Wednesday, September 23, 2009

For John...

Happy Engagementaversary baby! One year ago you made me so very happy (with MANY witnesses and photographic evidence to prove it!). I love you!

(still owe an update post, but that's for tomorrow...)

Friday, September 11, 2009

21 day challenge with Rhonna Farrer...

::The {21} Challenge::

I'm taking part in Rhonna's 21-day challenge that is now on Day 4. I'm not doing an art project for it, but I am trying to work on a habit that I want to change. With a new puppy, an older sick dog, John's job giving both of us lots of stress and just having a lot of things to do with deadlines, I really feel a need to work on being patient and rolling with what life gives me in the best way I can. So far, so good. Things have been especially stressful since I started this (isn't that always the way? decide to work on patience and suddenly there are MANY things that require just that!) and I've been really happy with the way I've handled things. I've resisted the urge to let anger or frustration get the best of me. And it feels good to succeed. I'm hoping that 21 days of concentrated attention to this will build a good habit that I can maintain.

Thank you Rhonna for doing this challenge again and for the beautiful artwork you're posting every day to encourage everyone!

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Meet Miss Olive Mae

She's the newest addition to the family. She's a 3 month old, potty-trained, crate-trained bulldog. She's the most easy-going puppy I have ever met. She was an immediate member of the family...accepted almost immediately by Enzo and loved immediately by John and I. She's wrinkly, funny looking, snorty and a total love. We are so lucky to have her.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Love these faces...







Only the little one didn't make a crazy face for the camera...but I'm sure that phase is coming soon!


Check this out...

There's a very cool give-away at Skip to My Lou. You can see it here. I love these canvases. Very different and fun!

Friday, August 28, 2009

Cool...

This post is so inspiring me today! And I totally want the key ring and keys.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Older...

My baby brother turns 40 today. Happy Birthday Pooh (he'll love that!)!

But stop getting older NOW. It makes ME feel ancient!

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Signing contracts...

Well, it's officially official. We've signed the contract for the place we're getting married, picked the photographer (and should be signed up with her this week) and tomorrow John's calling the officiant to reserve him. Wow! It's come together pretty quickly and we're loving what we've got planned.

The weekend flew by. Saturday is a blur and today was almost as fast. For fun (not really!), we gave Enzo a bath this afternoon. I had the leash and the treats and John was the scrubber. And we all got nice and wet. LOL! But the beast is all pretty and nice smelling. Not too happy with us, but he'll get over it. Until tomorrow when the vet comes to the house for a visit! There's a new local vet that makes house calls with a tricked out box truck. They can basically perform surgery on your pet in your driveway! This is a god-send since the beast loves getting in the Tahoe to go for a ride, but has LOTS of issues about getting out of it. I was really surprised that the cost is really comparable to taking him to the vet we've used in the past. It's worth the extra few dollars to not have to drive the 45 mins. to the vet's office (there are others closer, but the one we used was good about volunteering with the local shelters and I wanted to support them). I'll let you know how he does...and if he gets revenge by not letting us sleep.

Time to head to bed. Gotta work tomorrow. Unfortunately.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

It's been a busy couple of weeks...

Making plans for the wedding, telephone calls to get paperwork and contracts, and spending some serious quality time with Charter Cable trying to figure out why they are so incompetent! We also took a quick overnight road trip to Augusta and Camden, Maine (business for John and pleasure for us) and I've spent the past couple weekends having fun hanging out with friends. I've created a wedding planner/scrapbook that I love and I'm having fun filling it up. I've figured out how to shut off the flash on my camera. I've taken a few pictures and even uploaded them to Flickr and Facebook! We've done a good cleaning of the kitchen, taken out the old cafe table set and set up the rolling countertop/cabinet. It's been crazy, fun, frustrating and all the little things that everyday life can be.

But yesterday I got a reality check and a reminder to make sure I do my best to enjoy every day. I witnessed a horrific motorcycle accident that was caused by some kids driving recklessly. I know they didn't set out to hurt someone, but someone was seriously injured because they were playing. It was like watching a stunt man in a movie...only he didn't have a mat to land on. Hopefully the motorcycle rider will be OK (there's nothing in the local papers about it yet...I'm taking that as a good sign). He was conscious and in pain when they were putting him on the board to move him into the ambulance and he did try to move before we stopped him, so hopefully his wounds are the kind that will heal soon. It was just so scary to watch.

