See, THIS is why I don’t go to the dr. unless I just absolutely have to.  9 times out of 10 I end up worse then before I went.  bluh!

Just popped online to let the DSO girls know why I’m m.i.a. today, and I see Kim did a little reveal on her blog today for our Grab Bag – so I will do another too!

available for ONE WEEK ONLY!
Spring CU Collab
$43.00 $6.00
Save: 86% off

available HERE at DSO
and HERE at DSV

Our goal for the bag was to give everyone a chance to ‘freshen’ up their flower stash.  Using the same flowers over and over again gets repetitive and boring, KWIM?  So, since we both already had several flower packs in the works – we decided to do a bag.  This works out great for you guys because you gets TONS of product at a HUGE discount.  The only down side to bags, so far as I can tell, is not knowing what you’re getting!  So here I am – going to show you one.   How’s that?  I’m SO sure everything in the bag is versatile enough and usable enough that I’m taking away the “unknown” factor! woohoo! 

For today’s reveal:

ok, I’m off to scratch myself into a nap. 
L8R

><

What all to talk about today, hmmmmm…  

Well, if you read my facebook, then you know the hubs was mad at me today. LOL!  Apparently, I’m supposed to be a grouch, even while sleeping!  How does that work, anyhow?!

I told KimB this morning, that – man I <3 hub’s new work schedule but its KILLING me! hahaha!

See…

For one thing – he keeps the damn gosh darn thermostat on 80(f)….. 
uhhh– we have a heated waterbed, that **** aint necessary!  I sweat in places I didn’t even know had sweat glands!!!!!!!!  lol!

Then like last night when I finally DIIIIID get to sleep
he *BEEEEEP* woke me up all ticked off…

"Will you SHUT UP!"
"whut?"
"Shut Up, DAMN, What the hell is so funny anyway?!"
"uhhhh I dunno!"

apparently I laugh in my sleep and it drives him crazy!
that’t what he gets for trying to roast me outta the house!

bwahahahah!!!!!!!!

soooooooo

We loaded up and took the kid’s to Evansville today.  They had Christmas money left over, he needed work boots, and like I ever NEED an excuse to go to Joanns.  LOL!

Holy crap town was PACKED!  It was busier today then at Christmas I think!  Hubs was even going to let me get mah nails did while we were at the mall, but I didn’t want to make them all wait on me.  So I will go back and get dem did another day (and sneak into Sephora too! woohoo!) haha!

OH!

I colored my hair again the other day!  Did I tell you that?  I really dont know why I bother because color does NOT take to my grays AT ALL!  but anyway-

BEFORE  — Here I look say 60!

and then after…
whoot!  who’s 21?  Im 21!  AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!

This was supposed to be a REALLY dark ash brown – almost black.  But apparently it had a party with my gray and they both decided to go red-ish.  I actually LIKE IT!  Whoot!   Happy Accidents people, thats all I’m sayin!

Oh, back to today.  Where all did we go.  Hmmm… 

First we hit McVan’s.  When the boychild has green – this is the scene.   You can trade in old games you don’t play anymore and get new ones.  Kind of like a pawn shop, but for GAMES.  I love the guys that work in there, for a mom that doesn’t know SQUAT about all this anime tommygommytenshu whatever… well, the sales people in there are AWESOME.  Its nice to go to a store where the people actually LIKE the field of work they do, kwim?

Then we hit the mall.   *sigh*  It makes me tired even just saying it.  I wish they would CLOSE one day and let me come shop – JUST ME.  *sigh*  That would be the day!  OH – and since we dreaming here – being able to pay with MONOPOLY MONEY – that would kick ass butt.  haha! 

OMG!  There was a booth set up in the middle of the mall – JUST FOR DOING EYEBROWS!  I sooooo wanted to plop down for a quickie, BUT… it was a GUY!  I don’t want a GUY plucking my Burt&Ernies!  BAH!  MEN SHOULD NOT DO WOMENS HAIR REMOVAL.   I wouldn’t get a Brazilian from a dude!  {well, unless he looked like George Clooney!}  No dudes do my brows ok! bah!  Hubs thought that was funny.   “WHO CARES, if you want it done sit down…”  and dude was there all lusty eyed with his tweezers – plink plink.  NO WAY!!!!!!!!!  hahha!!!

I had planned on getting my nails done, while the boy child was getting a haircut but he chickened  out and I didn’t want to make them wait.   Plus, I wanted to sneak into Sephora, but no go on that show. boooooooooooo….   LOL

There were little GirlScouts everywhere you looked trying to sell their cookies.  I was strong and consistant with my “No Thank You”’s. 

