The iBook G4 gets pimped

I know the day is coming when my vintage iBook will give up completely and I'll have to get a new computer for home. I've been saving, slowly but surely but still have a long way to go before a new macbook is in reach. I started to panic last week when my frayed power cord finally gave up and with a battery that held less than two minutes charge I thought I might have to make different plans (a cheaper PC perhaps). My Mac is over 5 years old and I thought the chances of a new battery slim to none. But with slim hopes I headed out to my local Apple store with no genius bar reservation (dead computers have trouble getting online, you know).
After waiting a bit(in fairness they unlocked there doors early and let people in before they were fully staffed) I got help from not a 'genius', but a knowledgeable 'specialist' none the less. He welcomed my baby with open arms. (as opposed to the OMG, look how old this thing is I was really expecting) And to my surprise actually had a battery and power cord in stock. Yippee! Now, I can once again blog hop in my bed with out worrying that I will fall asleep and the cord will strangle me in my sleep (I wonder if that's how it got so frayed in the first place).

But my friendly specialist went one step further, when he noticed that the 'P' was missing from my keyboard. It has been for about 2 years, something happened in the move I think. Quite frankly, I've gotten so used to hitting the under key that I don't think about it that much. He and another helpful gal set out on a mission to find a new P, when none of the white keys they had seemed to work, they moved on to different keys and finally found a silver P that was the perfect match. Now my book looks like a rapper with a grill.
The 'special' treatment didn't stop there, they installed a new battery (I know, totally something I could have done, but...) and wiped down the entire think with Apple polish. Yay!
So while this baby still lacks a jungle cat version of OSX and a decent memory, I think she'll last until I have enough money for this new friend I was drooling over while waiting.

In the know...

or not so much, I admit that I heard Sarah Palin was on the Republican list for VP and immediately dismissed the idea as internet rumors. The announcement on Friday had folks swinging into my cube and wanting to chat. I was in just as much shock as everyone, at least I knew who she was and who she is not.

I've spent a lot of the weekend thinking about her, scoured the Internet for a chart comparing her side by side with Hillary to post here. A little disappointed, I couldn't find one. But then maybe that's because other than having a vagina and a being politicians there is nothing in common. My skeptic self wonders what kind of skeletons do the other republican women have in their closets? Surely there must be one that has traveled more, has more experience than running a tiny town, anything beyond what Sarah has done. Someone who knew what the VP was supposed to do before being placed on a list. Someone who could break the glass ceiling and really know what to do with the power when they do...

A good pick for O'Bama and Biden for sure, after all if those two can't beat this republican ticket the democrats will have some serious thinking to do about the future of the party.

A bloggie break...

2500 and counting students
+ 60 Learning sites
+ 30 teachers and countless paraprofessionals
+ 2 web-based curriculum platforms
+ 71 courses x 60 sections for each course
+ new authorizing district
+ new student information system
_____________________________________________________

= 12 hour days and weekend work for me for the next few weeks.

Not that I'm doing all of the work myself, but we are thin, thin, thin on the administration side so there's only a few folks doing a lot of work to get things off to a smooth start tomorrow.

It will probably be after Labor Day before you see this blog return to lists, videos and the randomness that you usually see.

A special thanks to all who helped my birthday extra special, including mom who sent evidence that 'she does read my blog'. :)

10 on Tuesday

My brain is so focused on work as the countdown to the start of school gets shorter and shorter, I'm a little stumped on a list for this week. But, I am a creature of habit and routine so...since I have a birthday coming up and my family harasses me about being hard to shop for (so I'm a little picky, what's wrong with that? they would say I'm the worst kind of picky since I never tell them what I want, but pout if it's not the right thing) So on the off chance they'll read the blog between now and Sunday, I thought I would make a little list.

• Panera gift card
• Jewelry
• Starbucks gift card
• tickets to a Broncos game
• a new george f. grill (boring I know, but I really need it)
• Scrapbook Destination gift card (then maybe I could save money I make instead of spend it, sorry MK)
• A Kindle (yeah right, but I covet MK's so it had to go on the list)
• This 50-200mm lens

• or this one (another in the highly unlikely category, but a girl can dream)
• flowers (yep just a beautiful bouquet of flowers, I'm cheesy that way)

What's on your birthday wishlist?

