I have been having lots of dreams with a recurring theme...
Now, those of you who know me well know that I have crazy dreams (that sometimes come true!). And lately I have had some fleeting thoughts about going back to school. So guess what my dreams have been about?
Yes, I am sitting in a classroom taking a class from high school (again) because they decided I didn't do well enough the first time (and I am protesting the authorities because I now have an MS!!! LOL!!!!)
Or I remember going to this math class in the beginning of the semester, and now I can't remember going the rest of the time... and how am I going to perform on that big exam for that class I forgot to go to? LOL!!!!
I always wake up in a cold sweat!
So why these fleeting thoughts of going back to school? Well, I never had the guts to go to med school, but now I find myself frustrated by the system. Doing the job that I do as a PT, I often spend more time with my patients than any nurse or doctor. Sometimes I get results when I go to them to tell them something is wrong with my patient, and other times it takes a few days for them to see what I see.
So in my frustration, I have been thinking of ways to beat the system. I am soooooo tired of hearing families tell me that they have taken their loved ones to the doctor for a "chronic" condition only to be told they are just old. HELLLOOOOOO! Even a 90 year old may live another 10 years! What happened to quality of life? Isn't that what we are all working to maintain in the geriatric population?
My fleeting thought is to go back to school to be a physician's assistant. I would specialize in geriatrics. Now all I need is time, energy, and money to do it! LOL!!!
At least for a bit of time I have been thinking like an idealistic twenty-something again! :)
Monday, May 26, 2008
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Finally.... some new projects!
These are my March projects for Scraplovers! Also used a bit of Tin Box on some of these!!!
Friday, April 25, 2008
It's been too long!!!
Don't hate me for not blogging... hate Comcast for holding my services hostage!!!! It's been a long battle, but we finally have internet at the new house, we are all settled, and I am happy to be blogging again!
More updates soon!!!
More updates soon!!!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
UGH!!!!
I've been a bit under the weather... as has the rest of my poor family! We all came down with the stomach bug, which I haven't had since I was 9 years old! Let's just say that I have been better acquainted with my toilet than I ever care to be EVER AGAIN!!!! Yitch....
Now, the last time I had this, my last meal prior to getting violently ill was a steak from Quincy's steak house, which began my dislike for red meat! (rarely ever ate a steak after that, now don't at all!). Unfortunately, my last meal prior to this time was also from a restaurant... one of my favorites... Panera Bread Co. So, I don't know how long it will be before I can ever eat a bowl of their broccoli cheddar soup again!
First my older dd got sick on Saturday, followed by me on Monday, my younger dd on Tuesday, and now my dh, who has been so sweet to take time off of work to take care of all of us! I was feeling much better yesterday, but I made the unfortunate decision to eat a real meal for dinner last night, and my body is letting me know what a poor decision that was. My entire abdomen just aches!
On the bright side, I did lose 4lbs, and my skin looks great (albeit pale!) Must be the magical detox of the rotovirus... LOL!!!!
Did I mention we are supposed to move this weekend? I had already scheduled some time off this week, but not to be sick! To PACK!!!! EEEEKKKKKKK!!!!
Well, I best get off of the computer and get to packing boxes.
Now, the last time I had this, my last meal prior to getting violently ill was a steak from Quincy's steak house, which began my dislike for red meat! (rarely ever ate a steak after that, now don't at all!). Unfortunately, my last meal prior to this time was also from a restaurant... one of my favorites... Panera Bread Co. So, I don't know how long it will be before I can ever eat a bowl of their broccoli cheddar soup again!
First my older dd got sick on Saturday, followed by me on Monday, my younger dd on Tuesday, and now my dh, who has been so sweet to take time off of work to take care of all of us! I was feeling much better yesterday, but I made the unfortunate decision to eat a real meal for dinner last night, and my body is letting me know what a poor decision that was. My entire abdomen just aches!
On the bright side, I did lose 4lbs, and my skin looks great (albeit pale!) Must be the magical detox of the rotovirus... LOL!!!!
Did I mention we are supposed to move this weekend? I had already scheduled some time off this week, but not to be sick! To PACK!!!! EEEEKKKKKKK!!!!
