Crash, Bang, Boom

The irony of it all...We are gearing up planning for the next school year and taking a closer look at technology...even though Online is in our name, we are far from maximizing the power of technology. I've spent the past week or so researching and working with colleagues to strategies what we need to help engage students, to make learning authentic, and all the while help teachers do there jobs better, faster, and more efficient. We're exploring the full set of Google Applications and as I welcome each tool into my life I can't help but think Google just may be the 'big brother' cynics/conspiracy theorists are concerned with. Forget the government, I'm sure Google knows more about me and I would like to think 'cares' more about me than the government will ever do and I set it all up purposely with information freely given. And just like a big brother should Google has rewarded me with things that make my life easier. My favorite tool lately has become the Google Reader. I like to think of it as my own personal newspaper. No longer do I have to go to my blog and click on the link to go to yours, and then click on your link to so and so...nope Google does all the work. Just one click and voila you're all right there, along with work blogs and a couple of broncos ones just for fun. I can easily tag and sort and Google even makes recommendations (this is where conspiracy theorists probably get nervous) good recommendations...example after I had all of you loaded Google figured out that I would probably like to read Jennifer Pebbles and Stephanie Howell...of course I would, I just wouldn't want to go to Pea land everyday and search for links. (yes I know I could bookmark, but I've always been bad about that). Have I got you hooked yet, if so check out this great post from the big brothers. No longer will I be intimated by the little orange 'feed' buttons, I know now they really are the muscles that move the Internet and as you know big brothers are pretty much worthless if they don't flex their muscles once and a while. What's really fascinating to me as an educator is how these tools will shape our work, it's an exciting time to be a student...no longer will you have to sit in some dark basement of a library searching through microfilms, the information is all right there in your hand completed with citations to copy and paste, our task now is no longer to give the information, but to help aggregate it to answer the why. I can see some of my colleagues challenged by this, they being ones who got into educating because of the powertrip, to be the ones with all the answers, no longer. We will all be challenged, we will all become better learners and in doing so will hopefully be better humans.

So where's the irony? All of these thoughts were flowing through my head on the drive home and I came home to face yet another set of phonebooks on my doorstep (please make them stop) These books are obsolete already, surely numbers have been changed, businesses closed, etc even before they went to print. So why do we still have them? And at that moment, I felt the full force of life2.0 hit me.

Monday Quote

I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble.
- Helen Keller

Truthfully, I really long to bitch about being at work in the midst of a mild blizzard, but I came across this quote in a little bit of research this morning and thought it would be a much better way to start the week and it put me in a slightly better mindset to start the week. Hope you are safe and warm.

Happy Monday!

A little bella love

So far so good on my resolution to do something creative everyday. I started this card last night and then poor Tanner threw up his dinner in the middle of my craft room. Cleaning up doggy vomit is just about the funnest thing next to cleaning up what comes out the other end. (oops probably an overshare there). The silver lining was it gave me time to reflect on this card and see it in the light of day when I realized I had it on some pink paper that really didn't match this ribbon. I've been trying to work this ribbon into a project since last week when I uncovered it when organizing my ribbon. Super excited that QK finally came out with a label die, I had to use it right away.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink
Paper: Heidi Grace (On dress)
Colors: Copics
Stamps: Stamping Bella(winobella), CHF(Mona Lisa Sentiments: Cheers)
Ribbon: All My Memories (yep, AMM been in the stash a looooong time)
Other: QK label, Fiskars scallop punch, Glassy Accents

Need more bella inspiration, check out the great work on the bella-riffic Friday blog.

Anyway...

I love...

that I have smart friends who challenge me on so many levels. Who would have thought we would take a journey back to HS English for a journaler's challenge? Thanks to Ducky we all had a review of point of view and tenses. My version, second person future tense. I had to really think about it, I almost chickened out and took an easier route (first person, past tense anyone?) and then I printed these great pics of Sienna and my mom and mom's iPhone. I can only imagine how much technology Sienna will see and as she figured out how to pull up her own photo at 1 yr, I'm going to bet she'll have some solid skills in technology.

and speaking of friends, can I just say how happy I am my friends Jon, Stephen, Serena, Dan and all my other TV friends are back from their winter break and my Tivo is going back to work.

Weekend Wind Down

oh gosh, it's hard to believe two weeks of vacation have flown by and I'm dreading heading back to work tomorrow. I feel like I could use one more week to really be ready and then again maybe not.

