Today is just today....

Week FOUR Insanity!!

2011-06-07T03:30:00.002-06:00

I started week four!!! Pure cardio... supposed to have done cardio abs too, but ran out of time. And I was probably going to die if I did it anyway. ROFL.... no seriously.... I tell ya.... pure cardio will make you end up in a pool of sweat.

I did pretty well throughout the whole workout. Still having some cramping and soreness in my legs and knees (especially) for the first 1/3 of the workout... I need to figure that out so it's easier to get going.

Anyhoo.... good day. Busy week (something every night)... I'm looking forward to the weekend.

Insanity.... WEEK 3

2011-05-26T18:47:00.002-06:00

I started week 3 today... fit test. The way I've been feeling lately (weak... just not up to par) I was just hoping to maintain. Surprisingly, I improved on all eight exercises!! And I didn't have to stop during the warm up LOL!

This is a crazy nutso workout... but it kicks your butt! I did cardio abs yesterday after pure cardio... One word... OUCH. Not a single sit up and my entire core was on fire.

Pushing play.... bringing it.... not seeing any movement on the scale at this point, but definitely feel it.

Insanity... and motivation

2011-05-22T04:20:00.002-06:00

Completed plyo cardio circuit last evening. Hot hot hot. Made it through though. I notice that I'm resting less and pushing through a little bit further. STILL killed me during the last three rounds. The level one drills are murder... then they follow up with ski abs and in and outs. Booger...killer. My upper back is burning this morning.

I need a little motivation with my diet though. I need to clean up my diet.... it's been a struggle over the past few days. I think it might be the antibiotics.... or just my brain.

Insanity: Wk 2 Day 2

2011-05-20T03:45:00.003-06:00

I did it! Pure Cardio.

It was slow to get going, but I made it through. The last few exercises really got me though... that's when he starts the level two drills (push ups, floor run) and then the up and down thing (can't remember what it's called) along with floor jacks... those kill me! I can totally see the difference in my upper body strength since doing P90X, but I tell ya... pushing at the end of an Insanity workout just kills me! But, I have dropped to my knees and pushed on.

I'm not terribly sore this morning. Not sure why. Happy... but wondering. On the other side (diet), I have struggled terribly for the last few days. I haven't gone WAY over my calorie allotment for the day, but I'm struggling with cravings for bad things. I thought that the problem was that I had dropped down to 1200 cals... so I bumped that up again a couple of days ago. but I'm still struggling. It will be a better day today :)

Insanity... Back on the Wagon!!!

2011-05-19T03:25:00.002-06:00

I started week 2! YEAH!!! I've been feeling so awful since Friday that I was just glad to feel better enough to try it... a little scared, but anxious to get back in the saddle.

Last night was Cardio Resistance. I'm actually feeling pretty good this morning, but I think that later today and tomorrow will bring pain to my hammies. I took a LOT of breaks last night, but it was ok. Got the heart rate going and really slept much better last night.

Tonight... Pure Cardio!!!

Insanity... Day 6

2011-05-12T04:28:00.000-06:00

Day 6. Repeat of Day 2.... Plyo Cardio Circuit.

Alright... here's my flawed thinking:

1. AC guy got done around 3..... I was home around 3:30... house should be cool right?

2. Second time through an Insanity workout will be easier.... especially on day 6 right?

Ok... I tipped my hat. Flawed is right. The two above came together to make me feel like doodie. But, I did make it through. Last half of the workout though, I felt like I was trying to get through thick mud when completing the workout. BLECH. I don't think that my heart rate got below 160! What a great workout!!! But very hard.

Today is rest day. WHEW! It seemed so far away on Friday. Week 1 down... 8 to go. Martha.... if you guys get to come this summer this will be so fun!!

Insanity day 5... PURE Cardio

2011-05-11T04:35:00.002-06:00

I'm feeling great this morning!! A little sore all over, but nothing "hurts".... if you know what I mean.

Ok... day 5 is Pure Cardio....they are not kidding. Warm up about the same with a few different exercises, nice stretch, then FOURTEEN MINUTES STRAIGHT of CARDIO! Hardcore cardio. Not just your average stuff.... PURE cardio. One minute at a time of each exercise. No breaks.

There were a lot of rests for me. But I made it through.

Oh yeah... and it was 90 degrees here yesterday and our AC isn't working. Think I got my sweat on???

Tonight it's back to Plyo Cardio Circuit.. my first repeat. And tomorrow is a rest day. I've got to get to work soon so I can be home in time to work out... kids both have games at 5:45. But I LOVE that the workouts are around 40-45 minutes. MUCH easier to fit in when we have games.

Insanity Day 4: Cardio Recovery

2011-05-09T17:00:00.002-06:00

I was looking so forward to this workout... "recovery".... WHEW.... And I was sitting at my desk ALL DAY LONG today crunching data so I really needed it.

Ok... so... someone has a sick sense of humor.

Yes.... if you take the WHOLE title... "Cardio Recovery".... sure! That's what it is. But they don't say anything about the muscle burning, yoga on crack, 35 minutes worth of dripping (of course, the air wasn't on and it was 87 degrees out).... Yep, I fell into the lull of the "recovery concept". NOT.

Whining over.... I DID IT.... I got through most of the workout.... and I even went and pitched for the kids afterwards. Now, I don't want to move. But hey.... one step at a time.

Insanity, Day 3

2011-05-09T03:30:00.003-06:00

Day three completed. I thought quite a while before doing this workout... I was very sore yesterday. Thanks to a massage (not as deep tissue as usual) and a whole lot of water.... plus a nap... I got it together to go.

Day 3 was Cardio Power and Resistance. The warm up is similar to the first (but instead of jumping jacks, it's power jacks... and a few other differences). I wasn't as hardcore on the warm up.... still trying to work out the kinks. By the time the workout came around, I was ready.

Ok... Ouch. Lemme tell ya... pain pain pain.... HARD WORK... I love how it mixes in upper and lower stuff though. Definitely still weakest in the upper body, but by going to my knees, I was able to hang tough with the push ups (well... I didn't turn it off :) ). I made it. WHEW.

Lots of water last evening. Loaded up with ibuprofen and benadryl before bed.... not to mention a bunch of Biofreeze. Slept pretty well. Yes... I am sore today. I imagine it'll get worse. Pounding the water today and looking forward to tonight's workout... "Cardio Recovery".... I have a feeling it's not "really" recovery..... but will be easier than the others. I love that the workouts are 45 min or less. And every time I start dragging, Shaun T says to dig deeper.... I love that.

Insanity... Day two

2011-05-08T06:57:00.002-06:00

Ok... so today is day three... but it's morning, so I'll tell you how yesterday went.

I woke up not bad at all.... then, we went about our running. Sometime between 8 and9:30, the reality set in. Holy moly. I think I posted something like "I don't think it is possible to hurt this much from a 20 minute workout". Yeah. Pain.

Finally took some motrin and got enough water in to flush the system and started feeling better. So I did day 2. Plyo Cardio Circuit.

I did ok through the warm up... had to stop a few times, but made it through. The stretch was great. Then came the "workout". Oi. I did make it through but oh my. Ouch. Especially in the ab series... and level one drills...(stand, plank, 4 push ups, knees in x8... stand). YIKES. But, I did make it through, just rested a LOT.

Woke up at midnight so sore I couldn't sleep. Motrin, benadryl, water and 2 hours later I was finally able to rest. Much better this morning... but have a massage scheduled at 10... I'm really looking forward to it too! Day 3 today.

Insanity... day 1

2011-05-06T14:42:00.003-06:00

Well.... after going through two cycles of P90X.... I felt the need to push it even further. So I got Insanity.

Yesterday, I watched the "fit test" so I could learn the exercises. I was a little scared.

But I did it....
I got through the entire thing.... tough tough tough.... but I made it!

Back tomorrow to tell you how day two went....

BRRRRrrrrr!

2010-11-03T04:15:00.002-06:00

I'm going to resist reflecting on the elections.... I'm not terribly sure what I think. I know the American people are mad and frustrated. That's for sure. Anyway.....

It got cold! BRRR!!!! I'm sitting here in front of the fire with two blankets on. pathetic. I know... I guess we could turn on the heat... we may have to tomorrow when the high is supposed to be like 53... and Friday it's not even that high. Maybe I'll turn it on tonight. I hate giving up and giving in to mother nature :)

What else.

It's time to make changes and get healthy. I'm frustrated with my own habits and the way I've trated my body. It's time to start listening. I ordered p90x. I worked out with Jillian last night. I have to get my mind right. I don't want to end up like one of the patients I come across every day. Ask me how I'm doing.

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T13:14:00.003-06:00

Happy happy....
I feel so good after planning to and actually taking yesterday off. AMAZING what a refreshing day can do for your spirit. I think I need to do that every week (what? really?).

I've gotten a lot done today... everything that needed to be done. I do have a paper to write tomorrow, but it should be ok. Got the stats practice done today. No biggie. But got last week's stuff back... I got .5 points taken off for stupidity (I missed an exercise) and 1 point off for formatting on my paper.... I don't think it was worth a whole point, but I did miss double spacing my reference page and didn't spell out my numbers. Oh well.... I guess if that's the worst I do, I can live with it. But.... I can't miss much more for stupidity. It's only week 2 and I've lost 1.5 points. YIKES.

Yeah, I know. grades really don't matter in the whole scheme of the world. Who will ask me my GPA? But it matters to me. Especially when I lose points for stupid things. DUH.

Anyways.... ready to go to mom and dad's for halloween and trick or treating here in a bit. Emily is about ready to explode. ticktickticktick BOOM!

I'd hate to have an exploded child.

Oh... and.... I got P90X coming. I'll let you know when I can't walk. Lord give me strength and willpower to keep it up. I need to get healthy. Weight too high, BP too high, cholesterol too high. Need exercise and to make better food choices. Amen.

Where does the weekend go?

2010-10-24T19:45:00.003-06:00

SO busy.... and not even a busy weekend.

So, here's the deal... I have four classes right now. One ending tonight plus one starting tomorrow. Three are fundamentals and one is positive psychology. I really like the material in the positive psych class, but I tell ya.... there is something about that course that turns students into slackers and cheaters. It's frustrating.

Anyways, I had four sets of papers to grade this weekend, plus grades for participation and DQ's. I wanted to get them done on Saturday so I could relax today. Didn't happen. So one more set this morning... got it done. Got a massage... that was awesome. Then went to Sam's.... and made dinner. Mom and dad came over between church and Nathan's game. Wow... went fast though. We looked up and it was time to go to the game. Got some fun pics.