Well, I best get off of the computer and get to packing boxes.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
And in honor of Valentine's Day:
These are a couple of projects I did for Tin Box Creations using various sets! Love these acrylic stamps!
The bookmark was layered with various stamped images, then heat embossed with UTEE. I made the tassel from leftover yarn from one of my Mom's knitting projects!
On the card, I "watercolored" the word "Love" using inks and water... just mixed it in the lid of my ink!
Some projects!
Here are a couple of pages I did for Scraplovers!
This one features Moxxie products:
And this one features products from Creative Cafe:
:)
This one features Moxxie products:
And this one features products from Creative Cafe:
:)
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Don't forget to vote!
Fellow Virginians.... it is our turn to determine who will run for President in whichever party we feel most affiliated with. For me, I will be voting on Tuesday for Barack Obama. His views are most closely aligned with my own... and I am so ready for change in Washington! I normally shy away from speaking about specifics with politics and religion, but I can finally say that for the first time in my life, there is an emerging leader whom I feel can truly lead this nation so completely in a positive way. He reminds me of Julian Bond, whom I met during a class I took at Longwood College (way back in the day!). He is so charismatic! If you haven't listened to him speak, you can see a video of him here.
I'm not saying vote for him because I am... but DO be a part of the process, and DO LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD. Why? BECAUSE IT MATTERS. Why? BECAUSE IT'S ONE OF THE GREAT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF BEING A CITIZEN OF THE UNITED STATES!
So get out there and vote! :)
I'm not saying vote for him because I am... but DO be a part of the process, and DO LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD. Why? BECAUSE IT MATTERS. Why? BECAUSE IT'S ONE OF THE GREAT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF BEING A CITIZEN OF THE UNITED STATES!
So get out there and vote! :)
Comcast must have known....
that my kiddos were mourning the loss of "Cars" from its On Demand line-up. See, we have one of those new fangled digital cable boxes that are not compatible with our old analog TV, and now we can't get our DVD player to talk to our TV!!! So, our only source for movies has been directly from Comcast (and, well, I'm kinda cheap and don't want to use the pay services!) So, we've been lucky that Cars has been available for 2 months! But it was missing for a few days.... much to the dismay of my 2 1/2 year old. When I mention "Cars", she immediately says, "Cachow! Speed!" This kid LOVES this movie!
Anyway, I was so excited to see Cars reappear in the line-up of free movies again this morning!!!!
Friday, February 08, 2008
Time to update, huh?!!!
Well, times have been very, very busy!
My older dd is now 6! Her birthday was on the 5th. We went to the Texas Roadhouse for dinner on Monday to celebrate (it was the only night that all of our local family could get together!) It turned out to be a great night to go, though, because it just happened to be kids' night! She had a blast having the clown make balloon creatures for her and just loved being the center of attention!
In house news, we are much, much closer to moving in. The cabinets have been installed (not sure I am pleased with my color choice for the kitchen, but it's a bit late now! :( ) Our carpet and wood floors should be installed next week. Painting the interior is complete. Now we just need light fixtures, countertops, toilets... you know, the little things that make a house function! LOL!!! So, that means a few trips to the Home Depot or Lowes to pick out a few things!
I am very happy for my dear friend Tabitha who has recently gotten back into scrapbooking after a bit of a rest as she started a new career! Love her art, and she's such a great friend!
I'm also excited for my dear friend Tisha who has opened a new photography studio in the heart of the "cool" part of downtown Richmond! Can't wait to see it!
I have some scrappy news that I will share later!
I was also invited to serve a third term over at Scraplovers! I'm very happy to do so!
And right now I am thoroughly busy with my job. I'm still at the nursing home... still loving geriatric rehab... still trying my best to be the best PT I can be. I work "on call," but am filling the lead PT position, working full time hours. I find myself surprised at times that I have evolved from a timid, shy student into a "leader" of sorts. I am flattered and humbled that colleagues seek my advice about their patients. I am proud of each day that I get to help all of these grandmothers and grandfathers... especially when they get to accomplish fantastic goals like walk for the first time after an injury! Very satisfying work, indeed!