I had a great time with the creative ladies last night and I actually completed two layouts, that brings the annual tally for 2009 to 4, probably the only time this year that I'll have a completed a layout for each day. My goal for the year is 3 pages each week and more of course would be great.

Here's the first of the layouts from yesterday, I fell in love with these tights when I saw them in a specialty shop and even though the size should have been right, they were a bit to tight for baby girl and took a little bit of work by Mom to get her into them, after all that work how could I not take at least one picture of her in them. Equally as cute is this yummy paper from October Afternoon. I'm so glad I snagged an 8x8 pad before they flew out the door.the other is for an upcoming journaling challenge so you'll just have to wait for that one...

Happy New Year!

I hope your year is off to a great start...have you made any resolutions? I made just a few hopefully doable. One of them was to be creative in someway everyday...so far so good.

I finished a layout I started at Viv's on Tuesday, it will most likely be the Sunday sketch on the store blog on Sunday. I thought it was about time I posted something here first. I don't know what possessed me to so the diagonal strips...what a pain, never again...well, maybe...I do like the way they turned out. I just need to come up with a shortcut to get the angles correct, I know I have a protractor around here somewhere.


Then I was once again inspired by Becky and decided to take her challenge to create a page about things that make me happy using the scraps laying around. I had this vision of a page made of scalloped circles...sadly, the vision just didn't come together, truly I tried stapling and stitching and it just didn't work. Plan B...a scalloped circle border...much better although scanning and merging didn't do it justice. I'm not sure about the finished page...I think it's a bit ironic that it's about my scrapbook style, but not really my style. What I do appreciate it that it stretched me creatively to finish and that's what this year is all about (at least I hope it will be)
,

Adios!

we interupt this usually crafty blog with breaking news from the sports desk...from the Broncos website

Shanahan, Broncos Part Ways

Denver Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen today relieved Mike Shanahan from his position as Executive Vice President of Football Operations/Head Coach of the National Football League team, effective immediately.

Broncos owner Pat Bowlen issued the following statement: "After giving this careful consideration, I have concluded that a change in our football operations is in the best interests of the Denver Broncos. This is certainly a difficult decision, but one that I feel must be made and which will ultimately be in the best interests of all concerned.”

Bowlen added, “I appreciate the 21 years that Mike Shanahan has given to the organization as an assistant and head coach, and the two Super Bowl wins in that time. His contributions hold a special place in Broncos history.”

Hallalujah! Not that a new coach can work miracles, but hopefully someone can draft a linebacker or two and put together a defense that can um I don't know...tackle someone.

to you and yours...


thanks for sticking with me and this silly blog throughout the year, hope your holidays are everything you dream.

ps. thanks to Becky for the great gift wrap inspiration.

Another great quiz from Ducky

You are straightforward and real, down-to-earth, and have a healthy respect for order and stability. These attributes, complemented by your desire to be surrounded by things of beauty, make you a CURATOR.

Your inward focus, trusting nature, and sharp sense of right and wrong make you INDEPENDENT.

MOMMMMM!?!

...why is there popcorn in the fridge?

ok...so if you read this blog, I'm assuming you know me and know I don't have kiddos. (don't tell Tanner, he might be offended) What you may not know is that I do have imaginary children(by in large are more obedient and slightly cleaner than actual children) that I sometimes have conversations with (yes, I know there's medication for this).

One of these conversations popped into my head as I was setting the final baking project 'white chocolate popcorn' into the fridge to set. What would you do if you opened the door and found two sheets full of popcorn?

Now that's done the holiday baking session is complete...and since Lisa was so kind to ask here's what I made. Email for any of the recipes...

• White Chocolate Toffee Popcorn
• Chex Mix
• Reindeer Chow (an alternate chex mix recipe w/PB and choc. YUM!)
• Blizzard Brittle
• Sugar Cookie Surprises (sugar cookie w/a thin mint tucked in)
• Chocolate Cowboy cookies
• Mega-chocolate chocolate chip cookies
• Oatmeal Raisin cookies
  
• Ooey-Gooey Brownies(you would never believe the recipe came from Cooking Light)
• 7 layer bars
• Kris Kringle cookies (yummy white choc and cherry cookie)
• Peanut Butter Blossoms
• Ritzies (chocolate covered ritz crackers w. PB)

and yes this was me cutting back...obsessed much, not me :) The first boxes have been delivered and now it's time to pack up the rest and get a few crafty projects done.

Brr...

Mostly Cloudy
-0°
Feels Like: -13°F
Wind: 7mph

What a change from last week...60 and sunny, I was so warm at the Bronco game I had to take my sweater off.