And so I don't leave this post ending on a sad note, here are some pictures from Camden. The day was overcast, but it was warm with a lovely breeze....
(p.s. can someone/anyone please tell me why my pictures always load at the top of my post instead of where the cursor is? I have to drag/drop them and for then delete a bunch of returns inserted randomly between paragraphs. Help!)

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Wedding Site Available...Check!

I called today to check with the people at the place we'd like to get married about availability and was happy to find the day we picked is wide open right now. So we'll be making a visit soon to see it in person and make our reservation. Exciting!

I've been having lots of fun checking out wedding planning blogs and photographer websites and surfing Etsy. I've narrowed down the photographer to a couple to talk to and then it's on to flowers and reserving the place where we plan to stay for the weekend. John is going to line up the officiant (very cool prospect for this...hope he's able to do it!).

And those are pretty much all of the things I need to worry about now. The rest is little details that I have plenty of time to figure out.

All this planning is making my inner "Julie, your Cruise Director" very, very happy!

Saturday, August 1, 2009

First dilemma arises...


Apparently I jinxed myself saying how making decisions were just coming easy for me. Although I don't plan on shopping for a wedding dress until closer to the wedding, I wanted to get an idea of what was available in the price range I wanted to spend. And the first time I visited JCrew I fell in love with these two looks:
And then while I was surfing some wedding blogs, I saw this:
Completely different styles, completely different feels. But man oh man, I seriously love those polka dots! And I really didn't want a strapless dress, but I'm obsessed with that skirt. The lovely 1950's poofy look of it. The layers. The dots! It is so different from what I was sure I wanted (see those first two dresses - my vision come to life).

Looks like this decision is going to be tougher than I though...

Friday, July 31, 2009

So much inspiration...

The web is just an amazing tool. I have spent the last few days surfing wedding blogs and sites and I am overwhelmed by the inspiration I have found. So, so many cute ideas and beautiful photographs. My Blog Reader list is getting huge! It's going to be a fun ride planning this day. :)

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Easier...

It's funny how much easier making decisions is the second time you plan a wedding. I'm finding that there's much less hemming and hawing over something...I either want/like it or I don't. And it's definitely easier eloping! :)

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Witnesses...check!

The plans are starting to roll along. We are eloping with friends so that our witnesses won't be strangers. Today we told them the news and we're good to go! It was fun to start talking details and be sappy about good friends and reminisce about life and it's twists and turns.

In completely unrelated news, I won a prize on the Making Memories blog. I love the new travel line and this will complete my collection! LOL!

Off to work a bit and surf a bit. :)

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Almost forgot...

Happy Anniversary John! Thank you for two of the best years I have known. You make me laugh every day and show me all the time what's important. You are my safe place, my friend, my love.

A peek at where...since when is a secret!

It's lovely, it's surrounded by beautiful grounds and it's outside. Perfect...just perfect.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Time to plan...

There's been lots of fun things happening lately, but finally I've got something big enough to get me to writing. John and I made a big decision today. We picked the when and where to make it official. And since we're eloping and surprising people, this is all I get to say. But I wanted to document the news and share with friends that the planning is beginning. Kind of nervous, kind of scared, very happy. I picked up my first (and most likely only) bride magazine - Martha Stewart Weddings - Do It Yourself Style and the binder to make a planner/notebook.

....scroll down a few posts to see my Etsy mini for some of my new favorites! ;)

Life is good and the journey takes a new turn.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Dang it...missed my Wednesday post...

But I have a good excuse...Dad was admitted to the hospital yesterday and was diagnosed with congestive heart failure today. Lots of homework to do about this... But his spirits are very good and everything else is good. So...one day at a time.

In an effort to make me smile, I found this cute Etsy store with fabulous wall art. Check it out!

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Wednesday Inspiration...