Sis got some CUTE clothes on clearance in this little girls store called Justice.  They have the CUTEST like blingy sweats and stuff in there.   $6!!!!!!!  While we were in there the hubs and the boychild hit the LIDS store and got new baseball caps.  For people that don’t play baseball, they sure like the hats.  I don’t get that, at all.

Then we all popped into OLD NAVY.   They have THE BEST pants selection, and even though its a NAME BRAND, its still cheaper then WALMART!  $17 for pants for my boychild – who wears a 40!  {While Im thinking about it, WHY WHY do boys want their asses hanging out?  I don’t get it!  He could probably wear a 36 or 38 but NO he wants a freakin 40!   women lay down and SQUEEZE into whatever size they can peel on, usually 3-4 sizes too SMALL and he wants his freakin ASS hanging out!  guh!}  Anyhoo, the boychild got blue jeans and some khakis, and the MOM (uhh.. that would be ME) got a few tshirts and some comfy yoga style sweat pants.  They were on sale for $5 – I could NOT resist!  I got the cutest tank top that says “get LUCKY” on it, its Green and Yellow with a big shamrock.  You know, cuz St Pattys is coming up!  bwahahah!   They had one that said “He’ll be cute when Im drunk” or something like that.  BUT, Im a mom – that twas not acceptible.  Funny, but not for a mom.  LOL!!!!!!!!  

On the way out of Old Navy, I turned around talking to the hubs and he was missing.  After all my hard work in resisting the sweet little cookie peddlers – there he was SURROUNDED by 5 or 6 of the cutest little girls EVER!  One even had on a little COOKIE costume!  When I saw him, he was taking out his wallet.  They were all giggling and you know thinking “sucker!!!!!!!!”   I screamed to the kids “OH KNOW THEY GOT DADDY!”  and that little girl in the cookie costume stuck her tongue out at me.  All the people out in the middle of the mall cracked up.  It really was hilarious.

Of course we ate at SteaknShake.  We don’t go to Evansville without going to SteaknShake.  It makes EVERYONE happy.  I love their Frisco Melt burger, even though Im always so stuffed after eating one I cant do a shake.    I always make em keep a patty too, two meat patties on one sandwich is just too much!  blah!

When we got to Joanns, which is where the girlchild wanted to spend the bulk of her Christmas funds, they were having 40% off scrapbooking sale and they were PACKED.  Like, almost wanted to LEAVE packed.  Hubs and boychild lasted about 5 minutes then went and sat in the car. hahaha!!!  Sis and I got a few things, but neither of us when WILD.  I am seriously in need of some CUTE yet VERSATILE birthday stamps.  HOOK ME UP!  Seriously, if you have seen anything birthday-ee pop a link down in the comments.  I hate not having anything great for birthdays! 

{hey, look Sis got me an AUTOGRAPHED picture of my FAVORITE Weatherman!  *sigh*  I love me some Wayne Hart!  Why if I wasn’t already hitched…. hehehe!}

For me, I got 1 pad of paper.  You cant see in this pic but it has just a smidge of sparkle, its DCWV, reg $19.99 on sale for $8.99  and 2 sets of stamps.  One is cupcakes and birthdays but not really what I was looking for.  The Evansville Joanns stamp selection is seriously lacking.  Ok it blows.

Sis loaded UP and was stamping as soon as we walked back in the door!!!!

She got colored pencils, dimensional elements, some stamps, ummm, dimensionals, glitter glue, ummmmm, sparkle cards WITH envelopes!, ummmm…

OH! See that blue card up there?  Sis made that!  How cute is THAT!  OMG!  I am so proud of her craftyness!  She did awesome on that butterfly, and gluing it so it isnt flush on the page.  WHOOT!  You go Monkey! 

After Joanns, we hit Shoe Carnival.   For the first time that I ever KNOW of, they were NOT having a “Buy one get one half off sale”!  That totally sucked!  Hubs needed work boots, and those are over $200.  I can usually stomach the price because it means I get some shoes half off, kwim?  Not today.  We got up to the counter and DENIED!  WHUT?!  I couldn’t believe it.  I went out and sat in the car while my man-thang paid for shoes.  Dropping that much cash in one store would have made me throw up all over the sales girl.  bah! 

Other than the traffic, and the fact NO ONE in Indiana knows how to drive, and all the stores were packed, and people suck, and the most expensive store was having NO SALES… today was a great day!

Hope you are having a great weekend!  See you Monday with something SPECIAL!

*guh, Im too tired to read this for typos.  hope its not too bad, Im off to nap.*

><

So, if you are brave – read on. 

If not, thanks for stopping by! (red x – upper right – please clicky)

alrighty – * BIG INHALE*

I am fine, we are all fine.  I personally am fighting sinus headaches from hell due to the seasons changing and the weather and blah blah.  This shall pass and I will be fine again.  Therefore, I say, I am fine.  Or as fine as I usually am.