Video Thursday...Girl Power Part 2

A campaign ad for the millenials, thank goodness Paris stepped up and responded.

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

You've got to hand it to the girl she really knows how to work her 'celebrity' status.

If this video is coming out of left field, you clearly have TIVO and are fast forwarding through commercials or are living under a rock.

10 on Tuesday

I came a cross this cute list in Becky Fleck Page Maps sketch book, she scrapped a layout with her dogs and used this as journaling.

'A Dog's Pet Peeves about Humans'

1. Blaming your toots on me. Not funny, not very funny at all
2. Yelling at me for barking. I'm a friggin' dog you idiot!
3. Taking me for a walk, then not letting me check stuff out. Exactly whose walk is it anyway? huh?
4. Any trick that involves balancing food on my nose.
5. Any haircut that involves bows or ribbons. Now you know why we chew your stuff when you're not home.
6. The slight of hand, fake fetch throw. You fooled a dog! What a proud moment for the top of the food chain.
7. Taking me to the vet for the 'big snip', then acting surprised when I freak out every time we go back there.
8. Getting upset when I sniff your guest's private parts. I haven't mastered the handshake thing yet.
9. Dog sweaters. Haven't you noticed I have fur?
10. How you act disgusted when I lick myself. Look- we both know the truth---you're just jealous.

I'm guilty of number 6, I don't know if I'll ever think of it in the same way again.

100th Post...this year!

I seem to have hit my grove and got the hang of this blogging thing. To be honest it's a little intimidating, I think this occasion calls for something deeply profound...alas, I'm just not that kind of writer so I thought I would borrow from one of my favorite quotes.

To laugh often and much;

To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;

To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;

To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;

To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;

To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.

This is to have succeeded.

Did you think this was an Emerson quote, me too until I looked it up and surprise it's not. It appears to have been written by a woman named Bessie Stanley. You can learn more about her and the quote here.

I hope this blog is a bit of me leaving the world a little better whether it be through Art, Laughter or random trivia. I love the fact that I can connect with kindred spirits all over the globe from my little spot in cyberspace. And it is so gratifying to know that others are discovering this little place and taking away thoughts or ideas. I read and treasure every single comment. So thanks from the bottom of my heart to all you readers out there who make my day every time you take a moment to leave a comment. It really does mean a lot!

Counting the days...

until all of the stuff MK bought at CHA makes its way to the store. Thanks to my swift [yes swift] feet and quick move to the BG booth, our rep got this email straight from the BG folks

has one of the very best and first wristbands so we shouldn't be starting before too long.

Right On!

In the meantime, I thought I would share some more photos from the Maya Road booth. I'm not usually one who's into altering and working with chipboard, but after seeing this booth I may be converted.

Video Thursday...The Morning Train

Another video from Improv Everywhere group, admittedly not quite as dramatic as previous videos, but still pretty fun.



I've been on the 6 Train a number of times and can imagine how strange this must have been for fellow riders.

10 on Tuesday

I was listening to the radio on the way to work a few days ago, I caught the tail end of the story about the worst song lyrics of all time. What's a girl to do, research on the Internet of course. Here's what I found from Spinner mag, and a few opinions of my own (imagine that)

1. "Lucky that my breasts.Are small and humble So you don't confuse Them with mountains"
--Shakira's 'Whenever, Wherever'

2. "There's an insect,In your ear,If you scratch,It won't disappear"--U2's 'Staring at the Sun' Can you say sellout?

3. "There were plants. And birds.And rocks.And things"--America's 'Horse With No Name' too bad these guys didn't have access to a random word generator back in the day.

4. "Coast to coast.L.A. to Chicago" --Sade's 'Smooth Operator' oops looks like some one struggled with geography in school.

5. "Like a rock . Chargin' from the gate" --Bob Seger and Silver Bullet Band's 'Like a Rock'

6."He was a boy. She was a girl.Can I make it.Any more obvious?" --- Avril Lavigne's S8tr Boy Gee, I don't know COULD you?