It's been a crazy week. I was able to get a couple days off from work last week and get my scrap area in MUCH better shape that it's been in a long time and start on my NSD classes for Sturbridge Scrapping Corner. Here's a peek:
I got to spend some quality time with the man which is hard to come by lately. And on Saturday, we babysat five...yes FIVE...children for my cousins so they could go out. We had a blast! Pizza and YooHoo for everyone, making cookies, enjoying tiny little cups of Haagen Daaz and Ben & Jerry's ice cream and watching Madagascar 2. Lots of laughs, giggles and pictures.
The little one thought it'd be fun to take a nap from 9:30 - 11:00 and then get up for some serious play time! Silly, sweet little girl! Making googly eyes at John and chattering away!

Now for the inspiration part of the post...although somedays those kids are inspiration enough. :)

Loving the color inspiration here.
Fun projects here.
Dying to get my hands on some of this.
I love to wander around this blog for inspiration: http://danielleflanders.blogspot.com/
And I’m looking forward to playing with this soon!

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Scrap Etc. giveway!

How cool is this news... Scrap Etc. is giving a way 5 spots to their event! Check it out here. I'd love to win a spot!

Wednesday Inspiration...

Her photos totally inspire me...I can't wait to take her photography class (and get my DSLR when I finally make the cut!).

Really cute new spring/Easter releases here.

Loving this jewelry.

The projects on this blog.

Last night I heard the spring peepers for the first time. I would have loved to have been able to sleep with the windows open so they could peep me to sleep. And this morning the birds were singing like crazy. I love spring!

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Just a quick post...and an updated number...

45. Yup I'm 45 now and amazed that I'm that old. Where did the years go? It's absolutely true that the years go by faster the older you get. I swear I was just 40 and it was just a blink or two before that that I was 35. But I'm grateful for the time and I'm doing my best to spend it well. So...

Happy birthday to me! Here's to many, many more. :)

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Etsy...

I love this site and think that there are some amazing artists here. Etsy created this new toy and now I can share this:
Etsy
Buy Handmade
iScrap

Sunday, March 22, 2009

New look, Life and Twitter...

Ok...time to embrace spring and the changing of the seasons.  Today's projects are updating the blog to something pretty (check), getting a new haircut (check), a bit of cleaning (working on that check), and switching to my pretty new green purse (that'll happen tonight while catching up on the shows I've recorded).

I am so happy to post that Dad is doing good and is the proud owner of a lovely new pig heart valve.  His surprise surgery was on Wednesday morning.  Which I didn't find out until I was already at work an hour away.  Lovely.  But thankfully there was a train I could take that would get me close the hospital and get me there before the surgery was done.  It all worked out well and I was there with plenty of time and able to see the surgeon after the procedure.  I got to see Dad right after and that was comforting even though he was still knocked out.  The past few days have been hard on him, but today he's feeling better and not sounding as depressed.  Hopefully he'll be home in the next day or two and we can get him well again soon.  This experience has more or less changed some family relationships for me and made me realize what some people are made of.  And it's all sad.  Another tough lesson learned.

Yesterday Dawn and I helped out the ladies at Sturbridge Scrapping Corner with their yard sale.  It was a fun but exhausting day!  We arrived at 7 am, moved all the supplies for sale outside to the parking area (WOW there was a lot of purging of scrap supplies by their customers...Dawn being one of the best at that) and helping keep watch over the yard sale while Julie handled the register and store.   Then later in the day we moved what was left after the morning/lunchtime rush back inside.  I am thrilled to report that I made over $300 with the things I put out for sale!!!  And if you think that's amazing, Dawn made close to $700!!!  And the sale was still going on today.  I can't wait to get my final total.  We get store credit for our sales and the money I've made so far will pay for the balance due on the October crop weekend in Vermont that I've registered for and give me plenty of spending money on account.  Goodie!!

There's a new item on my sidebar now too.  I've joined Twitter nation!  Cathy Zielske is teaching a class in May at Big Picture Scrapbooking.  It's only been a couple days, but "micro-blogging" is definitely easier than coming up with a regular blog entry for me.  Hopefully I'll find a happy medium between the two.  

I'm going to power down the time-sucking toy that is my computer and see if I can squeak in a little scrapbooking this afternoon.  John is working 2-10 (ick) today, so it's just me, the dog and a pile of goodies to play with.

Enjoy your Sunday!


Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Updates and another new look for the holiday...

