Things About Me Currently August 2014

Things about me lately...

1. Trying to form a schedule of sorts around here for myself. Been slacking on paperwork and things and need to stay on track. That includes balancing the checkbook, cleaning, and laundry...always laundry.

2. Been struggling to catch up on my Project Life album so I'm not 2 months behind all the time.  Which reminds me that I need to share some pages soon....

3. Currently over doing Project Life since it's taken over all my scrappy time and I miss scrapbooking in 12x12 format. Which doesn't help item #2. 

4. Realizing I have a lot of scrappy supplies and need to use them more. Or do a big sale/purge.

5. Been on a "purge everything" mood since coming back from vacation. Papers, toys, clothes, nothing's safe. 

6.  Not looking forward to the summer ending and school starting back.  The homework struggles are my least favorite.

7. Find myself wishing we lived in Florida. This is a constant wish.  

8. Amazed that we now have 4 adorable puppies! Never thought we'd have one!

9. Feel judged by people too often.  Not a fan of people forcing their opinions on me either.

10.  Still battling the bulge, but I'm seeing changes and it's a great motivator to keep going.

11. Trying to be a better blogger. Realizing I miss writing about the "everyday" stuff and that it doesn't have to be all about scrapbooking. I want to share all of life.

12. Struggling to get to bed earlier so I'm not wiped out by the afternoon, needing a nap.  Being a night owl for so long makes this hard.

So there's some random bits that are floating around in my mind lately. Ready to make some changes, and get things done!

Birthday Celebration

When my birthday was getting closer, I made sure Joe knew, that I did NOT want ANY sort of surprise party.  In fact, if my family planned anything he was to tell them no.  I am not a surprise kind of girl.  I don't like a lot of attention.  I don't mind making a fool of myself, but the spotlight directly on me?  No thanks.

My sister offered to make me a birthday dinner at her house, and while that would be perfect, I mentioned to Joe how I'd like a dinner out at a Hibachi restaurant that just opened and we all like.  He liked the idea and took care of the details.

My sisters, had other plans.  They came bearing wands, boas, sashes, blinkie buttons, balloons and a tiara.  Subtle.

I was a good sport (despite Joe's initial thought that I was going to flip out) and wore it all for a few pictures. Then it went in my purse.  LOL!

I did wear the sash, but the balloons made sure how decrepit I was now.  This is me trying to catch the zucchini the chef was tossing at me.  I will never be a champion Frisbee player, catching is not my thing.

All in all it was a great night.  

I am officially forty.

The Big Four O!

Today is the first day of my forties.

Forty.

FORTY.

40.

Man that just doesn't feel right.  I don't feel forty.  It might sound crazy but high school wasn't that long ago.  Right??  Oh well.  I know it's just a number.  It doesn't mean anything, really.  It just seems weird.

Joe had his MRI today for his hearing.  While I had fully intended on going with him, he refused to have me there.  Following he had another Dr appt. for his last cortisone shots.  (He was told the MRI was all clear!! Happy Birthday to ME!)

So I made a point to stay busy, but try to enjoy the day at the same time.  Not the easiest, but I tried.

Joe, of course, sent me a beautiful arrangement of flowers.

For dinner we went to Outback....Marissa had CCD so we celebrated quickly.  Being that it was also Ash Wednesday, we didn't start off on the right foot, but it was my 40th birthday so I hope it's ok.

I told Joe I did not want a cake, so he brought me pastries instead.  He knows how to break my willpower...not that I have much to begin with!

Of course, no celebration would be complete without pictures with my loves.

Marissa didn't want her picture taken with her ashes but I made her.

Me with my love.

The day ended wonderfully.  Joe even got me a typewriter that I've been rambling about!  He went overboard as always and got me something much fancier than I would have chosen but it's great!  Good news from the doctor and now this.  I'd say my forties started off great!

Last Day Of My Thirties

Today I made two trips to Target.

Today I got my pantry organized. Again.

Today I got my haircut.  It was needed.

Today is the last day of my thirties.

Things About Me Currently

Not having anything to blog about, I decided to take a page from the talented, Amy Tan, and come up with a list about myself.

1. I am obsessed with cardigans and own one in just about every color.

2. I don't like wearing shoes that require lacing up or socks.  I like to slip them on & go!

3. I have come to accept that I will never be the type of person that lives to workout.  I'm happier when I do it, but don't enjoy it.