Now, why have I not been blogging?  Well I haven’t really felt like it and I will tell you why. 

Every now and them some asshole takes it upon themselves to leave shitty ass anonymous comments or even email hate mail and stupid stuff, as if there was nothing better going on in the world to bitch about. 

*Gasp* 

Did I just say ASSHOLE?  Yes I did.  Guess  what, I cuss/curse how ever you deem to spell it.  That is my right.  I tweeted the word t!tt!3s the other day and you would have thought I dropped the f-bomb in front of a little old ladies bible study.  I said the word TITTIES.  It’s not like I SHOWED you my Titties!  I typed the stupid word!  t!tt!3s is not a freaking cuss word.  Neither is TITTIES. 

*GASP*

I said it again!    DOH!  AND AGAIN!!!!!

To clarify something.  I am a grown up.  I am married to an ex-navy man (who cusses), so I am bound to let slip a few naughties every now and then.  I might even actually drop the f-bomb if I’m REALLY feeling it.  So there you have it.  I CUSS.  I love chatting with you guys and getting to know you all, but seriously if the word TITTIES is enough to have you grasping your bible and sending me hate mail please remove my blog from your favorites.  TITTIES is probably the NICEST of the curses you will find on this blog. 

and……………

Guess what- THERE IS MUSIC ON THIS BLOG.

Not only music, but music IIIII like.  So its not just one “genre” and most of it’s not even popular.  I can not help it that I am eclectic.

*gasp gasp*

I understand not wanting music on all the blogs you visit, I really do.  I hate it sometimes too.  BUT, with that said – after you have been here once you KNOW there is music on here.  So either turn down your speakers before you come or listen to my favorite tunes or turn it off as soon as the blog loads or you can always not visit, It’s not like you don’t have options, kwim?  The bottom line is, I have the right to have music on my blog.  It’s MY blog.  Quite frankly, I happen to think I have great TASTE in music, maybe you should listen for a while, you might discover an artist you didn’t already know about.  *GRIN*   I usually have my blog open and listen to it while Im working or browsing or harvesting my crops in Farmville.  I’m sure you can find something better to do with the 5 minutes it takes to bitch about the music on my blog.  I <3 the music on my blog.  It’s not going anywhere. 

and………….

I believe in Ghosts, I believe in Vampires, and OMGosh!  I believe in GOD.  I hate Walmart, I hate shopping, I hate people (in general) and ALL of these things have been, and probably will be again, mentioned on this blog.

and………

about the whole FREEBIES thing, and how much I suck because I hardly ever give out freebies anymore. 

UMMMMMMMMMM, after dealing with the above like comments do you really think I’m going to GIVE anything other then the finger?  Seriously?  

When I give out free stuff, its usually because I’m really happy and want to say thanks to you guys.  So all the cattiness really blows for the non-shitsters that come here.  They end up getting the short stick because some asshole didn’t realize that everyone has certain rights, and they didn’t even bother to nut-up when they tried to bitch about it.   There is no cyber law that says ALL GRAPHICS DESIGNERS MUST OFFER FREE DOWNLOADS.  It is an OPTION that is available to me.  Just like you not visiting anymore because I haven’t had a freebie the last 5 times you visited, IS an option for you.  I mean, really?  Come on.  Like posting a shitty anonymous comment about me NOT having freebies was going to MAKE me jump and post a freebie?  What is that even supposed to accomplish?  Are you that shitty in real life?  I hope not.  I really doubt you walk up to the manager at your local Wal-Mart and tell him he’s a douche and you’re never coming back because there have not been sample ladies by the deli the last 5 times you were in there.  At least I hope you don’t.  Why is the internet different then the REAL world?

and……………

How I raise my kids, what my kids do, and what my kids look like- how they dress – that is all none of anyone’s concern but my own.  If I want to let me son have long hair, or let my daughter post on youtube, what’s it any business of anyone’s other then MINE?  I’ll let him have a ponytail in her video on youtube while they both dance around in tutu’s if I want.  Its legal.  Its ok!  Its not like I let my kids drink and do drugs and party and run the neighborhood unsupervised!  Even if I did ALL of those things – ITS NONE OF ANYONES BUSINESS.  You really need to take a step back and look at your own life before you drop hate mail on someone else’s kids.  Its very rude, and it really says a lot about YOU if you feel the need to degrade a freaking KID.

