Tilda with big ribbon) and plopped her down on the Magnolia pink bench, using Cryogen CS. Would you believe I colored her with Copics? No? Then you would be wrong.  ;^)   Copic colors used were: R21, R24, R29, BG000, BG10, BG11, BG72, E0000, E000, E11, E13, E25, E30, E31, and E33. Cardstock is Stampin' Up's Pool Party. I dyed a bit of lace and some Wild Orchid flowers with Copic ink. I used dies from Nestabilities and Marianne Designs. My little red brads and sentiment are SU. There you have it. One birthday card coming right up. Happy Birthday, Ellie! :^) And here's wishing everyone everywhere a wonderful Wednesday!

The "Eyes" Have It

This was the week of the eye. Truly.

First, Gary called me from Cedar Rapids, IA on Tuesday night to tell me that his eye went kaflooey while he was on the second flight up. He said that suddenly he started seeing flashes of light and had clear "worms" floating in his eye. Hmmm. I have had clear worms in my eyes for years, but they didn't come on suddenly. And the flashes disturbed me. So I told him to go to the hospital right away and get checked out. I wanted to make sure that he wasn't getting a detached retina. The ER doctor told him that he thought he would be OK until the next morning, when he could see the eye specialist.

One guess as to how much sleep either one of us got that night. Yeah, not much, for sure. But it turned out OK, as the doctor told him that he has posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), but there was no evidence of retinal tear or detachment. He is to see his eye doctor in a month to have his eye checked. Last night Gary told me he is getting used to the worms in his eye, so he is feeling much better about it. Which is a good thing. And pretty much everyone gets PVD later in life. I have had it for quite a while, not knowing the name for what caused the floaters in my eyes. :^)

Second, my brother, Larry, tells me that he had an eye exam on Wednesday and found out that he has Fuchs' Dystrophy. Hmmm. It is hereditary and causes major problems with the cornea--in fact, the treatment is corneal transplant. The good news is that he is nowhere near needing the transplant in the eye affected. I told him he would have to get a transplant from someone else in the family, because I have Cogan's dystrophy (map, dot, fingerprint) and he wouldn't want my corneas--they are not smooth, which is perfect for me. I am not a smooth person.

Third, I had my eye exam yesterday. I told you this was the week of the eye. Anyway, my exam went quite well. My maculae are fine and my retinas are still hanging in there. I did have a slight change in both eyes, so am getting new glasses. Insurance covers the prescription, but not new frames. Now I ask you, how is that possible? What in the heck are you supposed to do--send your current frames in to have new lenses put in? That takes three weeks. And you're supposed to do what in the meantime? Go about your business blind? I don't get it.

Anyway, I am getting new frames. I tried on several pairs of frames that have magnetic clip-on sunglasses. I refuse to wear my "old-lady" sunglasses, (which I wear over my glasses), anymore. I know I am an old lady, but I don't have to look like one. So there.

Back to the frames. One pair I tried on made me smile. And giggle. I took them off and thought to myself, 'Self, you can't possibly get those frames--everyone would laugh at you.' So guess what? You got it, I bought the giggle frames. Which turned into LOLOLOLOLOLOL frames when we were narrowing down the choices. I told Cindy, the gal at Aztec Optical, that these frames reminded me of a pair I had when I was very young. I think those frames were blue. I remember that, after wearing them for a while,  I didn't like the color of those frames anymore. There was no money at the time for new frames. But there was money for Penny to paint them with gold nail-polish. And paint them I did. I also remember the bows being a bit uncomfortable--kinda scratchy. But I wore them anyway, and thought I looked "cool". We laughed so hard about this that our stomachs hurt and our eyes were watering. Hysterically laughing. Really. Yeah, well, I guess you had to be there.