I've been itching to change the blog look recently and was trying to hold off for Friday so I could celebrate the first day of spring with a bunch of new things (new blog look, new lovely green purse...). Thankfully the ladies at House of 3 created a cute background for St. Patty's day! Love it.

Updates:
  • Dad is in the hospital waiting for heart valve replacement surgery. He's been in since last Wednesday and the surgery has been scheduled for Monday, today, and now "maybe" Thursday. It's just one thing after another that keeps delaying the surgery and making every day interesting. They think I'm crazy at work because I keep scheduling the day off and then leaving a message the night before saying I'm coming in. Fun times.
  • John is having his very own personal problems that are making his life less than fun right now. The two of us are one heck of a party couple this week.
  • Had a very fun lunch with some old friends last week. It was greet to see everyone and catch up on life.
  • Loving the warmer weather and all the sunshine. I can't wait to open the windows and air the whole house out.
  • I've started working on two classes I'm going to teach for National Scrapbook Day at my LSS. I just need to find more time to get them done.

Happy St. Patricks' Day to all!

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Wednesday inspiration...

I think I need a "theme" kind of post for this lonely little blog, so Wednesday inspiration it is!

And that was inspired by this video. Crazy beautiful family. I've been lucky enough to take a couple classes with Emily and she is such a genuinely sweet and insanely talented person. This video really makes me want to go play in a field and take Tara with me!

Cute crafting inspiration here and here and here.

If you've got something that's inspiring you today, I'd love to see it!

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Completely random info...

But just in case it's helpful to someone else...

The "generic" brands of the Alka-Seltzer cold medicine taste much better than the "real thing". No aftertaste at all either!

There. That's it for today. :)

Monday, March 9, 2009

I love New England weather...really!

Yesterday: 60 degrees
Today: Snow, sleet and rain and 35 degrees.

Welcome to New England. :)

I'm holding off a full-blown cold and wishing for more sleep. This Daylight Savings Time spring ahead always knocks me out.

I had a fun weekend going through my ridiculous scrapping supply stash trying to get organized for a customer yard sale at my LSS on the 21st. I have a HUGE pile of paper and a tub overflowing with embellishments waiting to be sorted out. It feels good to get rid of some stuff and it was inspiring to go through some of my older papers and get ideas to use it again. Tonight I'm going to try and sort through my collection of paper flowers and make up lovely little assortment bags to sell.

Only 10 more days until Spring!

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Happy Birthday to the man...

It's John's birthday today and we're going out tonight for Mexican food. Please see the earlier post about the lovely iPod touch to see what John got for his birthday from me (and him). And he's loving that iPod more and more every day too!

I'm loving the new layer of snow we got yesterday. Everything looks beautiful and clean again! Although I am kind of itching for spring to get here...maybe see some pretty green colors popping up...flowers...and the warmer weather so I can get outside more often. Someday...

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Searching for spring...

Yesterday's warm weather (it was still 55 degrees out when I left work!) is making me long for spring.  So in an effort to get ready I did a little shopping.  Meet the new spring bag that will be arriving soon...
I had a gift certificate to Ann Taylor and they had a great sale code so really, I only paid $16 for this and a white t-shirt (the Loft has the best basic t-shirts).   Hopefully they'll be in soon!

Friday, February 27, 2009

Holy moley...I WON!!!

I actually won the Housewarming Prize from House of 3!!!  (I'm still jumping up and down!).   There is an amazing book project that I can't wait to make and some gorgeous papers to print.  And fabulous frames.  Gorgeous quotes and lovely swirly things all over all of it!  Thank you so much Heidi, Rhonna and Janet!   Be sure to check out their blogs (see my links) and their books they created for the housewarming.  I can't wait for the party to start tomorrow...I've got a printer full of ink, some great matte photo paper and all day off.  Perfect!

Dreaming...

Of this:
My tax refund came in today and I had promised myself that I'd order this the minute I got it. But I'm feeling a bit guilty after buying the iPod Touch...which I love more every day! My little pocket Canon isn't dead yet, although it has started acting a bit wonky at times. I think I've made my peace with putting the money away for this and waiting until I actually NEED to replace my camera. Until then, I plan on spending my time playing with the Photoshop Elements 6 upgrade I recently got and taking a digital class or two at http://www.jessicasprague.com/ (these were my Christmas presents to me!).