I know I'm not the weather geenie, but having just come in from walking the dog (same dog who tricked me into extra food AND insisted on going out at 4:30 am) I thought these temps needed extra emphasis. Good thing my oven will be working over time today.

Never trust a dog...

Do you ever have those moments when you walk by the food bowl and you wonder did I feed you this morning, kind of scary if you can't remember really... and the dog is no help.

He just looks at me with sad face as if to say 'no stupid, you forgot...just got in the shower and left me here to waste away.'

So with guilt, I fill up the bowl...with a half scoop mind you becuase I want to believe I did feed him, I'm not really a bad mother.

Then I know he's lying...I did feed him (thank god!) How do I know? He's starting to second guess himself...he pauses, doesn't jump right for the food(as he usually does quite vocally when he really is hungry)...I can't believe you fell for the sad eyes trick...then he turns to look at me and I think a little panic hits his little doggie brain...is this a trick? are you going to do something to me?

I should have trusted myself, I know better than to trust a dog. I must have holiday cookies on the brain

Time to face facts...

The clock is ticking down to the big day and it's time to face the fact that time has just about run out for me to go on a major baking run and turn out boxes like these. Time for plan B, picking out just a few, but which ones? and do I really have the energy to face Costco today or wait until tomorrow when it's supposed to be cold and snowy...decisions, decisions...these are the things that take the fun out of the season.

Repeat PSA...Make a Difference in 30 seconds

I'm reposting since the deadline is close and some of you may have missed this the first time around...

Allstate Insurance Company ("Allstate") will make a $15,000 donation to one local charity organization-The winning organization will be determined by online voting. Simply vote by going to www.allstate.com/yourchoicecharity. You can vote once each day between now and December 10, 2008.There are 3 charities to choose from: Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Denver, Junior Acheivement, and Facing History and Ourselves. All totally worthy so I won't preach to you on which one, you can email me if you want my humble opinion.Make sure to go down to the bottom of the screen and choose Denver and then your charity.

[Dial2Do from Christyn Holmes] Heading to the Bronco game. Jacket check.

Heading to the Bronco game.
Jacket...check.
Bronco attire...check.
Eggnog latte...check.
Tickets...check.
Light rail money...check.
Sun glasses? Oh crap!

I sent this email using my voice. Listen to it here: http://dial2do.com/162uzfg

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sent on behalf of Christyn Holmes with http://dial2do.com - Send Text Messages, Emails and more - just phone and talk.

Saturday, Saturday

(I'm not responsible if Elton John's Saturday Night jumps in your head and stays there all day after reading the title, just know I'll probably be in the same pain)


I swear that the weeks leading up to Christmas go faster than any others, and the weekend is sure to fly by too. It's the annual gift frenzy at the store, I am bringing back the bazzil ribbon mini-album. I'm always surprised how many people haven't seen it before, it's one of my favorite mini style. I'll try to post a few pics in the next couple of days, for now you'll just have to trust me that it is super cute or better yet, come to the store today and make one!

I did manage to get a few more cards done last night, these two are in the running for mass production if I decide to go that route or maybe I'll just make tags out of them.

I have always loved this Holly stamp from Magenta, it's one of the few I kept when I moved from Alaska. I think it's one of those that's gorgeous in its simplicity and really lends itself to coloring well.

Stamps: Magenta(Holly) and Papertrey Ink(Merry Christmas)
Ink: Versafine and Papertrey Ink Pure Poppy(hooray my search for the perfect red ink is over)
Color: Prismacolors
Paper: Pure Poppy and Vintage Cream Papertrey Ink (can you tell what arrived at my door this week?)

Surprised it wasn't a bella, have no fear no stamping session would be complete without inking up on of the girls.

I was looking through the galleries of some the other 'bella-rific friday' ladies and say Snowbunny bella done up so cute I had to copy a couple of components. So sorry I forgot to bookmark where to give full credit. I particularly liked the technique of using the white pen for detail, perfect for a wintery card.
Stamps: Snowbunny Bella and Papertrey Ink Merry Christmas
Ink: Memento and Pure Poppy
Colors: Copics
Paper: Bazzil and Papertrey Ink
Accents: Ribbon(Papertrey Ink), Cuttlebug Embossing folder, Heidi Swapp snowflake, bling.

Tomorrow is a big day too...I'm celebrating birthday love at the Broncos Game with Heather. THANKS MK! Can't wait, hopefully the boys will have a good home game lord knows we need it. Bonus it's going to be in the 60s so no super bundling up as I thought we might have to do midweek.

What's on your agenda this weekend?