Mom and dad went to Unity today.... it's funny... I knew there was a Unity here but never thought of going... but they suggested it. Maybe next week? Kids can go to Sunday School while I go to church..... that's cool. Thinking on it....

Mel is doing ok... not walking well and no short term memory apparently. She's going to a rehab to try and get walking better. Probably end of the week before we know the tumor's name.... prayers continue.

Enough rambling... time to pop some benadryl and get ready for bed..... still have a paper to write tomorrow, but my stats exercise is done.

Over a year away...

2010-10-21T20:32:00.002-06:00

Lots has changed. Big stuff too.

Nathan is getting to be a "tween".... oh my... he's only 7 1/2 and already asking for a phone. I don't think so. He can navigate youtube better than I can. Geesh. And he's played soccer.... oh my.

Emily is now 6 going on 12. She is SO into cheerleading. She goes right now two hours, twice a week plus performances sometimes on the weekend and she wants to do more! Holy moly.

Dad had a heart attack (pretty bad one) in January. He got to Boone and got a few stents and seems good as new. Complaining about the meds, but still seems OK. That worried me a bunch. I'm glad the outcome was good.

My grandpa passed away on September 25th... Martha's birthday. Although it's sad that he passed, he wasn't "grandpa" for a few years. And God took him swiftly and comfortably. I was worried about the timing with Martha's bday, but I really think that it was meant to be.... she was the one that connected most with grandpa.... it seems appropriate.

Got to see most of the family... that was nice. I didn't get to go to the two cousins' weddings this summer, so it was great to see everyone.

Bad news though.... Aunt Mel was just diagnosed with a brain tumor... yesterday. Been praying.

New job started three weeks ago. No longer a manager. Yeah. No one has cried, no one has called me after 8 pm, and no one has complained about their schedule in the last three weeks. I'm in heaven!! This job is more challenging than I thought and I love it so far.

School... yep... school again. Started my PhD last fall. Entering into the second year of study now. Getting close to start working on dissertation.

And... in one of those "be careful what you wish for" I also applied to teach online at UOP when I applied to PhD program... well... now I've been teaching since January. I'm teaching Positive Psychology and Fundamentals of Psychology. I like the latter.... and it's really because the students actually seem like they care, not that they are checking a box.

Some days... I don't know how I get it all done.

Some days... I just want a break for a few minutes to get some energy.

But... today is just today.

It's about TIME!

2009-07-01T05:06:00.002-06:00

Yeah yeah yeah.... BAAAADDDDD blogger.....

Check it out though... found a new board... just a friendly site... sweet girls!

http://www.cookinupcreations.com/

They are having a July "Count 'em up" challenge... hopefully that will get my mojo running! Come join us :)

Sweet Memories By Wacky Scrap Designs

2009-05-10T05:26:00.003-06:00

How GORGEOUS is this kit?!?!?!

Here are some pages.....

Check it out here:
http://www.digiscrapdesign.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3&products_id=11&zenid=1261d1696bca8164f9b8740bd4a533c6
It's only THREE BUCKS!!!

Brand new DESIGNER!!! Wacky Scraps :)

2009-05-05T04:32:00.005-06:00

Oh how FUN!!! I finally got to play with the first kit from Wacky Scrap Designs.... YUMMO!!! LOVE LOVE the bright colors... and this is just my first creation! Look out for more soon.. and check her out at : www.digiscrapdesign.com .... the grand opening begins today, but there's some technical issues.... so be patient, and check back in often!

ScrapCity May reveal

2009-05-05T04:32:00.004-06:00

We got to play with the gorgeous Sierra Skies by NLP Designs! What rich colors!

Sassy Scrappers May reveal

2009-05-05T04:31:00.002-06:00

How fun! I even got to create the kit we played with this month.... WOO HOO!

Freebie Alert!!!

2009-05-01T05:38:00.002-06:00

Check out Martha's Scrappy blog:
http://www.awayfromthechaos.blogspot.com/

She's got a freebie there and a FUN exciting thing going on too....

We've got NSD stuff going on at Sassy Scrappers (www.sassyscrappers.darkbb.com) and at Memories from the Attic (www.memoriesfromtheattic.info) Come check us out!

Check it out!

2009-04-20T16:12:00.002-06:00

Hey... Look what I found!!! A fun new digi site:

I know a couple of the girls (one REAL well!!) that will be designing kits for this site... and I'm so stinkin' excited!!!!

Ides of April

2009-04-16T04:48:00.003-06:00

I realize I haven't updated in a bit.... so just a quick post.....

Work is going well... got the notification of my flights for the Arizona conference... YEAH!! So I was able to book everything for the family last night too... all that will be left is to get my return ticket changed when I get it. It'll be nice to have a weekend of downtime after a heavy duty conference. I'm so stinkin' excited... I haven't been to a conference in a long time and am SO excited to get to this one... Evidence Based Practice Immersion... what a great thing for nursing!

Emily is having difficulty this week... she's so ready for daddy to come home... I think that she's mostly having trouble with the early mornings... but she even had tears during dance last night. Poor thing. But, if daddy doesn't get home Sunday, she gets to go hang out with Grandma on Monday, so that'll be much better.

Nathan... well... he's such a trooper. He's been a real good boy and doing everything he can to behave.... bless his little heart! He just goes with the flow :)

Scrappy wise.... well.... we just got done with the Birthday Bash crop at Sassy.... I did not get nearly what I wanted to done, but still got a few things done. The sponsor for Sassy is Bring your own Memories... what a fun October Afternoon kit!!!
The MFTA kit for this month is beautiful. And I DID work on the kit this last weekend, but haven't gotten them scanned yet.... This month's prompts are all about "My Music/TV/Books"... some of my favorite things!!!
The sponsor this month for ScrapCity is Scrapbook Max.... fun CD to use... especially if you haven't really done much digi... real user friendly.... Also some sponsor stuff from Stephanie... FUN spring kit there too! I hope to get some slide shows done soon.

Blog Hop WINNERS!!!

2009-04-04T06:00:00.000-06:00

How fun was this???? What a neat idea to do a blog hop!!!

I've randomly drawn my winners for my three challenges.... and they are...

Challenge #1: Wicked Stepmother (Cindy)
Challenge #2: Martha
Challenge #3: Karee Sue

You guys have some RAKs heading to your house.... from Memories from the Attic and me :)

Thank you to Jeri for providing some prizes for our players!!!

Last Day for Hoppin'!!!!

2009-03-31T03:31:00.002-06:00

Get your bouncin' shoes on ladies... it's the last day to get your goods done and posted for the Blog Hop....

Don't forget to get them in the MFTA gallery and linked back in the blog comments for each challenge.....

MFTA Blog: www.mftadt.blogspot.com
MFTA Gallery: www.memoriesfromtheattic.info/coppermine

Can't wait girls!

Blog Hop Challenge #3!!!

2009-03-23T17:51:00.001-06:00

Okie dokie girlies!!!!

Here ya go... my FINAL blog hop challenge.... only 8 days left to get your entries in....

remember... post them at the MFTA gallery (www.memoriesfromtheattic.info/coppermine) and link back here in a comment so I can put you in my draw for a RAK from Jeri and the store!!!

Make a layout of any size based on this sketch :) Have fun!!

Game #2 WINNERS!!!

2009-03-23T04:23:00.002-06:00

YIPPEE!!!

I love sending out winners!!!

Here's the ones I received:
Harley
Martha
Carolyn
Trisha

My winners are:

First received: Harley!!!

Random Draw: TRISHA!!!

I have your addresses.... so you don't need to do a thing!!!

Keep your eye out for ONE LAST Blog hop challenge.... coming soon!!!

MFTA Blog Hop.... Game #2

2009-03-19T17:05:00.002-06:00

Here ya go girls.....

Word scramble time!!!

SO, here ya go.... unscramble these words.....
1. sswohre
2. wrfelo
3. gpsrni
4. nair
5. enger
6. seeeg
7. rmlealub
8. puemdis (2 wds)
9. rppea
10. drngae
11. mooobfek (3 wds)
12. hssunnei
13. lahi
14. oolpbhg (2 wds)
15. ghaeelclsn

TWO winners on this one.... the FIRST ONE to send me (email: scrappyshel@centurytel.net) their answers will get a RAK... then I'll draw ONE MORE winner from the participants who get all the answers right.

THIS IS DUE TO MY EMAIL by MARCH 22nd at 5 pm CST. I'll post winners soon thereafter.

MFTA Blog HOP!!! A winner, and challenge #2

2009-03-16T19:57:00.002-06:00

First... Congratulations to Karee Sue for taking my gallery love challenge... you are my winner!!!

And girls... you don't know what you are missing if you don't check out the gallery!!!

OK... now for challenge #2... due by the end of the Hop (March 30th)...

Your challenge is to create a card, any theme, with three flowers (any type) and PINK (any amount).

Upload to the gallery and post your link in a comment here... one random winner will receive a RAK from me... and make their way to the queen of the hop!!!

Who's ready to rock?!?!?!

Ready for some Deja' Vu???

2009-03-13T19:13:00.001-06:00

Come on over girls and guys too.....Our Deja Vu Crop is going strong!!

I counted a whoppin' TWENTY challenges and three games are posted so far!!

Come join us in all the fun.... http://sassyscrappers.darkbb.com LOTS of RAKS up for grabs too... and one grand prize too!

I've got a photo game going on.... you can jump in any time! And Valerie has posted a real fun guessing game too... Plus... Linda E's posted a gallery scavenger hunt too!

Hope to see you there... the challenges aren't due till Monday night!

Blog HOP!!!!! Hoppin' through the gallery.... A CHALLENGE!!

2009-03-11T18:21:00.002-06:00

Alrighty girls... our gallery is so in need of comments!!!

It needs some love AND some uploads!!! Now, the upload part, we should be seeing that bloom very soon.. but the love part... oh my....

SO... I challenge YOU to go leave 10 positive and specific comments in our gallery... for every 10 comments you leave, I'll give you one entry... on Sunday afternoon at around 5 pm CST, I'll draw one RAK winner..... easy peasy!

Just leave a comment here when you've posted your comments!!

The first giveaway!!!

2009-03-10T04:24:00.002-06:00

So... I challenged you all to get ready... and you did!!

My "random number generator" chose #4... that is gmadew....

SO.... you are my winner!! BUT... I need you to do two things....