The new frames are not "gold"; they look to be a shade of purple. I hope. I actually thought purple and Cindy thought burgundy--which would never do, because burgundy is not in my color chart! So here's hoping they are purple, like I thought. Oh, gee, if they aren't purple, I may have to paint them with nail polish. Anyway, when I was telling Gary over the phone about the new frames, he asked if they were cat-eyes. Smart man. Yup. They are. Just like the ones I had in the early 60's. HAHA! So I expect some people will like them, and some people not so much. But they make me smile. And giggle.

I do not have a card to show today. I should have done one for the last week of Summer Card Camp, but after what happened last week, I lost my mojo. I guess I didn't tell you about that yet. Well, I tried to link my Week 3 card to the camp website, and I could not get it to link. I tried and tried and tried. No such luck. The last attempt I made got a link posted to the card camp colors of the week. Yeah, that looked cool. The logo for the camp where my card should have been. Actually I did sit and laugh about it for a while. I figured other "campers" would wonder what the heck, and think I was pretty stupid. Which I sometimes am. Possibly in this case. But it did make me lose interest in doing a card for week 4--I mean, what's the point? If you can't post your card, you aren't eligible for the drawings, and nobody can see how phenomenally creative you are. Besides, I am reading a really good book right now, and I am having trouble putting it down long enough to do anything else. Like make a card. I am surprised I took the time from reading to blog! 

I will leave you with a few more Oregon photos, and wish everyone everywhere a wonderful weekend.

I Need an 'Adjustment'

So I was musing tonight as I washed my make-up off and put on my night creams. I was musing because we had just watched 'The Adjustment Bureau', and it really struck a chord. I thought to myself that we had been married forever, (well, maybe not forever, but 41 years is a really long time), and I tried to remember what I expected when we said our vows. What on earth was I thinking back then? What was he thinking? What was supposed to happen to us, with us, for us, against us?

I have a great life. I have always had a good life, but it morphed into a great one. I am married to the best guy on the planet. I am able to be at home (which I love) and craft when I feel like it (which I also love). I don't have to cook if I don't want to--my guy does a great job of that. Or we eat out. A lot. I get help with the vacuuming, since it hurts my back. I live in a beautiful house, far nicer than I would have ever expected, and I drive a nice car. I have a sweet little dog, tons of books to read, any gadget my little heart desires, nice clothes to wear, a fun shoe collection, any make-up and skin care that I like, and the list goes on and on and on. How in the hell did I get so lucky? Why me?

When Gary asked me to marry him, back in 1970, I jumped at the chance! I had not expected to marry so young (I wasn't quite 21),  and I had not planned to marry so young. I thought I would finish college, get a job, and then find a man. So why did I tie myself to Gary's life at that time? And what did I see for our future?

In the spring of 1970 he had just gotten back from Viet Nam. He was still in the Army, making no money. Really. No money. He had a high school education, a beat-up VW, an empty wallet, and no plans for the future. But he wanted me in it. And I wanted to be in it, too, whatever it turned out to be. I certainly had no idea what our future would bring. I blindly moved to Georgia with him, to Ft. Benning from hell, and had no idea where we would go from there.

We were so poor, thanks to the military salaries then, (and they probably aren't much better now). We couldn't make it from one payday to the next without taking Gary's zoom lens to the pawn shop for a loan each month. We fought a lot while we were adjusting to being married. His mother told mine that we wouldn't last due to his temper.  Little did she know that my temper was at least as bad, if not worse. But somehow we managed to get through the worst of the financial and emotional turmoil. I think it helped when Gary decided to get out of the Army and go back to college. Suddenly we had a direction for our future. And what a future it turned out to be.

Look at how spoiled I am now. I know it. I am not blind. But this is hardly where I expected to be 41 years ago. I just had no idea. So did the cosmos plan this for us? Or did we blindly stumble into it? I have a need to know, thanks to 'The Adjustment Bureau'. I don't know if I could recommend this movie to you. It might make you start musing...

A few photos of my Gary in Oregon last week:



I am wishing everyone everywhere a superb Sunday!