Monday Blues...

Anyone else have trouble getting back into the weekday grind today? Luckily I didn't have a lot on the agenda so I could ease into the routine slowly.

Did you make time to get crafty this weekend? I did :)

I don't know what it is, but the Bellas have driven me into a stamping craze. I think I've stamped more in the past month than I have in years. I decided that I needed to pace myself and buy one bella on Saturday. They need friends after all...(I wonder if that's what Hef said when he started to add bunnies to the mansion). I think I'm also going to make a rule that I have to ink the most recent bella, before I can buy a new one.

Here are a couple of my recent creations...Stamps:Flowabella
Ink: Versafine
Color Tools: Prismacolor pencils, AC Metallic Pen
Paper: Pink Paislee, Bazzil
Accents: May Arts Ribbon, Nestabilities Rectangles, Bling (note to self, Revolution and Bling are not a good combo)

Stamps: Bookwormabella(isn't she cute) Library Card from October Afternoon
Ink: Versacolor
Colors: Copics and Distress Inks
Paper: Crate Paper, Bazzil
Accents: AC Brads, Making Memories sticker, glossy accents are on her hair, glasses and the worm

This new obsession has had me blopping more and in the process I found this great blog dedicated to my new friends. I made this for this weeks challenge, not sure if I'm confident enough yet to send in...
Stamps: Prezzibella
Ink: Memento(yay! it finally made it's way to the store)
Colors: Copics
Paper: Cosmo Cricket, Bazzil
Accents: Bling and glossy accents on the present

Happy Thanksgiving...

I'm on vegetable duty this Thanksgiving...peeling and chopping carrots was the perfect time for reflection of all the things I am thankful for...

• Having so many blessings that between the time I chopped and sat down to blog I can't remember them all
• My family...near, far and extended.
  
• My friends...local, distant/virtual and a few imaginary ones too
  
• I have not one, but two jobs that allow me to have intellectual and creative freedom and make a difference in the lives of others. And for the boss of the one that pays the bills who wonders why I'm still at work on Friday at 3:30
• My spiritual gifts of sarcasm, creativity and the innate ability to cut through BS
• Nephews and a niece that remind me how precious every step of childhood is
• A dog that sits faithfully and quietly be my side when the tears come and greets each day with a contagious energy that gets me going
• My health, such as it is and that it's not worse
• Celebrating this day with the extended family
• For the people who have opened shared this day with my when I didn't have family to celebrate with and for those who continue the tradition of inviting those who have no where else to go

Hey Aspen Grove...

where's your holiday spirit? I know the economy is bad, but must I be greeted by such an obnoxious buzzing sound on entering and exiting? Not only am I treated like a criminal entering the store with a sound, but no hi...can I help you find something? greeting from the associate within five feet of the door, not even when I got down on my knees to see if they had Sienna's size in tights(and not really even the perfect tights) that was displayed no more than 6 inches from the floor.

yes, by all means let the customer crawl on the floor, I'm sure I must have missed that lesson in retail 101.

And lest you, my poor reader, make excuses that it was some teenager working their first job, let me assure you that she was at least as old as me. You, unhappy Gap lady, have something to learn from fellow retailers especially the sweet 'barely more than a teenager' working at Gymboree who went to the back not once but twice to try and locate something for me, greeted other customers, handled a request from another store and even asked said store about my tights even though I told her she didn't need to worry. Now that's a retail star!

all this work and still no tights for Sienna's Christmas outfit...Keep your eyes out for a pair or tights with Scottie dogs preferably red or gray.

Happiness!

A raging headache had me moving slow this am; the silver lining: all of the high school students who crowd my starbucks each morning were safely tucked away in there first period classes by the time I drove on by and I thought to myself when you're already late you might as well be really late, right?

So in I go and order my usual winter drink...caramel macciatio if you must know. Yes to the whip and to extra caramel this am(remember, I have a headache which equals free ticket to anything...)

I patiently wait with the pre-coffee zombies and then I hear the magic words...tall eggnog latte. What? Eggnog lattes are back? this is too good to be true. I look to the board to make sure my brain is not playing tricks and sure enough there it is as plain as day...

So I march myself right back to the counter and order one, cashier barrista looked at me a little funny as if to say your other drink is almost made, you can't change now...I assured her I would find a good home for the macciato, just hand over the eggnog latte and no one will get hurt.

As I savor my special treat my headache is drifting away, it's going to be a good day after all. And since I've decided I'll probably drink both myself, it's going to be a wired one too...hopefully wired will turn into productive.