1. to make sure you are registered in our gallery at Memories from the Attic, you need to make at least one comment OR upload one piece of art....

and

2. email me your address at: scrappyshel@centurytel.net :)

CONGRATULATIONS!

MFTA Blog HOP!!! Michelle's Challenge #1

2009-03-09T04:43:00.003-06:00

Yep girls... here's my very first challenge!!!

This is DUE by the end of the HOP... BUT, I'll give a RAK to one person who gets this done and posted in the MFTA gallery (and leave me a note here...) by Friday, March 13th....by 5pm cst.

Ready?

This is your FROG challenge! I want to see these things on a LAYOUT... any size, but must be a layout.....
F: Felt
R: Red
O: Circles of some sort
G: Glitz (think STICKLES, glitter, or bling)

Fun huh?? Ready, set, GO!

Are you ready to HOP???

2009-03-08T07:38:00.004-06:00

Our Memories from the Attic blog hop begins tomorrow!!!

Are you ready to hop????

Tell ya what... Post a note here AND be sure you are registered in the MFTA gallery.... (http://memoriesfromtheattic.info/coppermine/) and I'll throw your name in the hat for a RAK!!

That's all... just sign up!!!

I'll take comments until Tuesday morning :) 3/10... get hoppin!

ScrapCity March Reveal! Inspired Mommie Designs Kit :)

2009-03-08T07:34:00.001-06:00

Sassy Scrappers March: The Treasure Box Club SPONSOR!

2009-03-08T07:29:00.001-06:00

What a BAD BLOGGER!!!

2009-03-01T16:08:00.002-06:00

Oh my goodness... I can't believe it's been SO LONG since I blogged!!!

Holy moly..... guess there's not much going on huh?

Really... not a lot, but we had a TON of scrappy fun in February..... two big sketch crops.... FUN!!

Coming soon... DT reveals for Sassy Scrappers... Sponsored by The Treasure Box (YUMYUM); CT reveal for The Scrap City.... Sponsored by Inspired Mommie Designs.... and SOON to receive is the March BOM kit from Memories from the Attic!!!

NOT TO MENTION.... we are having a LEAP FROG BLOG HOP in March.... beginning on March 9th... I'm stoked... it sounds like so much fun!!!! (check out the forum at www.memoriesfromtheattic.info to join us!)

I'll be posting soon :)

Pictures of the day 1/14-1/24

2009-01-27T07:41:00.001-06:00

Very sad...

2009-01-23T06:35:00.009-06:00

I'm very saddened to hear of the untimely passing of one of the online scrapping community's nicest and sweetest ladies. Janice Nielson passed from the earth on Wednesday. We don't know much more, but it sounds as if it was unexpected and fast.

Check out the Scrap City Blog ( http://thescrapcity.blogspot.com ) for a wonderful tribute posted by Telah... it includes some of Janice's wonderful work too... her love for her family, scrapping, and life in general showed through always.

You'll be missed Janice.... and you'll never run out of adhesive again in Scrapper's Heaven!!!

TOOT TOOT TOOT!!!

2009-01-17T19:15:00.002-06:00

What an amazing thing.... I just found out this morning that I was chosen to be a part of the Digi Creative Team at The Scrap City!!!!! Yep, I said DIGI!!!

WOW!!!! I'm so honored!!!!

(and to be honest, a little nervous!!)

But.... I do have my sister (who is ALSO on the team!!) on speed dial... and at least she's two hours behind me if I'm up late frustrated trying to figure out PSP!!!

Thank you Martha for giving me the push!

Photos of the day

2009-01-15T20:39:00.001-06:00

Need to vent....

2009-01-15T19:33:00.002-06:00

Well.. no happy joy joy post today.... I'm so distressed that I have GOT to write or I'm just gonna stew and make it worse....

Well... along about July last year, our hospital began to respond to the downturn in patient flow and did the right business thing and froze hiring and closed one unit and had several more layoffs. of course, during the first round of layoffs, I became the Unit Coordinator... mostly because my old job ceased to exist. I had filled in during the summer and they offered it to me. All well and good. I'm glad to have a job that is M-F days.... By October, the census had NOT picked up.. and especially for us, we were seeing a SIGNIFICANT downturn in census... More layoffs and continued hiring freeze, except for critical positions..... such as RN's. We stayed low during November and December.... even so low that we ended up downstaffing and floating so often..... I ran out of ETO because of time off. Then came January.

As we predicted, people finally got so sick they couldn't wait.... census has been HIGH for two weeks. We have been running 25-32 patients for the whole time. Oh... yeah.... remember, we are now staffed for 20 patients. Do the math... it adds up to me having to take patients almost all of the time, not to mention trying to keep up with comings and goings of those 25-32 patients.... several on isolation (which is a big PIA because they HAVE to have private rooms.... and yep, out of our 40 beds, only 2 are in privates.... ).... oh and did I mention that we have had FOUR patient care techs leave since January 1st.... three have become RN's and one went to school somewhere....... (and we can't hire).... AND... we have lost THREE secretaries (out of FIVE) since the beginning of the year too..... do the math on that one too.... we should have one secretary 7a-11pm and double coverage from 11a-7p AND 7a-7p on the weekends.... (and we can't hire...)

SO... we are only staffed for 20 patients.... we've LOST this many people in the last two weeks and can't replace them..... so that means we are actually STAFFED for about 16 patients.

To add fuel to this... we have this flex staff pool which is wonderful, however, if you don't post your needs, you can't get them filled..... well.... I had no way to get to it until Monday... so I have DOZENS of unfilled shifts... and just a couple filled... literally. Oh, and many of the nurses in the flex pool have gone and found other jobs because they were not getting hours.

SO, today, I lost it.

it was about 2:30... I had 5 patients all day, took a post op at 1315..... making 6. Yeah, all the other nurses had 6 too. AND we only had two techs and a nurse working as a tech.... Then SICU called with a transfer (I had called earlier in the day after I knew the docs had rounded and got "nope, no transfers today... " I knew we had three patients in SICU to come out sometime and ALL were on isolation... so I wanted to plan ahead... SO... the Clinical Sup there called me around 1415 and needed to get a transfer out right now. I had no bed, would have to move people to make a bed... but had three discharges and if they could wait a bit, then we wouldn't have to move someone. I told her I'd call her back when I found out when the patient was going home.... I had no way of knowing.... I couldn't even get all of my crap done with MY patients let alone keep up with who was going home when..... PLUS, it was time to make assignments and I got NO help in the float pool.... so I had to figure out how to have 5 nurses, 2 techs and one secretary (who was working OT on her birthday... because BTW, our day secretary had been working SICK for 10 days and ended up in the ER yesterday to have a peritonsilar abscess drained!!!) take care of like 29 patients. So I called the manager of the day... to see if I could pull the PCT who was orienting to be a US off to be on the floor.... I about lost it.... but was trying to be OK.... then Jana (the House sup..) came around and was asking when I could take the patient from SI... this was about 1435.... I had already made arrangements for the patient to be moved to make a bed... and told her that was my plan, but hadn't called SI yet because it'd only been like 15 minutes and I had a gazillion things to do between things.... so she was on the phone with SI... and they had sent the patient to NI!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Per Jana "she freaked out".... and "had" to make a bed for a heart... that Jana had just told me was still 2-3 hours from being done.

I lost it.....

I felt so out of control... and I hate that feeling.

And Steph and Barb came to help me... but they were so busy too.... they still took the time to take care of me... the bad part is that it is MY JOB to TAKE CARE OF THEM.... that is my role... I should be making sure that THEY are OK and have the tools to do their jobs.... I can't DO THAT if I'm overwhelmed.....

I don't know how much more of this I can take. It's got to let up. OR, I have to let go somehow. I don't know how. I have let go of everything that doesn't matter.... and there is still too much on my plate at work.

The managers and director have done everything they can, but it's not helping. And during all of this chaos today.... they were either in a meeting or dealing with ICU issues.... I know the units were getting hit hard.....

SO... if you got this far... please send me a positive thought for peace... and perseverence.

I'm also on call this weekend. yep. joy.

My Weekend Scrappiness!!

2009-01-13T18:19:00.001-06:00

Photos of the last three days...

2009-01-07T18:24:00.002-06:00

For 1/5/09... Nathan playing DS and Emily looking on...

For 1/6/09... my lunch.... something that I'm trying to do pretty much every day... this is new for me!

And for 1/7/09... a picture of me... stealing Martha's new hairdo!!! Still not sure if I like it or not!

Sassy Blog challenge....

2009-01-05T20:47:00.002-06:00

It's about techniques.

Well... I'm not a big technique girl AT ALL... The most intricate I usually get is either tearing or sewing at times.... and that is few and far between. I'm mostly lazy. LOL.

Now... Things I would LIKE to try... is EVERYTHING on Tim Holtz's blog!!! I NEED an embossing gun... I want to try embossing.. big time.... I also want to try the embossing thing on the fragments... it is SO cool looking!!! And I need to stamp much more!

So... pretty short story.. but that's mine!

Catching up on Pic of the day

2009-01-05T20:12:00.004-06:00

Well, the Blogger gremlins FINALLY let me upload pictures!!

From 1/2: My bathroom sink... getting ready for work

From 1/3: Laundry... every weekend!

And on 1/4: Dave's new Hummer!!! He's so excited

And besides getting the Hummer on Saturday, not much else going on. Back to usual routines.. thank goodness!! Nathan went back to school today... I worked.... tough day at work. I'll rant about that later :)

TOOT TOOT!!!!!

2009-01-02T19:31:00.004-06:00

What an exciting day!!!! Actually two days...

I was chosen as the Member of the Month at The Scrap City!!!!!

Oh my GOSH!!! I noticed Tina's comment on my blog yesterday, but I thought she was talking about the December challenge drawing... which I also won!!! OH MY!!!!!

Then I took a look at the ScrapCity blog... they made a SLIDE SHOW of MY layouts!!! WOW!!

Thank you girls so much!!

Go check out the blog:
http://www.thescrapcity.blogspot.com/

AND.... Memories From the Attic has a BUNCH of new stuff going on!!!

We are two days into the Scrap in the New Year challenge competition between MFTA and Scrapbook Express... What fun!!! If you haven't checked it out... GET OVER THERE!!!

There are LOTS of sponsors and BIG prizes... Bo Bunny... 3 Bugs in a Rug.. Bazzill... Colorbok... Imaginisce... Quikutz... and of course the two sites!!!