4. I am *very* close to breaking my "no pet" rule.  Lately I find myself wishing I had a dog.

5. Though I have an extensive mug collection, I've found I don't own a "Little Mermaid" mug. What is wrong with me?!! Need to correct that!

6. I've never had coffee from Starbucks, just hot chocolate.  I'm a Dunkin Donuts fan.

7. I need to live somewhere warm.  I'm done with cold weather. Preferably near Disney World (my Home Away from Home!).

8. Playing with sewing ideas now that I've figured out my sewing machine. I would love to make a t-shirt quilt for the girls, though I'm a newbie to sewing and will probably just stick to sewing on scrappy things.

9. Would love to visit Disney Land.  Never been there yet.

10. Have a birthday tomorrow. Ready to start the last year of my thirties.

Owl Obsessed

I never thought much about owls.  I knew very little about them.  I saw the growing trend but wasn't wowed....until the day I saw one in my backyard.  That is when my obsession started. 

I think I kept it more aimed at the girls at first.  Marissa was (still is) big into Harry Potter & whatever Marissa likes Gianna likes (though she won't admit the real reason).  I would buy them stuffed owls when I found them.  Eventually I found things I liked & I guess that's when I started collecting them. 

The item could be practically anything too.  Saw these eye masks at Claire's & snagged two for the girls', knowing they'd wear them at bedtime...Gianna doesn't sleep good without it.

Most of the items are coffee mugs.  Which if you know me, are two weaknesses of mine, add the owl & three's a charm!  Marissa & I share this bowl/mug...

Most of these mugs I've found at Marshall's or Home Goods.  I've been known to drive to a couple of different stores in a day....yes I need a life.

Not all my owls are mugs.  I have some statues/figurines too.

This guy was stuffed with potpourri that gave me a headache.  I got rid of the potpourri & now we get along just fine.

Yes, I totally justified this contact lens case since I do wear contacts.

Found this pair at Michael's...

Owls, Coffee & my Ikea catalog makes for a happy girl.

I was debating both of these while shopping & went with the pretty aqua.  I like to think it represents me & the girls. ;)

This owl was originally white but I asked Joe if he would paint it for my scraproom & love how it looks. Love it even more since he painted it for me. He rocks!!

Cuteness in the Target Dollar Spot!!

Salt & pepper shakers, yes they are alike but aren't mugs....see how I rationalized it??  **crickets** Hello?  Still with me??

Treated myself to these for my birthday from Target.  The little ones were plant stakes but I pulled out the stakes & they now live on my desk.

I have lots of other owl things that I don't have pics of, some of which are even jewelry, but I think you get the idea of my obsession.  And just in case you're wondering, I really DON'T buy every owl I come across.  And I regret it I have some self control! ;)

Yes and No

Yes, I am still blogging.
No, I haven't given up.

Yes, I am finally coming out from all the craziness that was June.
No, I haven't recuperated long enough.

Yes, I am still scrapping.
No, I am not caught up on Project Life,therefor no recent regular scrapping.

Yes, my scrap room is all ready to share.
No, I haven't taken pics to share yet

Yes, I am enjoying the summer schedule.
No, I don't like the lack of a schedule.

Yes, I love having the girls home with me.
No, I don't like the constant bickering they do.

Yes, I think I sound confident online (most of the time).
No, I am pretty shy when first meeting people in real life.

Yes, I am a nice person.
No, it will not stop me from turning into a bitch from hell if the need arises.

Yes, I still enjoy reading other blogs.
No, I haven't gotten around to reading them as often.

Yes, I feel like I've abandoned my blog.
No, I don't need any more guilt.  I have my own.

Yes, I will share something new soon.
No, I don't have an exact date.

Yes, I need to drink more water.
No, I have not given up my beloved coffee.

Yes, I am wondering if anyone still reads my blog.
No, I wouldn't blame anyone if they thought I fell off the face of the earth.

Birthday Weekend

Today may be my birthday but I've been celebrating since Friday!

I started off Friday treating myself to a mani/pedi, then came home to find some happy mail waiting for me that I ordered.