7. "I am ... I said, To no one there, And no one heard at all,Not even the chair" --Neil Diamond's 'I Am ... I Said' I for one am glad, the couch doesn't listen

8. "If I was a sculptor,But then again, no" --Elton John's 'Your Song
I think this one is #1 on my list...it's always made me crazy

9. "My panty line shows, Got a run in my hose,My hair went flat,Man, I hate that"
--Shania Twain's 'Honey I'm Home' Yes, but must you share with all of us?

10. "I love you like, A fat kid loves cake" --50 Cent's '21 Questions' Admit it, you laughed, this would be perfect on a greeting card.

What would you add?

A Creative Day...

I'm a little sad that this is the last free Monday on my great summer schedule, it's not going to be fun to go back to a 5 day work week.

This week kicks off the back to school craziness that happens every year, I need to gear up for long days and weekend work for the next few months. So I made the most of today, took care of several errands, cleaned the fridge, a couple loads of laundry and several hours of crafty time.

I made this layout for the Journaler's Junction Challenge, how could I not participate in a challenge that incorporated statistics.
I'm in love with the glitter paper from Doodlebug, I've been ogling it since it made it's way to the store a few weeks ago. I finally broke down and bought some and used it on a few projects this weekend.

First this layout for my weekly sketch post for the Scrapbook Destination blog. It has lots of dimension with velvet die cut strip, buttons, primas and bling...my poor scanner had a heck of a time.

Then I made a card for my fabulous friend Becky whose birthday is tomorrow. I liked it so much I adapted the design for one of my Make and Take projects for the next SD Frenzy.
I even used my ever growing stash of quickutz dies, including a new 12x12 border. I used my Crop-a-dile eyelet setter to emboss the purple flowers with a polka dot pattern (learned how to do this at the super cool Maya Road booth at CHA)

Video Thursday...Reality Recap

ok, I know it's not Thursday, but still pretty close.

I was a little distraught after So You Think You Can Dance last night, so I wasn't in the mood to find a video.

As with every reality show, there comes a time when a favorite/the best person gets voted off. I thought perhaps David Cook winning Idol might have broken the curse. Alas, the curse continues and last night my lovely Will was voted off SYTYCD...I nearly cried. He was the best this season and dare I say ever (Yes, Heather I think he's better than Danny).

I blame myself, I never vote and I'm sure there are millions of other Me's at home on their couches thinking a contestant is so good, there's no way they won't make it to the next round and inevitably they get knocked out.

So here's to Will...

Note: this video is not his best in terms of showing talent, but my personal fav...how can you not love the James Brown groove.

Ooh La La...

a new bloggie banner for me. Yippee!!

As I said yesterday, meeting Heidi Grace was one of the highlights on the show for me. In my minute long chat I confessed that I was using an electronic version on my blog header. I think she may have thought I was a little crazy and while didn't say no outright, she did remind me that those designs are Fiskars and they have a little department called 'Legal' that might not appreciate my use of the paper in quite the same way I do. So...time for a new plan. She said come back later in the day and she would draw me a personal piece to use on my blog. How cool is that? I was feeling pretty special, even if she was drawing for anyone willing to wait in line...I'm guessing mine was the cutest. Come on, look at my cute long legs and Tanner's happy face.

O'harrowing Experience

United Airline + Chicago O'Hare + Me = Bad Combination

When our outbound flight took off on time, I thought I had broken the curse. Really what could go wrong now? Yes the plane seemed a little loud, but it was a small commuter plane so I didn't really think too much about the noise...it's been awhile. In hindsight, I realize it was really loud, even more so than a bush Cessna. After we were flying for a bit the noise stopped, I remember thinking at that point we must have reached the magic altitude and all was quiet and aligned for a good flight home. That's just about when the captain came on the PA, to be honest I was not really paying attention, I thought he was saying something about flight time, weather, the glorious plains we were flying over, yada, yada, yada...then I heard 'shut down the right engine' he assured us that he prepared for this in simulation lots of times, ok great no worries we'll just keep going then the really dreaded words --- we are turning around and going back to Chicago...WHAT! Why? we were due for a stop in Lincoln and we had to be a good way there already why must we go back to Chicago...not that I really wanted to be stuck in Lincoln, but visions of O'Hare sleepover were dancing in my head. This is United after all and I wasn't expecting much in the way of customer service once we landed. Flight Attendant A did not help increase positive outlook, upon landing she said something like 'We've landed safely and that's the good thing, the crew really has no idea what will happen with you all now, but someone should meet the plan and give you further instructions...pause...good luck. ' Not much in the way of reassurance, I'm guessing she didn't vote for the negotiated contract.