LOTS of time to play.... Come play for our team at MFTA... and tell them I sent ya..... then tell YOUR friends too... and get some points too! The best part is that you don't have to keep track of the points.... Melissa will do that for us!

www.memoriesfromtheattic.info

OK... for my daily.....

I took a pic of my bathroom counter this morning... I haven't uploaded yet, but I'll update this when I get it uploaded.

Food: Did good today. Took my breakfast and lunch to work, added some salad (even did pretty good with salad choices).

Exercise: Did my yoga dvd! WOO HOO!!

Off to a great start!

Oh happy DAY!!!

2009-01-01T19:25:00.003-06:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

I spent the first day of 2009 doing what I love... scrapping!!!!

And met my goals today too....

I ate well all day. I exercised today too... treadmill for 30 mins and lifted weights for 30 mins.

And took my picture for today too.... Just a pic of the refrigerator. That's how we live :)

New Years Goals... 2009

2008-12-31T18:27:00.003-06:00

Of course, as this time of year comes around again, everyone is talking about resolutions. Well... I also get to thinking about what I'd like to do in the new year, but I don't really make resolutions.... I think they are meant to be broken.

So this year, I have two goals.

ONE: I have got to lose this weight and get to eating and being healthy.

TWO: I'd like to take a picture a day... I'm not sure what I'm going to do with them, but I'm going to get a snapshot of life in this year....... if I miss a day or two, no biggie. But I want to look over the year and it seems cool. I actually started this yesterday....

Here are my pics:

12/30/08

And for today 12/31/08:

This may not look exciting, a picture of Emily sleeping.. but it is VERY exciting.... see, she's in her OWN BED.... this is sorta new... and I hope by the end of the year it will be funny to look back on..... something that she just does without thinking!

A new day....

2008-12-29T08:54:00.003-06:00

Lots of fun from Christmas... Oh my how fun!!! The kids played nonstop... and I don't think Nathan has been away from a video game for more than one waking hour since Christmas.....

Emily has just been having so much fun going from thing to thing... neat huh? She loves her dollhouse... her baby stuffed animals.... and Nathan's things too LOL.

Saturday, we went to Grandma and Grandpa's to celebrate Great Grandpa's 84th birthday... and my uncle and cousin came in from Iowa too! Nice day....

Sunday, I rearranged my room.... and cleaned up some too. I have LOTS to go through... and I'm going to have a goal of doing one thing/section each day till it gets done.... I am not sure how to sort my loose things... you know... all those RAK things... and most of it is good stuff, just right now it is thrown in a box... I NEED to use those things.... maybe I'll make up kits with stuff that's not already in kits...

Today... I was scheduled to work. They called last night.. I was first to be downstaffed... so I'm pretty sure that I won't work today, but we'll see. I should know in an hour or so. Hate waiting though because I would like to get some things going... anyhoo...

Waiting for pictures... ordered on Snapfish.

AND.... I did the treadmill today!! YIPPEE!!

It's the 23rd!!!

2008-12-23T06:30:00.002-06:00

I think I get just as excited as the kids do... I can't wait to see them open their gifts... it's so much fun! Just two more sleeps now....

Well.... I got the morning off... our census is 11 right now... so there only need to be 3 nurses.... there were six sceduled... anyhoo.... hopefully, I'll be home all day. It would kinda stink to go in for four hours... but I'm really hopeful.

Didn't scrap last night, but did a few the night before....and the night before that too.

here's a look... just scrapping for me finally!

Catch up time!!!

2008-12-06T05:50:00.006-06:00

First... HOORAY!!! I have a new blog header... my sis made this for me and I adore it!!!!!!!! "Did it while I was feeding Madison".... I tell ya, she should TOTALLY be a digi designer FULL TIME!! I'd STILL be working on it if I tried to start last night.... THANK YOU MARTHA!!

Busy time in the Crumby household, as I'm sure it is for all of you.... we got our tree up last weekend... it's so festive to have the house decorated. But, we are also going to be very sad in the next few days... my sister and her family are moving to Washington state... they are leaving on Wednesday. I know, with all the technology available, it's like they are right next door, but still..... I won't have a buddy to just run to Target with or to run away from the kids for a while with..... and Nathan is really starting to realize that they are leaving... it's hard. BUT... I do know it's best for them in the long run....... and we just have a new vacation destination!

Yesterday was the DT reveal day for Sassy Scrappers!!! We were sponsored this month by ScrapMuse.... and MY OH MY... the mega kits are MEGA MEGA!!! I got SO much out of this kit and still have leftovers!

Here are a few of my layouts:

Well.... it's time for me to write my list and start working...... have a great weekend everyone!

TOOT TOOT!!!!

2008-11-17T17:30:00.001-06:00

I just was just asked to be a member of the DT at Sassy Scrappers!!!

TOOT TOOT TOOT!!!!!

WOO HOO!!!!

Starting tomorrow!!!

2008-11-16T17:17:00.003-06:00

Two BIG crops....

First.... and the one I'm MOST excited about (because I'm providing a challenge or three...)
http://www.sassyscrappers.darkbb.com

For the Fall Crop... LOTS of fall themed AND getting ready for the holiday season challenges... I'm totally STOKED>

And at: http://www.thescrapcity.com/ is the Game Show crop....

I can't wait for Martha to come on Saturday and play with me for the last time in a long time... (BOO) but YEAH!!

Check them out.... tell them I sent ya (no, I don't think anyone is having a contest... just like to play with my friends!)

New Challenge

2008-11-10T19:24:00.003-06:00

Over at Sassy Scrappers (http://sassyscrappers.darkbb.com).....
I was asked to provide a bi-weekly challenge for fun..... and came up with the Grocery List challenge....

Each time, I'll give you five different things in four categories... a technique, a color, a paper type, and two embellishments... you need to go shopping in your stash for these things and prepare a layout.... you have to get at least four of the things otherwise you have to go back to the store!!!

Here's the challenge for this week:
Inking (not stamping.... edge inking)
Pink
Flowered PP
something metal (not brads or eyelets)
Stickles/glitter

Here's a bonus.... if you participate this week and post both at Sassy AND comment here.... I'll send you a RAK of 20 sheets of PP!!!!!

Are you up for it?!?!

I almost forgot!!!

2008-11-10T19:15:00.002-06:00

Check out the MFTA November kit.... http://www.memoriesfromtheattic.info/

Here's three of my creations using this kit.... I'm working on the fan but a little stuck LOL.

HOW COOL!!!

2008-11-07T05:31:00.002-06:00

Do you make your Christmas cards? I sure do and have for several years.

This year, Memories from the Attic is hosting a CONTEST!!!! There are four different categories (stamping, nontraditional colors, shaped, and vintage/victorian) in the first phase and then after the first phase, winners will be chosen and will continue to the second phase of the contest.....

Sounds like fun!!

Check it out:
http://www.memoriesfromtheattic.info/viewtopic.php?p=35556#35556

Of course, there will be PRIZES.... and you'll get some of your cards done too!

I VOTED!!!

2008-11-04T16:27:00.002-06:00

Did you???

It's been a very long time since I voted...I honestly have not really followed the races OR I did not have opinions in the recent past...and this year, I DO have opinions.

Now... it's time to wait.

Other tidbits.... got DH his birthday/Christmas present... an iPhone.... um, someone remind me that I don't NEED one too!!!

BUT... he also got ME MY Christmas present... A WII!!!!! along with Wii Fit!!!!! HOW COOL... not only that he got me one, but that we found one!!!! It should be here in a day or two.... hope I don't have to wait to open it!

On a very sad note for me... my sister is for sure moving. We've known for a while, but she scheduled the movers for 12/9..... I'm sad. Very sad.

Weekend Creating....

2008-10-20T17:47:00.002-06:00

Well.... I spent the weekend getting a few challenges done for the Birthday Bash at Memories from the Attic..... And lemme say... I'm so happy to be scrapping PINK again!!!!

Here's a few of my creations:

I also got pictures ordered and printed for this weekend... got the cooler cleaned out to use as a tote (we're going with a "Tailgate" theme for our table decorating contest entry, so I thought the big cooler would make a great tote!!).... and also played some finding the pumpkins on The Great Pumpkin Search Online shop hop.... Between Martha and I, we've found 26/39 so far......

Check it out... lots of prizes!! www.thegreatpumpkinsearch.com

Well... off to search for pumpkins.....

Random Thoughts

2008-10-14T18:48:00.002-06:00

Just some random thoughts today.......

I'm tired... the kind where your body is exhausted, but your mind really isn't

Why won't 4 and 5 year olds go to bed when I tell them to?

Sometimes, I don't think I would be fat if McDonalds or other places didn't exist.... I just don't like cooking. Blah.

I'm so addicted to House.....

I can NOT WAIT for the 24th.... Martha and I are going to the annual retreat in Lincoln MO. Oh my my my...... two and a half whole days by ourselves..... just scrappin' and relaxin!!!

I've GOT to order pictures (again....)

The hard part of that is picking out pics for Mom and Dad.... there are SO many to try and get in just a few pages for their Christmas gift.

Madison is so sweet... there's just something about new babies.....

And finally... I can't believe I finally have a NIECE!!!! How cool... Emily thinks so too.

Oh SO EXCITED!!!

2008-10-10T17:07:00.002-06:00

WE HAVE A NEW NIECE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've never had the opportunity to say that before!!! Martha had their 5th baby today... she came into the world at 3:23 this afternoon and I got there just a few minutes later. Baby and mommy are doing fine.

Here's Madison Rose Meier

7lbs 1.9 oz and 20 inches long

It's SCRAP weekend!!! I'm getting ready to rock the Pink CROPS at Sassy Scrappers and ScrapCity.... how fun!!!!

AND.... I've been asked to design for Scrappin' in my Spare Time kits!!!!! Jen's got some YUMMY tastes in papers and colors.... I'm just DROOLING to get going....

Check them out here:

http://scrappininmysparetime.blogspot.com/

So... off to my room.....

It's a PINK weekend!!

2008-10-09T04:53:00.005-06:00

Yeppers..... it's October again!!! And time for all the ScrapPINK events. What a wonderful way to raise awareness for breast cancer!! And a little money here and there too....

Sassy Scrappers and Scrap City are teaming up to have a crop this weekend..... Two sites, TWO crops.... what's a girl gonna do????? SCRAP, of course!!!

There are a few precrop challenges posted that I've been working on.... but I still have lots to do. And I have still yet to sort my pictures that I got printed last week....