So, if you haven't seen me on the boards much, this is why.
Now... let me go tackle the mountain in the hall that is my laundry! LOL!!!
Happy weekend, everyone!
My older dd is now 6! Her birthday was on the 5th. We went to the Texas Roadhouse for dinner on Monday to celebrate (it was the only night that all of our local family could get together!) It turned out to be a great night to go, though, because it just happened to be kids' night! She had a blast having the clown make balloon creatures for her and just loved being the center of attention!
In house news, we are much, much closer to moving in. The cabinets have been installed (not sure I am pleased with my color choice for the kitchen, but it's a bit late now! :( ) Our carpet and wood floors should be installed next week. Painting the interior is complete. Now we just need light fixtures, countertops, toilets... you know, the little things that make a house function! LOL!!! So, that means a few trips to the Home Depot or Lowes to pick out a few things!
I am very happy for my dear friend Tabitha who has recently gotten back into scrapbooking after a bit of a rest as she started a new career! Love her art, and she's such a great friend!
I'm also excited for my dear friend Tisha who has opened a new photography studio in the heart of the "cool" part of downtown Richmond! Can't wait to see it!
I have some scrappy news that I will share later!
I was also invited to serve a third term over at Scraplovers! I'm very happy to do so!
And right now I am thoroughly busy with my job. I'm still at the nursing home... still loving geriatric rehab... still trying my best to be the best PT I can be. I work "on call," but am filling the lead PT position, working full time hours. I find myself surprised at times that I have evolved from a timid, shy student into a "leader" of sorts. I am flattered and humbled that colleagues seek my advice about their patients. I am proud of each day that I get to help all of these grandmothers and grandfathers... especially when they get to accomplish fantastic goals like walk for the first time after an injury! Very satisfying work, indeed!
So, if you haven't seen me on the boards much, this is why.
Now... let me go tackle the mountain in the hall that is my laundry! LOL!!!
Happy weekend, everyone!
Friday, February 01, 2008
Thursday, January 31, 2008
DT call at Scraplovers!!!!
ScrapLovers is looking for two new Sweethearts to join our existing team. We need one regular Sweetheart and one who does strictly cards/altered items. We are looking for designers who can meet the following criteria:
- Unique style
- Ability to use a variety of styles and be familiar with up-to-date techniques
- Ability to create projects from basic to a more advanced skill level
- Creative use of product
- Ability to think outside the box
- Ability to work within timelines and under pressure
- Cooperation and teamwork
- Great communication skills
If chosen to be a Sweetheart you will be responsible for:
1. Committing to a 5-month term beginning March 1, 2008 through July 31, 2008.
2. Creating 4 layouts using the monthly product you are sent. If chosen as the card/altered item Sweetheart, you will create 1 altered project and 3 sets of cards using the product you are sent. You will upload half of your projects on the 5th of the month and the other half on the 20th of the month.
3. Taking turns hosting a technique or stash tutorial for our Technique Thursdays.
4. Taking turns on a weekly basis posting a Question and Project of the Day.
5. Posting additional projects in your personal member gallery.
6. Participating in forum discussions on a daily basis and keeping the message board flowing by regularly posting new topics.
7. Leaving praise in the gallery on a weekly basis.
8. Issuing 2 monthly challenges to the members- one on the 1st of the month and the second on the 15th of the month.
9. Participating in cybercrops and contests held by ScrapLovers.
10. Contributing to the ScrapLovers newsletter and blog when necessary.
11. Promoting ScrapLovers on your personal blog (if you have one) and other forums (where allowed) to help facilitate the growth of our community.
12. Identifying that ScrapLovers provided the product in ANY layout posted on another site or published. Projects are exclusive to the ScrapLovers site for one month.
13. Communicating with the Owner and Sweetheart Coordinator about absences due to illness or vacation
If chosen as a Sweetheart, you will be compensated in the following ways:
1. You will receive product to work with each month to create your required number of designs free of charge. All projects created are yours to keep.
2. You will receive 20% off purchases from our store throughout your duration as a Sweetheart and free shipping on orders that are shipped with the monthly kit. You will receive a shipping credit of $5 once each month on any additional orders.