I'm happy to report that United proved me wrong and by the time we landed, was actually prepared with a plan that didn't involve hotels and stand-by flights . In a mere 30 minutes we were reboarding a new plane and underway. I got home about midnight and am whipped today.

Despite the ending, it was a great trip...I'll be sorting through my 200 or so photos and post more about it tom.

Video Thursday

Go figure, I head to CHA on the same weekend Denver FINALLY gets it's own music festival with big names. Not that I'm pouting, but I'll admit to being a little bummed to miss this great event. So, for purely selfish reasons...here's a little Dave to get me and anyone else by until next year.

10 on Tuesday...Fraidy 'Dog'?

It's true, I think I live with the most senitive dog. Here's a quick list of some of the things Tanner is afraid of(yes some)

1. Thunder
2. Fireworks
3. Wind
4. Sprinklers
5. Window blinds
6. Kids on bikes
7. N. Turkey Creek Rd. (for good reason he fell out of the car while going along this road)
8. Some tall men
9. Automatic doors
10. Vacuum

The Case against Evolution

Sometimes when you read stories like this, it has to make you wonder if there might be a flaw or two in Darwin's theory...

POTTER VALLEY Woman tries to kill mice, shoots self

Published: Tuesday, July 8, 2008 at 4:30 a.m.

A Potter Valley woman wounded herself and a man July 3 while attempting to kill mice with a .44-caliber Magnum revolver, according to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office.

The woman, 43, had drawn the gun from a holster under her left arm, intending to shoot mice scurrying across the floor of a small travel trailer on Highway 20 in Potter Valley, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

The revolver instead slipped from her hand and fired as it struck the floor, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

The bullet went through the woman’s right kneecap, then hit keys hanging on the belt loop of a 42-year-old man in the trailer, officials said. The bullet glanced off the keys and tore a hole in the man’s pants.

The bullet grazed the man’s groin before stopping in his coin pocket, where it was recovered for evidence, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

The names of the shooting victims were not released.

Video Thursday

I'm not sure if this is from the same group as the food court musical, but definitely along the same lines.



What would you do?

Just keep swimming...

I can't remeber which character(yes I know it's not the turtles, but they're my fav characters) in 'Finding Nemo' says this over and over, it's become a little motto to me. Right now in my head swimming has been replaced by voting. Today is the last day to vote for my layout at BHG. Huge thanks to all who have voted so far!

10 on Tuesday...Staples

10 things I need to have in Pantry/Refrigerator at all times

1. Eggs
2. Butter
3. Tortilla chips
4. Garlic
5. Pure Vanilla
6. Cheddar cheese
7. Egg Noodles
8. Salsa
9. Strawberries
10. Olive oil

What's in your fridge?

Party in Pueblo...

Finally Sienna, got to be with all of her Pueblo cousins at the same time. We headed down mid-day and enjoyed a great day at Brian and Julie's GORGEOUS new house. Here a few of my favorite pics from the day...Sienna's first dip...

Ben getting ready to 'water' the deck
Yum! Popsicles...Grant was kind enough to share his with me.
Splash!

admittedly not the best shot, but you try getting 3 toddlers and a baby and their parents to stay still for more than 15 seconds. At least Sienna knows who 'her photographer' is. :)

By the way...have you voted today? Still need your support, I've fallen in the ranks just a bit. This round ends on Wednesday so pretty please keep voting and thanks for all the positive messages you've sent my way.

Happy 4th!

Important note to self: Do not go to Starbucks on a holiday and expect the same service and drink as you get on normal days. Alas the poor 'low on the totem pole, have to work a holiday' ladies really have no clue what an 'extra caramel' caramel frap means.

I'm off to Pueblo to celebrate the holiday with fam...hope you all have a wonderful holiday.