Oh yeah.... that reminds me... I need to get pics printed for mom and dad's album/Christmas gift before our crop weekend retreat on the 24th.... I was hoping to get some BABY pictures first, but seems that the little one has a mind of his/her own...... Martha's about ready... ok, so she was ready about 3 weeks ago... bless her heart.

Well.... anyways...

Check out the OCTOBER KIT!!!

2008-10-07T19:34:00.010-06:00

At Memories From the Attic !!! YUMMO!!!

Very soft, very romatic feel... just made me want to grunge it up even more LOL....

Here are a few LO's I got done tonight. and a card from this weekend... I also got a couple more cards done and still have a bunch of paper left over.. what a great kit!!!

Happy World Cardmaking Day!!!

2008-10-04T16:39:00.008-06:00

WOW... I think I got a total of 11 cards done today... woo hoo!!

I usually make cards for fun, but just occasionally... so, for the "holiday" I decided to dedicate today to making cards...

Very fun and relaxing...

here are some of my cards:

Goings on...

2008-10-02T19:04:00.002-06:00

OK... here's my first REAL blog entry...

What's going on in my scrappy cyber world.

Memories from the Attic is ONE this month, so we're having a month long celebration!!

www.memoriesfromtheattic.info

We are also having a party this Saturday for World Cardmaking Day on Saturday 10/4.... we are starting at 10 am CST and running all day. Come check it out!

Sassy Scrappers is ALSO having a bit of a crop this weekend for World Cardmaking Day this weekend for the Crop and Chat... I'm going to play there too!

http://sassyscrappers.darkbb.com

PLUS... next weekend is a BIG BIG weekend.... Sassy Scrappers AND Scrap City are having a Scrap Pink Crop... yeppers... BOTH sites.... can you believe it!! And all to raise money for breast cancer research. Cancer SUCKS.... and breast cancer is high on my list of things that suck.

SO... that being said... it's a scrappy MONTH!!! WOO HOO!!!!

Back to Blogging!!!

2008-10-02T17:03:00.002-06:00

And it's about darned time!!!

It's REALLY been over a YEAR since I blogged... Oh my.

Life has changed a little....

Thank you Tammy at Sassy Scrappers for starting this off..... I got all my challenges done girlie!

I'm gonna start bloggin... PROMISE!

SCRAP DAY!

2007-08-16T07:00:00.000-06:00

I'm scrappin today.... I had great intentions yesterday, but ended up doing lots of things instead. I did get two layouts done, but not too much..... here's my intention list:
1. MFS August contest (done)
2. Challenges at Mojo (7 total/1 done)
3. Mojo DT project
4. Paper DT project
5. TKM Contest
6. Queen Kat Blog contest (3 projects/0 done)
7. CJ for Mojo
PLUS, I'd better get the roladex cards done............. They are due out tomorrow.... Glad I got some photo paper yesterday.....
I feel a headache coming on though.......... I wish I could just scrap today! It would make me feel better I think.

Tagged??????

2007-08-13T04:25:00.001-06:00

Sheree got me....

I'm not quite sure if I'm rockin'... but I'm definitely a girl, and I'm trying to be a blogger more LOL!!

I'm gonna tag......

Laura

Gabi

Meghan

Cheryl

and Amy/Jen.....

Your turn girls.....

UPDATE!!!! Finally....

2007-08-11T04:42:00.000-06:00

Ok... so I've been ever so gently reminded that it's been a MONTH since I blogged....

Geesh, you'd think I have nothing in my life LOL.

SO.... update thread......

1. Weight loss progress: I weighed in at 170 this week.... total weight loss to date is 34 lbs. I also have increased my workouts to 4-5/week over the last couple of weeks. I'm very happy with that. I'm starting to see lots of progress. I even put a pair of shorts on Thursday and they are on the line too big... YEAH!! I hate to buy new clothes, but these bigger things are starting to annoy me. I did put two pairs of scrub pants away because they are just too big to be comfortable. YEAH! I tried on a size 12 pair of shorts at Old Navy and they BUTTONED!!! WOO HOO!!! I didn't like how they fit and didn't have time, but it was cool!!

2. Work: Weird weird schedule. This weekend and next, I'm doing weekends. Then I do two weeks of nights, then back to weekends.........

3. Family: Not a lot of excitement, thankfully. Nathan would LOVE to go to school this year, but alas, it's not till next year..... I don't know if I'm ready.... but he will be!

4. Scrappy stuff: Had a crop at Mojo a couple of weeks ago and that was SO MUCH FUN!!! We are planning another one in September and I'm SO looking forward to it!!! All about the sketches and scraplifts...... I just love our Mavens!! I also decided to go ahead and apply for DT at Piggy Tales and American Crafts..... either of these would be FABU!!!! I use AC on EVERYTHING...... between the chipboard/plastic elements and the YUMMY YUMMY letter variety they have.... DROOL. And Piggy Tales.... everytime I get a line of their product, it's GONE....... again.... DROOL! I doubt I'll get either, but wouldn't it be cool?!?!

That's about it........ I need to blog more often......

Summer Activites... SM Prompt

2007-07-12T06:47:00.000-06:00

Well, I've long neglected my blog... AGAIN! So I grabbed the prompt that Gabi posted at SM and I'm here!

What Summer Activities do I just wait for??

AMUSEMENT PARK!!!! We got a Six Flags Annual pass this year and I'm still very excited. We've only been once, but I tell ya, I could probably go every other week!! I'm like a big kid when it comes to the rides. And I just LOVE seeing the kids on the rides... how fun! And they love the waterpark part of Six Flags too... oh my.... it was like trying to take a zebra away from a lioness when we had to leave!

My only wish is that I could take better pictures!

I've been tagged!!

2007-06-29T12:20:00.000-06:00

Oh gee.... seven fun facts about me.... hmmm

1. I could scrap for 3 days straight without a break and still have supplies
2. I hate shopping for clothes
3. I love going to garage sales
4. I only work 3 days a week, usually (that's full time though)
5. I resisted FIERCELY getting a mini van... now I love it!
6. I usually only wear my wedding and first anniversary rings, no other jewelry
7. I wear my Birks all the time, even in winter

Now... who to tag???? I don't know if I know seven bloggers...... but I'll tag Lora, Sheree, and Angela!

http://angelaprieto-bluejeans7.blogspot.com/
http://sheree412.blogspot.com/

Online shopping disaster..... SM Prompt

2007-05-03T16:05:00.000-06:00

Well.... I shop online a great deal.... I really don't like shopping so online is the BEST for me, I'm able to get what I need and don't have to go out..... Especially living in Hawaii, things are difficult to come by. SO.... two years ago for Christmas (2005) I decided to avoid all the insanity and buy most of my stuff online. I shopped like crazy on Thanksgiving day and the day after.... and got it all done. Paid for Priority Shipping for everything to make sure it got there on time. About two weeks later, I got most everything..... except the "Santa" (and everything else) gifts for my kids from Wal-Mart.com.... no problem... don't need them till the day before right? So I waited. You got it.... NEVER got the stuff. SO, instead of avoiding the insanity, I was shopping on Christmas Eve.... ARRRRRGGGHHH!!! I called and got a credit. They had NO idea where the stuff was.

Funny part..... in JULY of 2006..... the package showed up!!!

It's 4:24 am....

2007-04-14T03:24:00.001-06:00

and I'm at work.
Bored out of my mind.
I've been done for three hours.
Just rounding every hour or so...
walking around every 1/2 hour.
Trying to stay awake.
This sucks.

Bad Habits..... Mojo Blog prompt

2007-04-12T20:07:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Gabi.....

Well... I have lots of little bad habits... I blogged about my food issues a few entries back, so that one's out of the way.....

But here's some more of my dirty little habits:
1. I don't clean the tub... rarely anyway... hate it. It's like trying to stand on your head and scrub your butt at the same time.... what a PAIN!
2. I take the elevator almost all the time
3. I let my car run down to the light coming on before I fill up
4. I pay the bills sporadically..... it's pretty regular and rarely things are late, but it would be much better if I just paid them on a regular SCHEDULE
5. And my last one.... I don't sort laundry very well.... Light/Dark/Towels.... it works though.

So.... there's some honesty for ya

Venting post... Mojo Challenge

2007-04-10T19:52:00.000-06:00

Things that I have found out that totally irritate me.... beware.... these are things about my hubby.......
1. PUT THE DISHES AWAY.... I'm very glad he washes them, but sheesh.... do you not know where they go?
2. Can you use a BIGGER bowl to save things in the refrigerator... come on, do you need a salad bowl for 2 cups of mac and cheese?
3. TOYS.... We have MANY buckets for toys... they are arranged by type... it's not that difficult. The children can sort them and put them away if you get them to do it... can you?
4. Laundry is NOT DONE IF IT's STILL IN THE DRYER
5. Why do we have to watch the NFL network ALL THE TIME????
6. Coffee sucks when you can see through it.
7. Finally.... I sort clothes VERY SIMPLY... dark, light and Towels...... and the kids' clothes are seperate..... how difficult is this????????

My new do....

2007-04-05T08:51:00.000-06:00

I finally took a pic.... it's fun, but it's getting difficult to get used to having hair! LOL.... Definitely not my usual "Whack it off and call it good..."

Now... Martha let me borrow her flat iron... guess I'd better go get one of my own.... cause it certainly doesn't look like this before the flat iron LOL

SM Prompt... my scrappy space

2007-04-04T14:56:00.000-06:00

I'm so excited.... I want to talk!! LOL

Naw... but I LOVE my room!! I'm SO SO SO SO THRILLED to have my own scraproom... and plenty of room to play too! I have a 13x13 bedroom with a large walk-in closet to scrap in.... we have a regular dining table in there and I recently put the large leaf in and it's so much better. I love it when Martha comes over and scraps... she has one side, I have the other. I have one table on the door wall that is open for her goodies..... I have a 6ft table for my computer and scanner and stacker, I have a bookshelf and several drawered organizer things......

I need to do two more things. First, get a new light source..... the one in there has only one bulb and it's awful. I bought a lamp and it helps, but it's not good at all. The other thing I need to do is to find a way to put out all my embellies... the odd ones.... I have these old fashioned wooden strawberry crates and I think I'll staple them to the wall and sort that way... but I haven't done it yet.

Anyhoo... that's my room! Pictures later.

Lots going on....

2007-04-04T07:21:00.000-06:00

Man... for being relaxed and not too bad... I sure have a lot going on!!! LOL.