3. You will receive exposure with your bio and headshot being posted on our Sweetheart page, as well as being spotlighted once on our blog during your term.
4. You will be provided a blinkie for use in your signature, on your blog, and at other sites as permitted.
Application requirements:
1. Upload 5 pieces of your best work that are representative of your style to the 2008 Design Team Call section of the ScrapLovers gallery. Projects do not need to be new or never-before-seen, but should be original works of art (no scraplifts, please).
2. Register and become a member of our message board. Introduce yourself in the Welcomes and Introductions forum.
3. Send an email to info@scraplovers.com including the following:
- Provide your name, address, preferred e-mail address, and links to online communities in which you are active (be sure to include your username). If you have a blog, please include that link as well. Please specify if you are applying for the card/altered item Sweetheart.
-Provide a list of current and past design teams. Don't worry if you aren't on any. We want to see your work, and we all have to start somewhere. Membership on other DTs is not discouraged.
-Let us know if you've been published and where.
-Complete an essay about why you feel you are a prime candidate for our design team. Focus on your strengths and include what you will contribute to our team and message board. Share your ideas and thoughts for promoting our site and store.
The deadline for submitting your application is Monday, February 11th at 11:59 PST. International applicants are welcome. If chosen, you will be notified via email to accept no later than Saturday, Feb. 16th. The official announcement will be made on the message board no later than Monday, February 18th. You will start on March 1st with your Sweetheart duties. If you have any questions feel free to email me at info@scraplovers.com. Good luck and thank you!!
- Unique style
- Ability to use a variety of styles and be familiar with up-to-date techniques
- Ability to create projects from basic to a more advanced skill level
- Creative use of product
- Ability to think outside the box
- Ability to work within timelines and under pressure
- Cooperation and teamwork
- Great communication skills
If chosen to be a Sweetheart you will be responsible for:
1. Committing to a 5-month term beginning March 1, 2008 through July 31, 2008.
2. Creating 4 layouts using the monthly product you are sent. If chosen as the card/altered item Sweetheart, you will create 1 altered project and 3 sets of cards using the product you are sent. You will upload half of your projects on the 5th of the month and the other half on the 20th of the month.
3. Taking turns hosting a technique or stash tutorial for our Technique Thursdays.
4. Taking turns on a weekly basis posting a Question and Project of the Day.
5. Posting additional projects in your personal member gallery.
6. Participating in forum discussions on a daily basis and keeping the message board flowing by regularly posting new topics.
7. Leaving praise in the gallery on a weekly basis.
8. Issuing 2 monthly challenges to the members- one on the 1st of the month and the second on the 15th of the month.
9. Participating in cybercrops and contests held by ScrapLovers.
10. Contributing to the ScrapLovers newsletter and blog when necessary.
11. Promoting ScrapLovers on your personal blog (if you have one) and other forums (where allowed) to help facilitate the growth of our community.
12. Identifying that ScrapLovers provided the product in ANY layout posted on another site or published. Projects are exclusive to the ScrapLovers site for one month.
13. Communicating with the Owner and Sweetheart Coordinator about absences due to illness or vacation
If chosen as a Sweetheart, you will be compensated in the following ways:
1. You will receive product to work with each month to create your required number of designs free of charge. All projects created are yours to keep.
2. You will receive 20% off purchases from our store throughout your duration as a Sweetheart and free shipping on orders that are shipped with the monthly kit. You will receive a shipping credit of $5 once each month on any additional orders.
3. You will receive exposure with your bio and headshot being posted on our Sweetheart page, as well as being spotlighted once on our blog during your term.
4. You will be provided a blinkie for use in your signature, on your blog, and at other sites as permitted.
Application requirements:
1. Upload 5 pieces of your best work that are representative of your style to the 2008 Design Team Call section of the ScrapLovers gallery. Projects do not need to be new or never-before-seen, but should be original works of art (no scraplifts, please).