Thanks to all who have voted so far. It does my heart good to see that some have you have left my little site via the link. If you have time, would you please vote again today...I'm holding steady at 3rd place with would make me ecstatic, but #4 & 5 are close on my heels. I'm trying to figure out how the top two LOs already have over 100 votes, must be nice to have that many friends.

Not to Proud to Beg

Guess what? BHG doesn't send an email to let you know that you've made it the semi-final round. Crazy...the good news is that I made it this week! Thank goodness I checked...now the hard part I need votes, lots and lots of votes. I've already begged my core group of friends, co-workers and family. But I know there are a few blog lurkers around or maybe you just stubled upon my little space here on the World Wide Web in either case would you PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE vote for my little layout. You can VOTE HERE once a day until next Wednesday. Thanks for your support...

Think I forgot about Video Thursday, not a chance...

In the spirit of competition, I bring you this gem from the world of Japanese games shows, gotta love them

Something New

I'm sure that when Houston challenged us to do something new, she wasn't thinking what I was. Inspired by my colorful friends, I decided it was time for a change in the hair department.

Here is me before my little adventure yesterday...
Ta Da this is me now...
Short and red...haven't been this way since college. I'm still in shock mode just a bit, staring at the mirror and wondering who the person looking back is. Or running my hand through and not having much in the back.

10 on Tuesday

Summer is in full swing and lots of folks are traveling and reporting back. Little me is staying put for now, but I wanted to join in the fun with a list of some of my favorite places I've been to in the past.

1. St. Petersburg, Russia
2. Stockholm, Sweden
3. The Grand Canyon, Arizona
4. Mt. McKinley, Alaska
5. Copenhagen, Denmark
6. Cozumel, Mexico
7. Yellowstone National Park
8. Washington DC
9. New York City
10. Killarney, Ireland

Tagged!

Just like in childhood I can't run fast enough to get away or fast enough to tag someone else so I am the proverbial 'It'. At least blog tagging isn't as painful as real tag. So here goes...

10 Years Ago...Can't really remember all that much, I was scrapbooking so I should have record of what I was doing, maybe I'll try and dig out those albums and post a page or two. That should be good for a laugh. I'm pretty sure that was the year my friends and I dressed up as characters from Grease, rented a party bus and went bar hoping for my birthday.

5 things on today's to-do list...1.Buy external hard drive 2.Back-up photos and other important docs 3.Make hair appt for next wk 4. Laundry 5.Make a page/sketch for tomorrow's SD blog post.

Snacks I enjoy:Popcorn(especially kettle corn), black licorice, apples, cheddar cheese and wheat thins. This list could really go on and on.

Places I've lived: Pueblo, CO(5 different houses/neighborhoods), Anchorage,AK, Boulder, Co(again several different locations) Evergreen, CO, Atlanta, Ga, Chattanooga, TN

So now I'm supposed to tag 5 people, but I hear the recess bell ringing so I'll just have to tag another time.

Video Thursday...Girl Power

What's not to love about this gem...

10 on Tuesday...the late edition

Oops, I let another Tuesday slip by with no list. I'm such a slacker, never fear I have a special Wednesday edition.

It's that time of year where we interview for new teachers. After 10 years of being an interviewer, I have some definite opinions of Do's and Don'ts for interviewees and after yesterday feel a strong urge to share them publicly.