It's a beautiful day here in NE (almost 60 degrees!) and I never got outside! I hate when that happens. And, of course, we're right back to cold winter weather for the weekend. It's the perfect excuse to stay in my pajamas and play all day. :) Maybe I'll even get to upload some recent projects I've done!

Happy weekend!

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Updating the look, checking in and wishing for Spring...

Loving the new freebie blog look from House of 3! And the fact that it could win me some goodies...even better!

Life has been really hectic and crazy and annoying and fun lately. Here's the quick and easy update done in lovely bullet form:
  • John's car finally dies...60 miles from home...at the end of January. The "red devil" (his name for it, not mine!) has 190,000 miles on it and was definitely past its prime. This was the kick-off for the past few weeks and set the tone of dealing with/putting out of fires.

  • I learn that my perfect man has an amazing flaw...car buying completely freaks him out! He was a wreck and had a real hard time finding the fun in the reality of "you have to get one, so enjoy the process". He is now the proud (and happy) owner of a beautiful 2008 black Chevy Trailblazer. Love it!

  • Without giving TMI...I had a really, really bad monthly happening. Not loving this getting older and all the joys it can bring. It set me back a couple days of feeling lousy. And John proved his wonderfulness all over again.

  • We had a accident/health scare with my dad that was just too scary. Thank goodness John was able to come get me and bring me to the hospital (a lovely 2 hour drive for him) and that it ended up not being too serious. He's getting old too and he isn't a healthy man overall. His medications got all screwed up, he thought he had a bad cold (turned out to be an issue with a medication that mimicked a cold), was chugging Nyquil to get some relief, not eating and generally just not paying attention to things and it all came to a head and he had an accident with his truck...luckily in his driveway and the neighbor saw it and was able to help him. Hopefully he's on the road back to feeling better after a long visit with his doctor and readjusting of his medications. Did I forget to mention the joy of dealing with siblings and all their lovely quirkiness throughout all of this???

  • We noted the 20th anniversary of my mother's death. I can't believe it's been that long. And that it can still be so painful sometimes.

  • Out of the blue...and I really, really, really mean out of the blue...I get a casual "Friend" request on Facebook from two people from my past who are best left there. One was an old roommate/good friend that I had a terrible experience with involving her second husband that resulted in the loss of the friendship and the other was...are you sitting down and ready...my biological father. Really. Couldn't make this up if I tried. Talk about opening up a whole, old, yucky can of worms and sending things spinning for me. I cannot even fathom the thought process for him that this was the way to contact me after almost 20 years. No email through Facebook, just a "Friend" request. I still haven't been able to respond to these and I'm not comfortable just ignoring them or rejecting them. Hopefully soon I'll find right words to send.

  • John and I celebrated Friday the 13th and Valentine's Day by playing hooky from work on the 13th and going shopping and getting a nice lunch. Here's what we brough home:
  • One for each of us! This is our "Happy 2009" gift to each other. I don't think I've loved an electronic device half as much as this one! It's better than I thought it would be and John feels the same way. Love, love, love it!
  • I have forgiven myself for falling off the Project 365 wagon this year. I did it all last year and I have come to the conclusion that my life is just NOT that interesting...even to me! LOL! Maybe I'll get recharged to start again when I get a new camera.

I think this post is long enough for now! Back soon with photos and hopefully an updated blog topper with fancy fonts!

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Uh oh...Someone please talk me out of this...



Love, love, love this bag! This site is cool! Check it out: http://jilliwillie.com

So many bright, fun and colorful goodies! I think I've found a home for some of my tax refund!

MIA...blog loser...but boy I'm lovin' the new look!

Isn't this blog purty now??? Love, love, love this new set up I got from http://houseof3.com/. It's got some VERY cool goodies and 3 of my favorite, fabulous designers! I've already picked out my new blog spring look and 4-5 more I'd love to use.

(Anyone know how I can change the font/location of my title using html??? Help!)

Life has been somewhat crazy the past few weeks...teaching...cleaning...dealing with broken down cars far from home...buying a new one...

A more detailed update to follow soon!

Friday, January 16, 2009

More Project 365 pictures and a new addiction to share...

Another exciting post for all my fans! LOL! I think I really want to keep the pictures here, as well as in my album. I like the idea of being able to see the year this way too...