2. Register and become a member of our message board. Introduce yourself in the Welcomes and Introductions forum.
3. Send an email to info@scraplovers.com including the following:
- Provide your name, address, preferred e-mail address, and links to online communities in which you are active (be sure to include your username). If you have a blog, please include that link as well. Please specify if you are applying for the card/altered item Sweetheart.
-Provide a list of current and past design teams. Don't worry if you aren't on any. We want to see your work, and we all have to start somewhere. Membership on other DTs is not discouraged.
-Let us know if you've been published and where.
-Complete an essay about why you feel you are a prime candidate for our design team. Focus on your strengths and include what you will contribute to our team and message board. Share your ideas and thoughts for promoting our site and store.
The deadline for submitting your application is Monday, February 11th at 11:59 PST. International applicants are welcome. If chosen, you will be notified via email to accept no later than Saturday, Feb. 16th. The official announcement will be made on the message board no later than Monday, February 18th. You will start on March 1st with your Sweetheart duties. If you have any questions feel free to email me at info@scraplovers.com. Good luck and thank you!!
New Scraplovers Contest!!!
Scrap Around the World!
Pack your bags and get your passports ready because it's time for a contest!!! We are about to embark on a 7 week journey as we Scrap Around the World. We will make a stop on each continent where a challenge will be issued for you to complete. The first challenge will be issued on Thursday, Feb. 21st. All subsequent challenges will be issued on Thursdays. You will have until the following Wednesday at 11:59 EST to upload your week's creation into the appropriate area of the gallery. You will need to declare at the start of the contest whether you are competing in the paper or digital category. You will not be able to switch after the contest has begun.
The Sweethearts will then judge the creations on a 10 point scale. You will be judged in three categories- Creativity, Photography, and Overall Design/Appeal. Your individual category scores will be added up for a total weekly score. Scores for each round will not be revealed. And the good part is no one will ever be eliminated!! Please pay close attention to the requirements of each challenge. Ask questions if you need clarification. Any deviation from the challenge requirements listed will result in disqualification. This is only to be fair to those who follow all of the requirements. All submissions must be original designs. Layouts submitted for any round of the contest must be posted only in the ScrapLovers gallery until the end of the contest and must not be published, posted or entered in any contest, in any magazine or on any website until the end of the contestant's participation in the contest.
Exception-layouts may be posted on your personal blog.
As for the prizes...the paper and digital participant with the most points at the end of the 7 weeks will become a Guest Sweetheart for the months of May and June. There will also be a random prize drawing from all other participants.
In order to be eligible to participate, you must have at least three layouts uploaded into the ScrapLovers gallery and a minimum of 100 posts (both MB and gallery posts count) by the start of the contest on Feb. 21st.
Find more info here:
Contest info
Pack your bags and get your passports ready because it's time for a contest!!! We are about to embark on a 7 week journey as we Scrap Around the World. We will make a stop on each continent where a challenge will be issued for you to complete. The first challenge will be issued on Thursday, Feb. 21st. All subsequent challenges will be issued on Thursdays. You will have until the following Wednesday at 11:59 EST to upload your week's creation into the appropriate area of the gallery. You will need to declare at the start of the contest whether you are competing in the paper or digital category. You will not be able to switch after the contest has begun.
The Sweethearts will then judge the creations on a 10 point scale. You will be judged in three categories- Creativity, Photography, and Overall Design/Appeal. Your individual category scores will be added up for a total weekly score. Scores for each round will not be revealed. And the good part is no one will ever be eliminated!! Please pay close attention to the requirements of each challenge. Ask questions if you need clarification. Any deviation from the challenge requirements listed will result in disqualification. This is only to be fair to those who follow all of the requirements. All submissions must be original designs. Layouts submitted for any round of the contest must be posted only in the ScrapLovers gallery until the end of the contest and must not be published, posted or entered in any contest, in any magazine or on any website until the end of the contestant's participation in the contest.
Exception-layouts may be posted on your personal blog.
As for the prizes...the paper and digital participant with the most points at the end of the 7 weeks will become a Guest Sweetheart for the months of May and June. There will also be a random prize drawing from all other participants.
In order to be eligible to participate, you must have at least three layouts uploaded into the ScrapLovers gallery and a minimum of 100 posts (both MB and gallery posts count) by the start of the contest on Feb. 21st.