1. Do read the posting carefully.
2. Do research on the company before your interview, if possible go beyond the website and try to glean as much information as possible. Work your research into your answers.
3. Don't be wishy washy in your answers. It's totally ok to ask for clarification on what an interviewer is asking so that you can be specific.
4. Do listen to the question and if I ask you to give me an example of a situation and reolution be very specific. Don't pretend to be perfect and say you've never had this situation because that tells me you don't have enough experience. Try to find an example that's most relevant to the job you're applying for. Ex: Tell me about a time you had to deal with a confrontational student/parent/employee/customer and strategies you used to resolve the situation. I would answer that question with one of the following --- autistic boy who used to scream at the top of his lungs all day and the steps I took to build a relationship with him, a mother who cussed me out for suspending her son and 1 month later called and asked for help, or my all time fav supervisor/employee termination story where the employee called his mom during the termination.
5. Do dress in business attire for the interview, even if your research says it's a casual workplace. My personal preference is that you also remove piercings in places except for your ears and cover as much as your body art as possible. You want me to focus on your answers and behavior, not staring at the giant ball in your chin. If your piercings are an important part of you and your look do ask in the interview if the company dresscode allows you to wear them.
6. Do prepare some questions and make sure to ask them. Often times the questions you ask me are weighted as strongly as the answers you give me. I am looking for someone who cares about my mission and is not timid.
7. Do be up front about your compensation needs either before the interview or during. Nothing ticks me off more than calling a candidate and then being told 'I can't work for that much money' when they knew how much the position paid before they even applied.
8. Do be ready for the standard questions. Have great answers for the following
* Why do you want to work here?
* Why are you the best candidate?
* What are your strengths? if you struggle with this question I highly recommend Now, Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham.
* What are your weaknesses?...and don't say I'm a work-a-holic. It may be true, but I might just think that your not efficent with your time and have to work late often because you spent to much time chit chating or surfing the web during the day.
9. Do mimic/mirror my body language. There have been several studies on successful interviews and they have found that when the candidate mirrors the interviewer they are more likely to be offered the position. Why? Non-verbal language tells me that we're a match and can get along together.
10. Don't talk negatively about a previous employer or place blame for your leaving on another person or member of the team you worked on. As an experienced supervisor, I usually jump to the conclusion that you're a difficult person to work with and I don't want that kind of negativity entering my work environment.

Tribute

I was very sad to learn that George Carlin had died yesterday. I'm not sure the world will be the same without his satirical slant.

I thought about posting the 7 words routine that made him famous, but it just didn't seem quite right. Instead, a more recent observation on language...

"Congratulations, You've Been Selected"...

Most of you that know me, know I'm not really into the submitting and contest side of the scrapbook industry. I love to do my work and displaying at the store is usually good enough for me. But I was really feeling like I need a jump start or challenge beyond the usual to get me working and thinking creatively. So...without even looking at the list of challenges, I committed to myself to do an entry a week for the BHG Ultimate Summer challenge.

So I wait until the official start and go online to check out the first challenge. "Use stickers in a new way..."(or something along those lines). Ugh! Stickers? I have an aversion to stickers, and have for a loooong time. Even when stickers were really the only embellishment, I didn't use them. But I committed to myself I would do this. So I found the least offensive stickers I could, really kind of cute if you like stickers and tried to think of something that I could do. Here's the LO I came up (as seen on SD blog on Sunday)
Not too bad, after living with it for a week I think I'm going to add solid color cardstock instead of the grid. So up it goes to BHG and I really don't think about it again, until Wednesday at about 3 pm. My little gmail notifier at work comes on and says an email with the title "Congratulations, you've been selected" has hit my inbox. My heart jumps, it's an hour before the winners are to be posted...I'm so excited, imagine me being a semi-finalist on a sticker challenge. Turns out it was just bad timing...I've really been 'selected' to receive a half year of free issues(that is of course if I subscribe for the next 100 years). Not funny BHG!

There is a silver lining in all of this, I went online to check out the winners and was immediately captivated by this gem of a layout in my mind totally something worth losing too...turns out it belongs to my amazingly talented friend extraordinaire Becky (check out the link to the left for more of her goodies). She needs our help! Help me avenge BHG's cruel joke by voting for Becky's layout.

Vote

and vote often. PLEASE...

Video Thursday...Throwback time

I know most of you can quote numerous lines from Ferris Bueller's Day Off, but I bet you never thought about those classic scenes like the makers of this little gem.



And while I admit it is slightly disturbing, I thought this is a wonderful example of how critical editing and music are to a film. Not to worry I'm sure the original is playing on basic cable somewhere and you can wash this one right out of your brain.

10 on Tuesday

So last week was one of those whirlwind weeks that just flew by. We had out graduation and I promise a post on that as soon I get pictures. But today is Tuesday and you know what that means...a list of course.

I remember when I was a kid that summer TV always sucked, now I'm older and have TIVO and cable I have plenty to watch. Here are 10 shows I have waiting for me...

1. Hell's Kitchen
2. The Daily Show
3. Gossip Girl
4. My Fair Lady
5. Tootsie
6. Good Eats
7. Decorating Cents
8. 60 Seconds to Chic
9. Signing in the Rain
10. All of the spring episodes of Greys (you know, in case I go into withdrawal and need a summer fix)

What's in your que?