So, I'm going to try to blog several times in the next couple of days to get caught up and to make it easier to read... and not end up sounding like Grandpa Simpson LOL

The thing on my mind this morning is my weight. And my cholesterol... and my blood pressure. I went to the doctor on the 19th to talk about my cholesterol. She (and I) was not happy... she was very blunt. She asked me if I wanted to change my lifestyle or start taking meds. Geesh. 35 and on meds for cholesterol? Ewww. I don't want to be that person. PLUS... big bonus... my BP was REALLY high.... .like 150's over 110. It's NEVER been high..... I'm sure it was partially anxiety, but holy moly. I don't want to be on blood pressure meds at 35!!!!!

So what's the problem.... my weight. I weighed 203 at the doc's office.

SO... she sent me to the dietitian. I went yesterday and she was very good and didn't belabor the things I already know, but did give me direction and specifics. The good part... I was 199 lbs there and my BP was like 128/80 or something.... much better.

And I started my "diet" and exercise. I put diet in quotes because it's really just eating RIGHT, not some kind of crash thing.

Fortunately, we're not looking at total calories.... but I know we are looking at 1500-1700 calories per day...... She's got me watching my carbs/fats/proteins.... it's not hard. I just have to do it. And exercise. I got on the treadmill last night and I didn't die!!! AMAZING. It was only 20 minutes, but I figured I'd be really hating it if I did more than that.

So now I'm thinking of ways to punish myself/reward myself.

I'm goin with both...............

And it's all about the scrappy purchase power.

Lose 5 lbs: Get $5 worth of goodies

Lose 10 lbs: Get a kit

Lose 15 lbs: Get $5 wort of goodies

Lose 20 lbs: Get a kit

And so on.....

Now... my goal is 145. My reward will be a Cricut and two cartridges.

I can do it. I can do it. I can do it.

I must keep the denim shorts that I ripped out in the belly for a reminder too.

My Sketch World.... my first layout!

2007-03-26T12:13:00.000-06:00

Yippee.... it's up!!! Check it out at http://www.mysketchworld.blogspot.com
Here's my layout for the sketch (AWESOME ONE Lucy!!!) this week. Thanks for letting me play :)

How cool huh????

WOO HOO!!!

2007-03-26T09:13:00.000-06:00

It's my first day home and I'm so relaxed... I slept all night last night... it was wonderful to wake up without an alarm!!! WOO HOO!!!!!

Plus, I had a couple of little toot type things this past week.... Lucy asked for volunteers to create layouts based on her sketches for her sketch world blog (I'll link over on the blog links when I figure out how LOL). I did my first one this weekend!!!

The other goodie was that I got one layout accepted at the Basic Grey gallery!!! It's the My Sister, My Friend layout I did of Martha..... she just loves the picture too... HAHA... I told her to get me a better one and we'd talk LOL

So... I'm trying to get a few things done this morning... and not get too "scheduled" if you KWIM... So far, I got the kids' toys cleaned out and rearranged... I'm THRILLED. Next BIG challenge will be clothes... Does it ever end?? Rotating, growing out, too big, too small..... plus the season thing... I haven't had to do seasons for 6 years!!! LOL.

So... back to work :) TEE HEE!!!

VACATION Time.....

2007-03-18T19:36:00.000-06:00

Ok... so it's not time yet, but with Spring Break next week for the folks around here, I've sure been itching for one!
Well.... plans for us are kinda vague right now for this year. DH starts his new job tomorrow and we'll see what kind of time off he'll get.
SO.... the one thing we did already is to get season passes to Six Flags.... we got a smokin' deal on them and wanted to jump on it before they went up..... So I hope we'll go about once a month.... of course it's 2 1/2 hours away or so, so makes it difficult just to run out and go. BUT, sounds like fun.
We're going to go to Arizona to visit DH's mom and family.... and burn some timeshare dollars too..... but probably not till later in the year.... last time we went it was July and MISERABLE......

My DREAM vacation I'm looking forward to in about 2-3 years.... I want to do a Disney land and sea adventure.... where you have like 4 days on a cruise to the Disney private island and 3 days at Disney World.... HOW FUN WOULD THAT BE?!?!?! I want to wait till Emily and Nathan can both enjoy and before they don't want to be seen with us..... but I want to do this!!!

Besides these things, I want a weekend getaway with my sister.... and maybe later with my hubby.... at least one night away.... it'd be a novel idea!

Well.... enough about vacations... back to reality LOL!

10 Things That Make me Happy (SM Blog Challenge)

2007-03-12T14:35:00.000-06:00

What a fun, quick blog challenge!!!
Here's a few quick things that make me happy.....
1. Giggles from my kiddos
2. A hug from my husband for no reason
3. A clean car
4. A Pedicure
5. "I Wub You Mommy"
6. Scrapping
7. 75 Degree weather
8. Cheesecake
9. Clean sheets
10. A full night's sleep

Now, of course, these are just random things, but they are the first ones I thought of!!!

Scrappin Mojo Blog challenge: Friendship

2007-03-09T19:15:00.000-06:00

Funny how these challenges come up at just the right time... I was just thinking about this the other day.

All my friends, with the exception of my family and my sister, are online.

You know the little blinkie that says "I love my computer because that's where my friends are" ? Yep... that's me.

Part of the reason I was ready to leave Hawaii was that I really didn't have any hang out with kinda friends... you know the ones you don't have to knock when you enter their house... the ones you can ask if you need a tampon... that kind of friend. I had a few good friends at work, but pretty much, it was limited to that. NOW, I have my sister. And I'm so looking forward to being home during the week and having someone to play with!! And having our kids play together and doing things together.... won't that be awesome?!?!?

My only hope is that she and her DH don't decide to move away. I really love Columbia and LOVE my house and my job is pretty good....schools will be pretty good for the kids... and lots of good midwestern activities. So I really don't want to move away..... but I don't want her to either... (SELFISH!)

Anyhoo... that's my take on friendship.

MFS Blog challenge: Scrapbooking

2007-03-08T20:09:00.000-06:00

Yes, I'm one of them.

A crazy psycho mom scrapper take my picture no wait I haven't got the camera out yet look over here I have a great idea for a page woman.

Never woulda thunk it.... but that's me.

And I LOVE IT... every second of it!

But it's my mom's fault.... she did it.... no, she wasn't a scrapper, BUT she did make me want to scrap. See, she kept baby books for both of us... and we just LOVED looking at them. From our first photos (thanks for the sticky curl Ma) to the funky early 70's clothes and do's and my dad's big huge sideburns.... to the birthday card duck with a quacker (who knows where that sucker went after being abused for so many years).... to the "favorite foods" page or the immunizations. I still love looking through that book.

And I want my kids to also.

I never wanted to stop there either....I want to chronicle our lives as a family so that our story isn't lost when I pass on..... I don't want my grandkids asking my kids after I'm gone about funny stories that I used to tell about their childhood.... I want to share them now and then, when time has passed, remember.

Another quote I love is about memories being moments... not events or things. I SO believe that and my scrapping and pictures reflect that.... life is full of moments... if you don't take the time to appreciate those, they are gone.

So yes.... I am.

That crazy scrapper mom oh no do we have to go to Hobby Lobby again what do you mean you are out of adhesive again where do you want me to stand how do you cut your hand with scissors get that glue stick out of your hair person.

That's me. I don't plan on changing. But if I do, my moments are recorded for now and ever.

Love.... Scrappin' Mojo Blog challenge

2007-03-08T20:04:00.000-06:00

A quick entry......

but I want to get it done while these thoughts are lingering....

The topic is love.

One of my favorite quotes is about when you have kids that you forever wear your heart outside your body.... that's SO TRUE. I had no idea until Nathan was born. And as we are in his birth month and he's going to be four, I remember, just like it was yesterday... looking at him, laying in his crib, or even in the bassinet at the hospital... and just being filled with such a sense of overwhelming joy and love that I cried tears of happiness. Gee, even as I'm typing, I'm getting misty. And the same thing happened with Emily... but of course, by the time she came to us, I knew what to expect.... didn't make that feeling any less, I just knew that overwhelming feeling was coming.

And now, almost 2 1/2 and 4 years later, I can still look in on them while they are sleeping and just feel that joy and INTENSE LOVE each time. There is nothing like it.

TIRED

2007-03-06T21:01:00.000-06:00

Long day... no reason except it's Tuesday. Great day at work, kids... no naps. Good part there though is that they were so stinkin' tired that I got mommy time by 7:30... bad part is it's 9 now and I'm almost asleep. I'm pooped.

I DID get two LO's done and the other one scanned......

and I got my page protectors (6 of them) sewed up the middle for my alpha book.... THANK YOU MARTHA for getting me my alpha book........ I can't wait to get my letters ORGANIZED.... I'm so glad I came across this in CK... hope it works for me.

Well... beddiebye time....

Blog Challenge: Scrappin' Mojo

2007-03-05T16:44:00.000-06:00

First.... thanks to Corrina for comin' up with this idea... AWESOME

So... blog challenge... FOOD

About food.... I LOVE FOOD. And I hate it. I think that most women who have had kids go through this... but I was sorta in this battle before kids too. I eat eat eat and don't exercise. I'm hungry even when I'm not. I hate that I can't wear anything I want because it looks like crap on me..... I hate the lumps. But I love food..... weird thing though is that I don't really like to cook. Part of me wonders if I liked to cook, would I like to eat healthier?? And I KNOW HOW to cook, and I know HOW to eat healthy, but I don't. I make bad choices and I eat way too much. Boy, this is sure turning into an emotional ramble..... Just like I tell my patients who are "noncompliant" with stopping smoking or eating right.... THEY have to make the decision... no one will do it for them... DUH...... I HAVE to........... I want to be around for my kids.... I want to be able to get on the stinkin' floor and play cars and be able to get right back up without hurting..... I'm beginning to notice these things. And my joints hurt... now in all fairness, they always have hurt, but I think it's much worse now that I'm so heavy. I want to be able to wear a size 12. I would LOVE to be saving for a tummy tuck, rather than lamenting my food choices. When will I decide to make better choices? huh? Maybe if I set a date.... like the first day I start my "new" job... March 26th.... birthday week too...... I need to exercise.... I need to eat right.... I need to eat in moderation. That's my D day..... I have time to plan and relax.... it's not tomorrow, so I can look ahead with calm.........