Since I'm getting old, I couldn't remember what I ordered so I told Joe he could wrap it up & give it to me on my actual birthday. Of course, now I **really** want to open it!!


I stayed up late Friday night & everyone let me sleep late Saturday....except for the florist delivering my birthday flowers first thing in the morning... I love lilies, they make the house smell so good!



Saturday night we went out for dinner to Outback. One of my favorite places to eat. But I made sure to leave room for dessert!

Afterwards we went to my sister's house to have cake. She made me this yummy cake that tasted like a cross between Magic Layer Bars & a Almond Joy. It was so good!



She also made me a Tropical Coffee Cake that was delish!!

My sister's took care of me. I got a sewing machine, a kit full of threads to go with it, & a few other assorted sewing goodies. They've heard me talk about wanting a sewing machine for awhile & now that my studio is in the works I'll have somewhere to put it. I also got some soothing potpourri from my friend Carolee, that I plan on using in my scrap studio.

Joe's been trying to get me to open my gifts since yesterday but I stubbornly refused to since I wouldn't have anything to look forward to on my actual birthday. I know, I know, I'm nuts.

Today has been a good day. After dropping the girls off at school, I took a trip to Target & found a cute owl to add to my collection. Then I treated myself to a coffee & a donut. I really shouldn't have but I'll be hitting the treadmill hard tomorrow!



This afternoon Joe & I met with a kitchen designer to talk about cabinets for my studio. The ball is rolling! I'm now excited even more about my studio!

That's all for now, I'm planning on spending some time catching up on my Project Life album!

Who's That??

When I saw this pic of Gianna.... I was reminded of this little girl....

Yes, that's ME!! I'm not sure how old I was....but at the time I thought I was HOT STUFF (or whatever we used to say back in the 80's)

Now look side by side.....

Do you see the resemblance?

When I asked Gianna who that was, she knew right away that it was me. When I asked her if she saw the resemblance she gave me a firm "nuh-uh".

What does she know?? LOL!!

On This Day....

Thirteen years ago today was a significant day in my life.



I was at Disney.

With Joe.

In the Magic Kingdom.

Where MAGIC happens.

We had lunch at Tony's Townsquare Restaurant and......

He asked me to marry him!!



Yes we celebrate it. It was a memorable day in my life....and I'd still say YES!!

Wish List

I think I want this for Christmas....but in black.Joe's not keen on it but I told him it would be for my costume jewelry....and I'm a sucker for photo frames.

Photo Tag

Susan tagged me on her blog.

Here are the rules:
Take a picture of yourself right now, no primping or preparing. Just snap the picture.
Load onto your blog.
Tag 3 people to play… remember if you are tagged on another blog we will all be heading to yours to see if you played along.

Here I am looking tired with those heavy bags under my eyes. Please take pity on me! At least I have some color on my face & I'm not so pasty white anymore!

Now I'm tagging Laura, Carla & Mary. Come on girls show us your "best" shot!! And no cheating ladies!

How old am I??

WOW! Today's my birthday. It's been a good day. Didn't do much around the house. I had planned on scrapping but I ended up editing more pics with the stinkin' Kodak software. I got a beautiful bouquet of roses from Joe & all was quiet. It was a good day.

For the past week, Gianna has been flucuating my age. Somedays I'm 45, and others I'm 25. Today she had me at 25. Nice!!

Ah, to be 25 again!! At 25 I was about to become a bride. There wasn't anyone calling me Mom. Know what?? I can't imagine being that person again. Being that person would mean that I wouldn't be a wife & mother. I'm happy where I'm at & wouldn't change it...unless I'm being made older than I actually am!!

Joe can't keep a secret (neither can Marissa) & told me the other day what I was getting for my birthday--a laptop!! He took pity on me seeing all the troubles I've been having with mine lately & ordered it (it'll be here soon). He rocks!

Tonight Joe came home early from work & we went out to eat at Chili's. I was in the mood for some mexican food--YUM!! Afterwards we came home & had Cannoli cake--my favorite!! YUMMMM!!!

The girls sang Happy Birthday....Joe was in an obnoxious mood (in a funny way) & kept cracking jokes that made Marissa (our official photographer) giggle (not that it takes much) so we didn't get any good shots of the 2 of us. I gave up---I just wanted cake!!

Here I am somewhere between 25-45....depends on who you ask......