Monday funny

Sorry if this has been sent to you via email, you can skip it...really my feelings won't be hurt. But for the rest of you...
Washington Post's Mensa Invitational, which once again asked readers to take any word from the dictionary, alter it by adding, subtracting, or changing one letter, and supply a new definition. The winners are:
1. Cashtration (n.): The act of buying a house, which renders the subject financially impotent for an indefinite period of time.
2. Ignoranus: A person who's both stupid and an asshole.
3. Intaxication: Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until you realize it was your money to start with.
4. Reintarnation: Coming back to life as a hillbilly.
5. Bozone (n.): The substance surrounding stupid people that stops bright ideas from penetrating. The bozone layer, unfortunately, shows little sign of breaking down in the near future.
6. Foreploy: Any misrepresentation about yourself for the purpose of getting laid.
7. Giraff iti: Vandalism spray-painted very, very high.
8. Sarchasm: The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the person who doesn't get it.
9. Inoculatte: To take coffee intravenously w hen you are running late.
10. Hipatitis: Terminal coolness.
11. Osteopornosis: A degenerate disease.(This one got extra credit.)
12. Karmageddon: It's when everybody is sending off all these really bad vibes, and then the Earth explodes, and it's a serious bummer.
13. Decafalon (n.): The grueling event of getting through the day consuming only things that are good for you
14. Glibido: All talk and no action.
15. Dopeler effect: The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they come at you rapidly. 16. Arachnoleptic fit (n.): The frantic dance performed just after you've accidentally walked through a spider web.
17. Beelzebug (n.): Satan in the form of a mosquito, that gets into your bedroom at three in the morning and cannot be cast out.
18. Caterpallo r (n.): The color you turn after finding half a worm in the fruit you're eating.

Happy Monday!

Weekend Wind Down

Why oh why do vacation weeks go so fast...I'm not looking forward to getting up bright and early tom. am.

I did manage to accomplish a few things on the never ending list of to-dos (IM test) and managed to scrapbook almost every day during the week. Here are my favorite layouts from the week. This one is my favorite, I just love they way it turned out.I loved it so much I actually submitted it to Scrapbooks, Etc (I can hear you Emily and Viv). Sadly after submitting, I read through the latest issue and on page 100 is a layout very similar to mine. Oh well, at least I tried.

I think this picture of Connor makes this layout, perfect for these fun new papers from Prima's Just Corina "Dude" collection.
Then I did this one for the weekly sketch on the SD blog. I think I've been collecting every purple supply in the store to do a layout with these cute pics of Sienna in her cute purple hat.

Video Thursday

Check out the more of the series on You Tube

86 Photos?!?

Yep, that's how many I downloaded from my little field trip to the Botanic Gardens yesterday. Don't worry, I didn't post all 86. Just a few of my favorites, it was a great opportunity to play with my camera settings and see how much I remember from my winter photography class.
In addition to the fabulous flora and fauna, the gardens are also having an art exhibit...Urban Nature. Amazing pieces of artwork created using spray paint.

Ok so maybe I posted more than a few, it was hard to choose...

I wish you could smell these pictures, the smell of lilacs was still lingering in the air, combined with the roses just starting to bloom...perfection, truly what I would imagine heaven to smell like. I really didn't want to leave, but after sitting and relaxing for an hour I didn't the next best thing...went to Whole foods and bought Peonies and Daisies to take home and sit on my nightstand as a reminder of a lovely day.

P.S. With this post, I set a new record for blogging in a year and it's only June... admittedly not a great record, but progress is progress...YAY me!

10 on Tuesday...10 things Denverites should know

On one of my late night blog surfing runs I came across a blog where a man was on a mission to take 100 pictures that would reflect the quintessential people and places of his town. (Santa Barbara, Ca I think.) I've been thinking about it for a few months and combined with overheard conversations about Denver celebrities and at least one person not knowing said celebrity, I think it's time to start compiling a list of things/people/places one should know if living in the Denver Metro(yes even us suburbians) area. Clearly my list is biased to my experience, but anxious to see what others add. As with all Tuesday lists number does not necessarily denote ranking...