List update.... at 1:32 pm CST

2007-03-04T13:32:00.000-06:00

I'm so proud.....
1. Get storm shelter set up DONE
2. Laundry (always laundry).. I'd better fold and put away those 1 1/2 baskets of socks and underwear I've been ignoring too. LAST LOAD IN THE DRYER.. socks are done
3. Post FH2S challenge and three challenges at Scrappin Mojo DONE
4.. Clean the NASTY dog blankets...
5. Pay bills DONE
6. Clean the basement floor if the mood strikes. Hasn't struck yet
7. Get my RAK goodies ALL ready to go DONE
8. Get started/complete my database for addies for my scrappy friends. Got it all started and some names in

I think I'll take a nap now that the kids are sleeping....

CHALLENGES:
Check them out!!

Neato three to four picture sketch at www.fromhere2scrapternity.com on the Sunday Sketch forum

and for Scrappin' Mojo..... (www.scrappinmojo.com)
Word of wisdom this week: Happy
Recipe: 3+ PP, 1+ CS, Frame or chipboard letters, brads, and handjournaling
Technique: Using ARROWS

Check them out!!!

Long day... long list for tomorrow

2007-03-03T20:22:00.000-06:00

First.... was planning on going to Laurie to help mom and Mart pack for grandpa, but I did NOT expect to get up spontaneously at 4 am.... ICK. So, now I'm tired. And I have LOTS to do tomorrow.... but I'm just sucking wind right now and may have to give in... I'm not going to be any good if I don't get some sleep soon...

And second... my to do list for tomorrow (in random order)
1. Get storm shelter set up
2. Laundry (always laundry).. I'd better fold and put away those 1 1/2 baskets of socks and underwear I've been ignoring too.
3. Post FH2S challenge and three challenges at Scrappin Mojo.... I still need to do two layouts and adhese down the first... This is why I'm cranky that I'm tired.... I WANT to scrap tonight... not gonna happen
4. Clean the NASTY dog blankets...
5. Pay bills
6. Clean the basement floor if the mood strikes.
7. Get my RAK goodies ALL ready to go
8. Get started/complete my database for addies for my scrappy friends.

Gee.... are there somehow 70 hours in Sunday?????????????

I'll try to check in again tomorrow when Emily is going to bed.

Here we go again!!

2007-03-02T19:57:00.000-06:00

Every time I start again, I get sidetracked....

BUT.... here we go!!

UPDATES!!

1. HUBBY: Daddy is home!!! He's been here since 12/8/06 and we are settling in well. He HAS been working nights at Wal Mart and watching the kids all day.... but on 3/19/07, he starts a full time day job (civilian) with the National Guard in Jeff City. Oh yeah... he raised his hand today and committed to 6 years with the NG too....
2. NATHAN: My goodness.... he's gonna be 4 in a few weeks!! He's lovin having daddy home. And LOVES having his hair in a "high and tight" courtesy of pop.... it looks good on him. He's GROWING like a weed.
3. EMILY: is 2 1/2 now..... my goodness... and going on 12!! ATTITUDE! Mostly good, but still 2.
4. WORK: Well, ya gotta do what you need to do..... I'm going to be changing jobs..... I'm going to be working nights on Fri, Sat, and Sun and then staying home M-F with the kids.... so much more time for them and for fun...........
5. SCRAPPIN!!! Lots going on here.... Martha and I opened Scrappin' Mojo, a website for inspiration and fun (www.scrappinmojo.com) on 2/22.... and we are THRILLED that it's hoppin! We have a DT call going on, three montly contests and five challenges a week right now.... WOWZERS...
I am THRILLED to be the Guest Designer this month at one of my new hangouts.... Memories from Scrap.... HOW COOL IS THAT?!?!?!
Still on the DT for HYWWP and FH2S..... My Scrap Shak Closed at the end of January, sadly.

SO.... that's about it for the three minute synopsis.... Hopefully, I'll start keepin up!

Blog challenge 6/12

2006-06-12T04:30:00.000-06:00

Here's my FH2S challenge question: What's the last movie you saw in the theater?

Well, for us (funny how me goes away when you have kids), it was Ice Age 2. We loved it and Nathan was VERY entranced. I swear, give that kid a new movie and a bucket of popcorn and he's in his seat for the whole thing! But, that's really the first one we've been to. Before that, we went to March of the Penguins (mommy made a big mistake.... not good for kids! They were all over by the first 10 minutes!). And before that........ well, suffice to say that Nathan was less than 6 months old (he's 3 yrs/2 months right now) and we went to see Bad Santa.

Some day, I'll get to see a movie made for adults again with NO children..........

FH2S Blog challenge and other tidbits....

2006-06-08T05:02:00.000-06:00

Food!!! This is near and dear to my heart.... and very much on my mind lately. But I won't go into the entire psychodrama of my relationship with food... just my loves/hates:
LOVE: Chocolate (but not crazy type.... just one of my faves), anything fried, green beans, beef and noodles, meatloaf, grilled BBQ chicken breasts, Life cereal or sugar puffs.
Not a fan: Some fish... HATE cooking it, beets, minute rice (I really much prefer regular rice... nice and stout, not quite sticky, but stuck together), don't like flavored creamers or flavored coffee, Grape nuts (ick!), hmmm.... what else?

Anyways... that's it for the blog challenge.

I got on the treadmill today!! YEAH!!! One down... and my legs are GOING to hurt tomorrow!

He's off again....

2006-06-07T03:32:00.000-06:00

Well, Dave left about an hour ago for KC... my folks are taking him so he's driving to Boonville and going from there. I'm sad that he had to leave so early, but he made his reservations. Now, of course, I can't get back to sleep.

Honestly, it wasn't that great of a visit. I guess I'm not in the best of moods anyways.. .that time of the month..... but it seems like everything I say goes in one ear and out the other. Last night, he had the kids out at the big play slide/fort thing. I SPECIFICALLY told him to keep a close eye on Emily because she likes to climb the 7 foot ladder and then gets to the top and wants to step down. I look out and he and Dave are looking off into the trees about 20 feet away and Em is on the LADDER!!! I almost had a heart attack! Steven fell off that ladder a few weeks ago and I'm scared! DUH.

Besides that, I specifically asked him to do the trimming and to NOT mow the grass... I can do that easily and Kristen is coming to babysit on Saturday. I have trouble managing the trimmer in the ditch by the mailbox and on the other end. I don't think he did it at all. I also specifically asked him to move the big things that I pulled out of the garden to behind the shed so I could mow and clean out that end of the garden. I HIGHLY doubt he did that either. But, of course he did mow... and of course he spent literally at least 7 hours doing it and didn't finish. So now, I have a yard that's 3/4 mowed, not trimmed and has big piles of clippings pushed next to the trees (Not attractive).

Plus, I came home Monday and he was outside mowing while the kids were napping (AT 5 PM!!) First, how's he gonna hear them? Second... we get up by 6:30 and have to be out the door quickly..... ya think they are going to be going to bed on time if they are still napping that late???? In addition, he had to tell me how he cleaned the whole house. Wait... duh, I cleaned it on Thursday evening. And he had to tell me how he had to wash all the kids' clothes..... well, sorta..... Nathan is still learning about #2 and using the potty, so he was out of undies... but I washed all the clothes on Thursday night.... he could have done a small load with undies and a couple of things... but "I had to wash all the kids clothes". Then, I ask him what he'd like to do about dinner on Mon night... thinking maybe he might throw something together (even a stinkin sandwich)... no reply. Then he went to the gas station to get gas for the mower.... (by the way, I asked him to get me a FOUNTAIN diet pepsi... he brings he a bottle....) And he never comes in!!! I ended up fixing dinner then had to run to WM to get diapers because apparently when there are only two in the cabinet I must be hiding them somewhere and it's not important.

I wonder if this is going to work. It won't work if this kind of stuff keeps happening. And he asked me several times about things I KNOW I told him about on the phone... why do I bother... he apparently either doesn't care enough or doesn't pay attention. I really feel ignored. I feel like he doesn't care at all about what I want, what I need, or even about the safety of our kids. I don't know what else I can do to let him know what I want and need... all of these things were things I said to him directly and he ignored me. This doesn't even go into things like possibly OFFERING for me to go out alone or do something by myself while he's here so I can have some time off.....I had to just go do that and WOO HOO, I got my hair cut and went to the grocery store. I want to be sad that he's leaving, but I'm relieved right now. And he was only here for four days....

Weekend review and blog challenge

2006-06-05T05:14:00.000-06:00

What a wonderful weekend! I really can't wait until Dave is home... it's so much easier with him around.... even if the kids are used to running to me! He's trying so hard though to get them to rely on him for a little while anyways. And I had a little peace too. I got my hair cut (FINALLY!) and created 4 layouts with very little help.... I even layed down a couple of times (those both got interrupted, but you know...). And this morning, I have EXTRA time :) :) :) He's going to watch them today and I don't have to get them up and ready! I'm feeling very relaxed. Beyond that, we didn't do much.... but it feels great!

OK... my FH2S blog challenge: What does scrapping mean to me?

Right now, I scrap for my kids and the future, but it really means that I have something besides my jobs in my life. I spend most of my time worrying about the kids (job #1), the DH (job #2), and work (job #3). Whether it's getting things done around the house, paying bills, actually working in any way, shape, or form.... it's wearing sometimes. Scrapping is my sanctuary. It's where I go for ME..... and I admit, I spend a lot of time with it in many shapes, but really, I don't do much else. And, now that there's only one TV in the house, I've weaned myself considerably. I love the inspiration, I love finding new ways to display my beautiful family, and I love getting things on paper for the future..... I'd hate for my kids or grandkids to pick up a picture (or in this day, a CD) and ask "who's that" and "what were they doing"..... but I'm not driven by that. I'm driven by wanting to have time for me :)
Here's two LO's I did over the weekend. The first one is a two pager... I'll just put the one page here though :) These were both for HYWWP challenges using KI Memories products... thanks to them for sponsoring us!!

Can't believe it's JUNE!!!

2006-06-01T04:57:00.000-06:00

And there's so much going on!!!