January 16 - This morning on my way to work riding down Route 12. And yes - that is a -7 showing for the temperature!

January 15 - We're being good and making the bed every day...one day my bedroom will look all put together. But for now it just looks warm and cozy!

January 14 - The new Vera Bradley Spring lines (such fun bright colors!) and a magazine cover that I find super inspiring. I LOVE that bouquet and the colors.

January 13 - The Project 365 kit arrived! Just as good as I expected and packed with all kinds of things to play with! I'll be posting my pages soon I hope!
Is anyone else addicted to the new show "Leverage"? I love it! Another great addition to TNT. I think I only watch them and USA now. The best shows are there. Especially for someone like me who really, really doesn't like reality TV.
Off to count the minutes away until I can go home and start the weekend. :)




Wednesday, January 14, 2009

I have to wonder why...

I got an interesting call from John yesterday when he got home. He said that the cable was working all wonky and that the phone was dead. Then he called back and said that the wires outside the house had been cut and that the wire was all nicely coiled up and near the pole across the street! What??? Yes...the bill was paid (I should own that company by now!) and No...I hadn't asked them to cancel service. So he called the police, had a nice visit with the local officer and then (because I begged him) he made the dreaded call to the cable company. And they confirmed everything (bill paid, service still in place) and set up an appointment for Thursday to come fix it. We think we know who did it (think bratty teenager), but really can't prove it. It's just annoying and stupid. And childish. And wrong. Somedays I just wonder what people are thinking when they do things like this. ARGGGGHHH. But it will all be fixed tomorrow and until then, the DVR is working perfectly and we can catch up on things.

On a happier note, my Project 365 kit came yesterday and it's just wonderful! Love the contents and I'm really looking forward to the long weekend and getting it started and organized.

May your cable stay attached to your house! ;)

Monday, January 12, 2009

Project 365...so far

Here are the pictures for 2009 so far (boring, but a slice of my life...):

January 1 - just a beautiful winter day. I love the shadows from the trees in my back yard.

January 2 - Practicing my word for 2oo9 - Simplify. I'm packing up old/unused scrapbooking supplies to be donated to the Boys and Girls Club.

January 3 - The lovely receipt for getting the dryer repaired...finally! I'd forgotten the absolute luxury of NOT going to the laundromat to dry my clothes.

January 4 - One of my favorite scrapbook/craft stores - Absolutely Everything! I volunteered here to help do inventory...and make a little spending money. See my post about the lovely, EXPENSIVE day I had! LOL!

January 5 - A fun order of new papers and ornaments to make for next year from my new favorite store! Look at that packaging! Check them out: http://www.emmaspaperie.com

January 6 - I've gotta get all that stuff out that WAY too big pocketbook and into the normal one I should be carrying!

January 7 - John hit the Paycheck Lottery (long story and not about a real lottery) and to celebrate he made this lovely dinner with stuffed pork chops...YUM!

January 8 - My monthly dose of happy and inspiration...my Studio Calico kit! Always fabulous and always fun! Check it out at http://www.studiocalico.com

January 9 - The ugliest building in America - Boston City Hall. Not so too bad with the pretty lights. It's across the street from where I work.

January 10 - Working on a calendar class for my local scrapbook store (Sturbridge Scrapping Corner - http://www.sturbridge-scrap.com/) while I'm at a crop in Southbridge. It came out cute...photo to come later. :)
January 11 - Critter tracks in the fresh snow this morning. Very creative little one - it traversed the yard going under the vehicles...and then back to the woods again.

January 12 - I love Fanueuil Hall. It's such a beautiful building. This is just next door to the office. It's been the site of lots of political doings and I've seen some interesting people there.
I had a fun time scrapbooking with friends at a hotel this weekend. Low key and productive with lots of laughs...perfect! I finished a couple projects which I'll share soon.
Ok...back to work for me. ;)

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Looking for some reviews...



Does anyone have this printer? It's the HP Photosmart A826 Home Photo Center. I have an HP portable printer now, but it's life expectancy is almost up and I want to start researching it's replacement ahead of time. I'd love feedback on this (or any other portable printer you love).