1. John Elway...until the Broncos win another superbowl and it could be a looooooong wait John will be at the top of the list for sports celebrities. He makes my list because he was really the only thing consistent in my childhood/early adult life. It didn't matter whose house I was, Sundays meant the Broncos and John

2. Red Rocks...no better place in the country to see a live concert.

3. At least one current player or coach on every sports franchise. Take your pic,just know someone. My recommendations: Jay Cutler-Broncos, Allen Iverson-Nuggets, Joe Sakic-Avs, Clint Hurdle-Rockies Manager

4. City Park/Zoo/History Museum and the neighborhoods surrounding.

5. Botanic Gardens...I suppose you could loop this in with #4 but I was just there today and it was so beautiful it gets it's own number

6. City/County Building Hall

7. Art Museum

8. Your closest light rail station

9. Brown Palace Hotel

10. Performing Arts Complex

Now it's your turn...who, what, where would you add...

Vacation Mission 1...Accomplished!

The Travel Album is finally ready to go to the store. This class/album has been a true labor of love. The paper arrived about a month ago, but I had to wait to finish working on another class before I could start. I knew I wanted to use the mask with alcohol inks for the cover and a few techniques from a CKU class by Debbie Schuh. I had most of it done about a week ago and then was cursed not once, but twice by the Bind-It All gods. Depressed and distraught (can you really be both or are they synonyms?) I couldn't face the book for a week. Last night I felt I could conquer my fears and finally get it ready to take in. After lots of practice on the bind-it all I was once again confident enough to try on the book and voila, finally! a good bind. I had to rework some pages, but I pretty happy with the overall result. Here are a few sneak peaks...










Here's the cover, I think it's my favorite part.


and a few of the inside pages. The goal is to make an album that can travel with you and you can add to as you go. Lots of pockets and envelopes to store treasures along the way. Added bonus...lots of ink techniques, I'm going to channel my inner Tim Holtz.



Just in case you're interested...the class will be on June 18th.

Quote of the week

Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding.
- Albert Einstein

Double Dip...

I can't sleep...which I can usually cure by random blog surfing and/or organizing my own blog. Tagging, moving elements, etc. In this process, I realized I haven't shared a layout here in quite sometime. Perhaps that's why Hickory, NC has stopped visiting so regularly or maybe it's because I called them out on my data junkie post. Anyway...back to scrapbooking, it seems I've been working on a lot of projects lately, and not too many pages. Lately, about 1 a week seems to be the average. And so that one little layout usually ends up on my post at the store's blog on Sundays. I know most of you go there to, but maybe not Hickory and probably not my mother so for them a repost, if you will, of some recent layouts.

"Sweet Dreams" How cute is Sienna in this one?

'A Saturday Adventure' Houston and Rach were great sports when I dragged them downtown on an early Saturday morning. Having breakfast at Snooze was totally worth it. Really, when are yummy mimosas not worth it?












I think my favorite part of this layout is the flower I made using the Scenic Route surf boards from the Grafton line. Wish I could say this was an original idea, but Houston and MK heard about it at the show and I've been waiting for a layout to try it on.















Hopefully, I'll have more to post throughout the week.

The Great American Movie

Tivo has figured out that I really like old movies, especially musicals and romantic comedies. If it has Gene Kelly or Audrey Hepburn, I'm a happy girl. I've been watching quite a few lately and bemoaning, if only to myself, that they just don't make movies like that any more.

Movies where everything comes together...acting, directing, music, camera work turn out something truly special. Captivated. One you could watch over and over again and see something new each time and yet be engrossed in 'the scene' that all great movies have. Something no matter how old or young you can connect to...one that makes you laugh and cry and if really great, makes you think.

I have such high expectations of movies, I rarely go to the theatre to watch...knowing they'll fail in comparison to the classics I love so much. But this weekend was different, a movie with a story line we all know and have been waiting for endings and conclusion. Yes ladies --- Sex and the City hit the big screen and it didn't disappoint. I'm not sure if it will go down as a classic, but I know it will always have a place in my heart. And while I would love to dish about specific scenes and ideas, I don't want to spoil it for anyone. So for now I'll keep my mouth shut and say ... it's worth it!