Here's my VERY FIRST blog challenge for FH2S: The topic is memories of school getting out and summers:

Well, I don't remember a whole bunch about school getting out or summer or anything like that. I was a big fan of school and just loved going most of the time, so I never really was real anxious for school to end (now my mom may tell ya different). But, I do remember being excited because it was a change and we could do things at home. It seemed like that most summers I remember, we spent traveling with my sister's softball teams for tournaments. Later, I didn't go with them and the family, but had a job. I remember the summer after I turned 16. I SO wanted to work. Mom and dad weren't keen on it but decided it was OK. I got a summer job helping at a Montessori preschool as a classroom aide. I don't remember much about the details, but it doesn't seem like I worked there very long. But, that summer, I also started working as a food server at Pizza Hut... then I trained as a cook. That became a LONG standing thing and worked there off and on until I graduated from college.... at several different stores. More about that later. ANYWAYS... back to the summer thing. I do remember going to band camp one year at Drake University and to church camp a couple of summers when I was younger, but nothing really exciting besides that. I know that I was always ready for school to start back and in HS, I would actually be there 2-3 weeks early for marching band practice/camp.

OK... since I'm here.... other things going on:
1. Dave's coming tomorrow!! I just found out yesterday that I have a "leadership training" meeting from 8-1230 tomorrow... UGH! That means that I may not get out early if my ducks aren't in a row!! I THINK it'll be OK, but who knows? We're just excited to see daddy!
2. New challenges at HYWWP: I'm going to post once a week on Thursday and others at other times. YEAH! This week's challenge is NO FLOWERS!!!! This WILL be a challenge for me, but I will get it done!!
3. My new position at FH2S starts officially today!!! YEAH!!! I'm very very excited and Pam and Wendi and Kim are SO VERY organized and I really feel like I know what's going on. I'm going to be posting a daily quote and moderating one more forum plus doing one challenge a week (I'll wait until it's posted for everyone and then spill the beans!!) FUN huh????

Enough blabbering.... more later

Completely random and unrelated stuff

2006-05-29T20:28:00.000-06:00

Just thoughts I need to get out of my brain:
1. Dave comes on Friday with the dogs... YEAH!!! I am SO looking forward to having a few minutes to myself without the guilt. Hope the dogs do OK getting here.
2. Jumping off the above, he took the dogs to the vet to get their clearances and shots and his thing with his ID card/DL/a few other cards and things was STOLEN! Man... he's got a big PIA to deal with!!! I feel bad for him.
3. I'm tired of the kids fighting, biting, hitting, taking things away from each other and the word NO. Geesh.... and how many years do I have left of this???
4. BRAGGING ON MY BOY!!!: Nathan has learned how to dress himself. He's also going potty by himself and hasn't had a wetting mistake in DAYS!... now if he could just poop in the potty too.......
5. I just love scrapping and sharing my stuff. I took my latest book into work and it just makes me all warm and fuzzy when people ooh and ahhh.....
6. Why don't I have any yellow CS?
7. Need to buy deodorant.
8. I think my butt's asleep.
9. Do you think it's wrong to have a honeydo list for someone that's only going to be here about 4 full days and should be very jet lagged when he gets here?? It's not that long, but I really need him to do a few things.
10. Do you ever feel like you are totally talking to yourself on your blog and that maybe you should just go to bed and get some sleep instead of popping all over the internet in search of god knows what?
11. And, for a final comment.... not to be anything... just a random thought I've been having lately... I believe in a higher power and I believe that there's a plan for each of us... I believe that there is power in prayer and in believing and letting go. I have various conflicting issues about the Bible (mostly stemming from creation/evolution and archeological disputes with biblical issues), but in general, it's a good thing and teaches very positive ways of living. Strange thing though... I don't go to church and haven't for a long while. I don't think that Dave would go with me (that's OK) and at this point, the truth is that getting up on Sunday morning (we're up anyways... just the idea) and getting two kids ready and taking them out when they really don't spend much awake time with me anyways and they get upset when I leave them and wouldn't do well in a service... well, this doesn't sound like something attractive. Is this WAY wrong? Yes, it may be, and I may just feel much better if I go.... I don't know. Just needed to get that out in the air.......

More later.

Yet another long overdue post....

2006-05-27T22:07:00.000-06:00

Ok.... I know... I'm a TERRIBLE BLOGGER.... anyways, I'm here now.

There is SO MUCH going on, but my most exciting thing is that I was asked to be on the premier DT for www.fromhere2scrapternity.com !!!!! I accepted, of course, and am THRILLED!!! There's a lot of funny things that have occured for me to end up on this DT, so much so, that I just feel like it's meant to be. Here's a quick list:
1. The board owner, Pam, is a very sweet lady I "met" over a year ago on another board. We've been on a few boards together. When I found out she was starting her own community, I almost didn't visit... I just didn't want to get addicted to yet another board :) But, I went over, took a look around and really found myself in love with the way the board is being run, the girls posting, and just the feeling in general.
2. Then the DT call came up. This isn't something I jumped on right away... well, that's not quite true. I read, re-read, and read again the requirements for the call, as well as the expectations for the DT to see if I could meet them. Then I made the two LO's that were required to be new. And I must have done nothing with them for at least a week. Finally, I decided to submit them. With 43-44 other entries, I figured I didn't have much chance, but Pam made it clear that she was looking for all levels and types of scrappers.... so I waited.
3. Friday was the day that the calls were going out. Friday was a very very very very busy, hectic and incredibly trying day for me. Now, remember, I've been off orientation (I think I'm off orientation) for, oh, about a week...... and on Friday I had not one or two, but THREE COMPLEX (and one of those, complex doesn't really begin to cut it...) discharges. Thank goodness for our social worker, Carol, who helped me out at every juncture. ANYWAYS... I finally get home with the kids around 6 (like an hour late!) and the phone rings. I don't recognize the caller ID... and the female says "It's Pam"..... at this point, I should have been jumping up and down and my heart beating out of my chest... but NO.... my stupid self didn't even realize who it was!!!! DUH!!!! I feel so so so bad that my response was "Pam who??"...... OH MY WHAT A DOOFUS!!! So we talk for a bit and I get off the phone....I'm just thinking that she must have thought that I didn't care a stitch about the call..... completely untrue, but my mind was certainly elsewhere.

So, that's the long version of the story... I'm SO EXCITED to join the team!!!! I can't wait to see everything in store... I LOVE challenges and I KNOW that this board will be building around them.... it's just calling for me!!

Yet again, as I finish this post, I vow to blog more often.......

Today will be better....

2006-05-04T04:49:00.000-06:00

Here's my day yesterday:
4 am: Woke up, no kids in bed.... went to check on them... they are OK... back to bed
4:15 am: Nathan is crying and fussing in the hall.... he's thrown up on his shirt. I think no problem, it's just the cold/mucous and change his clothes. He won't go back to bed but lays on the couch.
4: 45 am: Nathan throws up again... mostly mucous
4:50 am: I clean the carpet
5: 20 am: One more time.... just a little this time
5:30 am: Give him a tiny bit of a phenergan tab
5:45 am: Nathan's UP AND PLAYING! (no way the meds could kick in yet!)
So I start getting dressed and ready.
6:00 am: I get Emily up... she's a little cranky but nothing exciting
6:30 am: We go to daycare, Emily falls asleep on the way (nothing major, but she doesn't usually do this)
9:41 am: Get a call from daycare (uh oh.. Nathan's throwing up... I thought) NOPE... Emily's been sleeping all morning, has a "fever", and crusty eyes. GRRRRRRR
9:45 am: Call mom and beg for her to pick up Emily. God bless family!!!
11: 45 am: call and talk to mom... Emily has no fever and hasn't had one, but she's just laying around. Poor baby!
3:30: FINALLY get out of work and go to pick them up.... seems like forever sometimes
4:30 PM: get to Boonville to pick up Emily and she's still asleep... wake her up gently
5: 15 pm: EMILY IS FINE!!!!
6:00 pm: Mom and dad fix us dinner (WOW..... not only did they watch the kiddo, but now they are fixing dinner too!!!! Gotta love moms and dads!!!!!)
7:00 pm: Nathan's got crud in his left eye..... NOOOOOOOO!!!!
8:15 pm: We get home, get jammies on and Nathan goes to bed without a fight... uh oh..... sick? or just worn out??
8:40 pm: On the phone begging for Uncle Dave to watch Emily tomorrow (and possibly Nathan if his eye is still goopy!) He agrees..... yet again, God Bless Family!!!
10:00 pm: Emily FINALLY goes to bed. I follow.

LONG LONG LONG DAY.... guess I'll be sandblasting carbeurators and typing chemistry grad papers next week but that's OK....

Fantastic day....

2006-05-01T20:08:00.000-06:00

Little things make me happy anymore. And when you have a day full of little things that go well, it's a good day!
Here's my little good thing list today:
1. No drama at daycare... no tears!! YEAH (kiddos are still sad, but that's OK)
2. Work went well. No one made me the least bit guilty for being "sick" on Friday with the kids.
3. I learned more and more at work today.
4. Got off work before 4:30
5. Got my pager today
6. Dave is bringing the dogs on June 2!
7. It was a GREAT mail day: J4K QK stuff!!!, Amillion memories HS sale items!, Two CJ's from WT, and a book from paperback swap!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
8. Nathan went to bed in his bed without a fight.
9. Emily went to sleep fairly quick and I haven't heard her stir now for over a half an hour.
10. Finally.... I don't have to be to work until 8 for orientation day tomorrow, so it's OK to leave a bit later than usual!!! WOO HOO!

My life is so boring :) But it makes me happy :) :) :)

New week, New month!!!

2006-05-01T04:47:00.000-06:00

It's MAY DAY!!!! Ok, so I haven't done anything for May day in eons, but just thought of that! LOL.

Back to work today... I'm still upset that I had to miss Friday, but such is life... let it go Michelle....

Emily slept in her own bed last night so hopefully that means she's feeling better and wasn't as restless. I wondered because she was kinda fussy for the first couple of hours while I was up.

Nathan came in with me at some point.... no idea when... he's getting good at not waking me up :) Sneaky little boy. But he's better than E.... he doesn't turn sideways in the bed and scooch all over anymore.

Scrapwise: Had a great weekend! Got three layouts done and FINALLY got the lunchboxes done for me and the kids..... I'd planned on using the two new ones for the kids then I figured out that the bigger one would be better for my pictures... so instead of two, I altered three. But, they are done. The kids' are simple, but cute. And I love the way mine turned out... fairly simple, but bright and fun! Used SR North Shore on mine... so cute!

Housewise: Also a great weekend! Got the bins for the toys put together and filled with toys.... man, it's so much easier for the kids to find things! Now, to teach them how to only have one bin at a time out! Also finally picked up the bench for the kitchen table and got it together. Kids LOVE it. Laundry is done up and even got the kitchen cleaned :)

More later after work if I have the energy!