Last night's commute was a BREEZE! I got home earlier than normal! It seems that everyone stayed home and only the people who love winter like me (and aren't afraid to drive in it) came to work. :)


I'm going to see if I can upload some of my pictures for Project 365 today. I was one of the lucky ones who actually got this:

It should arrive at my house this week. I love this kit and I can't wait to dig into all the little goodies! I did my own Project 365 last year and never finished the book I started for it (heck...I still have MONTHS of pictures to print!). One day soon I'm going to have to take a whole day and upload my photos to http://scrapbookpictures.com and place a huge order. At least then all the 2008 pictures will be handy to work on when I have a few minutes.
Is anyone else doing Project 365? I'd love to hear how you're documenting it!

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

I really love winter...

Really. Truly. I love snow and the cold and the quiet that happens this time of year. The only thing I don't love is the commute home and the short days. We've had plenty of snow here this winter so far, but today was our first "wintery mix". Not as much fun or as pretty as snow. And it tends to make my usual 1 hour commute something horrific. So please keep your fingers crossed that I'm home at some reasonable hour tonight.

And if you need a smile today, this article had me giggling at my desk:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/01/hungry_seal_hit.html

Very resourceful little critter! And too, too cute!

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Fun...and expensive...day!

Lovely day doing inventory at Absolutely Everything.  Lots of ladies and laughs.  And LOTS of counting!  I was partnered with a nice woman from Colorado Springs!  I thought I had a long commute today!  LOL!  But the day went quickly, lunch was delicious and I came home with a new toy.  Which is giving me massive shopper's remorse.  Despite John's assurances that I deserve it and that I was going to buy it for myself anyway in a couple months as my birthday present.  I was able to get a good discount on it and I know that I won't be able to get it for that price again.  And still...

Without further ado, I present to you:

**NEW** Making Memories SLICE Starter Kit
So there it is.  The Slice.  Oh...and the FaLaLa Design card too...

**NEW** Making Memories SLICE Fa La La Design Card
I definitely spent more than I made, but at least I made a dent in it. :)

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Goals and a working dryer!

I know...odd title line! LOL!  But today I got my dryer fixed.  It's been broken since April and while it was easy to be green and line dry the laundry all spring and summer, it's been weekly trips to the laundromat to dry since October.  I've been doing the happy dance all afternoon listening to the beautiful sound of that dryer doing it's thing!  And it only cost me half of what I thought it was going to!  Life can be good indeed.   :)

Now for the planned post...goals for 2009.  John and I wrote these down on Thursday night (without seeing what the other was writing) and we're putting them on the refrigerator as reminders to help us stay on track.

Me:

1.  Re-do the bedrooms (new wallpaper and accessories)
2.  Develop good housekeeping habits and find a schedule that works
3.  Try 20 new recipes
4.  Clean/organize front porch and shed
5.  Work on yard - plant berries, plan/plant front bed and fix front path

John:

1.  Be better with keeping the house clean 
2.  Organize and clean shed
3.  Improve gardens and yard
4.  Work on pickup truck 
5.  Do things to keep the romance alive

LOVE his #5!  I'm a lucky girl!

Tomorrow I'm off to help do inventory at Absolutely Everything in Topsfield, Mass.  This is one of my favorite scrapbook/stamp stores and I was thrilled to have an excuse to take a road trip out there (it's over an hour away) AND get paid for fondling papers (which I do for free every other visit! LOL!).  

Off to watch Peyton Manning do his thing and cuddle with the man on the couch.  

Friday, January 2, 2009

A new year...

Happy New Year!  

I've neglected this blog for so long.  But the new year brings a chance to begin again.  And so that's part of my plan.  

Tonight it's just a quick post to get me started.  Tomorrow will be a longer post with a quick 2008 review and sharing my goals, hopes and dreams for 2009.

So, to kick this year off, I'm posting my word for 2009:

Simplify

I've already started on it and it feels good.  I am grateful to http://aliedwards.typepad.com for this challenge.  This is the second year doing this for me and I like it.  I found that it becomes some kind of mantra for me and helps me get to where I want to be.  I've been repeating this word to myself for some time now and I think I'm ready to embrace "less is more" as a lifestyle.  

More to follow.  Promise.

I think I'm back.  I just spent some time updating the look and my info so at least one new post is called for.  I'm still alive, st...