Find more info here:
Contest info
Sunday, January 27, 2008
What a relief!
We are now officially able to take our current home off the market! We've had a FSBO sign in the yard since before Thanksgiving, but the only phone calls we have gotten are from agents who want to sell it for us.
But now we have a friend who wants to rent it from us with the intent to buy later. So, we will work up a kind of lease to own contract with her.
It is such a relief to get that piece taken care of!
We should be able to move into our new home at the end of February. Cross your fingers for us that our builder can get it done!
But now we have a friend who wants to rent it from us with the intent to buy later. So, we will work up a kind of lease to own contract with her.
It is such a relief to get that piece taken care of!
We should be able to move into our new home at the end of February. Cross your fingers for us that our builder can get it done!
Monday, January 21, 2008
Mediocrity....
Do you ever just feel mediocre? Just like you are a jack of all trades, master of none? I've been feeling that way lately. Maybe I just have too many interests and/or responsibilities to be truly good at any one thing. I have always wanted to be extraordinary at something... just one thing. You know... that fantasy of life's purpose in an idealistic teenage/early twenty-something mind? Ahhhh... but maybe the wisdom of being thirty-something is that it's ok to just be who we are, and accept mediocrity whole-heartedly!!! LOL!!!
I don't think so. ;)
Something that is certainly not mediocre.... REAL popcorn cooked on the stove! We've been avoiding the microwave as much as possible, and all of the chemicals in the microwave popcorn gives me the heebie jeebies... so, with the advice of a good friend (thanks, Tisha!), I cooked my first batch of popcorn on the stove. I used organic oil and corn... and it was fabulous! And I have to admit to becoming just a bit giddy as the first kernels popped! Let me tell you... every last kernel popped, and it tasted JUST LIKE movie theater popcorn! Especially since I used the hot pan to melt a bit of organic butter to pour over top and finished it off with some kosher salt! Yum! My girls devoured the whole batch!
I don't think so. ;)
Something that is certainly not mediocre.... REAL popcorn cooked on the stove! We've been avoiding the microwave as much as possible, and all of the chemicals in the microwave popcorn gives me the heebie jeebies... so, with the advice of a good friend (thanks, Tisha!), I cooked my first batch of popcorn on the stove. I used organic oil and corn... and it was fabulous! And I have to admit to becoming just a bit giddy as the first kernels popped! Let me tell you... every last kernel popped, and it tasted JUST LIKE movie theater popcorn! Especially since I used the hot pan to melt a bit of organic butter to pour over top and finished it off with some kosher salt! Yum! My girls devoured the whole batch!
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Another project!
Here's another page for Scraplovers. Patterned paper is mainly Scribble Scrabble! I also used Tin Box Creations stamps here!
Want to know how I made the ribbon heart? I'll show you later this month over at Scraplovers for the last Technique Thursday for the month!
Saturday, January 12, 2008
First day of school!
Remember this picture? You know it would end up on one of my pages eventually, right? The stars were created using the photo corner stamps from the Totally Unique stamp set from Tin Box Creations. I also used the Youth Upper set!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
January reveal time!
Our first set of reveals for January! We chose what we wanted from the store this month! I chose more Cosmo Cricket! :)
Saturday, January 05, 2008
It's a new year!
And I can already check off one resolution from my list this year!
I took a sewing class, completed a project, and now know how to fill a bobbin and thread my machine! I promise I will post pics later!
Anyway, I found this wonderful little quilting shop called quilting adventures less than 5 miles from my home! They carry all of the latest and greatest fabrics, too, with a wonderful mix of simple and artsy products and classes. Just what I need... a source to feed what may possibly become a new addiction for me... LOL!!!
I took a sewing class, completed a project, and now know how to fill a bobbin and thread my machine! I promise I will post pics later!
Anyway, I found this wonderful little quilting shop called quilting adventures less than 5 miles from my home! They carry all of the latest and greatest fabrics, too, with a wonderful mix of simple and artsy products and classes. Just what I need... a source to feed what may possibly become a new addiction for me... LOL!!!
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
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