Now, roll ALLLLLL that up and you realize what my internet times are like and you tell me – would you still want to blog every day?  I don’t.  I not only DONT feel like blogging, now a days on MOST days – I don’t even feel like getting on line.  And then when I do get online I have to answer 50 emails with the “No I’m not mad at you, I just didn’t feel like sitting down here today”  Then I feel like a douche because I hurt peoples feelings by not being online.  Then I REALLY don’t feel like getting online because I’m hurting peoples feelings and pissing people off by not even BEING there, so what the what?!  KWIM?

One good thing that has come about all this cattiness is that I have really gotten back into reading, writing, and sketching again.  I didn’t realize how much I missed it.  But I’m enjoying it greatly.  It’s nice for a change.

So, in closing:

I’m not mad at you (unless you are the ANONYMOUS f***tard who keeps leaving shitty comments)  So, no, I’m not mad at you.  We are all healthy and fine.   No freebie again today, sorry I’m kind of taking a break away from the drama to let my psyche breath.  ROFLMAO.   I do have a crap load of new products fixing to drop so I’m sure there will be some fun stuff coming up.  If you DAREEEEEEEEEEEEEEE venture back in the the ugly blog of blasphemy and all its cussing naughtiness – titties titties everywhere…. bwahhaha-bwahaha-bwahahaaaa*cough cough*……

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To me, good writing is like good sex.

While you are reading (and if you’re lucky while you’re WRITING it) you are so engrossed in it that the entire world around you disappears and all that is left are you and the words.  You become ignorant to everything around you as the words stroke and evoke each of your senses.  Each phrase, each stanza pulling you further and further in until you reach the end.  When its over, if it was “good”, you sit back and as you lift your cigarette for that wonderful drag of satisfaction you secretly wish you could go back in for just a second longer, all the while knowing going back probably wouldn’t be the same.  Completely satisfied, and left with the hope that the next time will be just as riveting, just as exciting, just as intense.

It really doesn’t matter WHERE you do it,  it doesn’t even matter how long it lasts.  What does matter, is that for the time you have it, it is the most enticing, emotional, stimulating experience it can be. 

For all parties involved.

There are many rolling around in there.  The caverns of my mind.  The most prevailing of them: When did it all change?

I sit here today, in my quiet house {well, as quiet as it can be with two pugs snorting for attention at your feet}, and I find myself wondering “when, exactly, did it all change?”  Where is it written in the Guide to Life that at some point life has to go from “Not knowing what you are doing until five seconds before you actually follow through” to “Every move, every moment, must be weighed and wanted”.  Change is inherently unavoidable.  Change, growth, it is the essence of life. I remember reading that part.  I comprehended and absorbed it, but at some point along the way, someone edited out the chapter that referenced how hard life becomes as an adult.

Today has just ended up being a quiet day of retrospect and reflection.  And sadly it seems in my life, I have come to a point that is impassible without contemplation.  Times are hard.  In these times, when money is less and less, and really doesn’t go as far as it used to.  For me a decision is waiting to be made…  Do I get a job outside the home to help with bills (the thought of which sent my girl child wailing in tears to her room screaming “I don’t want you to be away all the time again!”)  OR stay at home, and start weeding out the “extra” things that we have added to our lives because I/we “want our kids to have the things we didn’t” OR do I go back to school to get the paperwork that will allow me to, should I choose to, get a job doing something that will, at a minimum, sustain my spirit? *sigh*  These are the things that are weighing on me today. 

When you finally wake up, and realize that the things that were filling 5 years ago, no longer sustain your spirit… then what?

Is it greedy to strive for more for yourself, at the impediment of those around you?  What if that strife did not impede or impair but only left them in a sort of limbo with themselves while they wait for you to achieve your peace.  Part of me screams that is greedy.  “Bide by, eventually there will be time for you.”  What if biding is choking you, smothering you into sedated spirit? Can it truly be “living” if you aren’t “breathing”? 

Geeze, doesn’t this post sound depressing?  I’m not depressed, I am confused.  I am concerned.  I am contemplating.

What about you?  What brought you here today?  It’s a funny thing, blogging.  I wonder “why” someone would take the time out of their day to see what words are transcribed here.  Surely scrapbookers who come here leave unsatisfied.  I don’t do crafty posts everyday.  Im also sure friends/family, come and go, unsatisfied on the days that are scrapbooking days.  I suppose, it is a good thing that I do not write this blog with the intention of pleasing anyone other then myself. But I find, on days like today I really do wonder “WHY” exactly you came by.  Surely by now, fully realizing you just never KNOW what the days post will hold for you.  Will it be a “score” or will you leave wishing you could have that last five minutes back?  That is the risk you take by coming here.  So why do it?  Why read blogs?  Why follow on twitter?  Why friend on facebook?   Are you truly interested, or have you found that you have some “rattling” going on of your very own?  Hmmm, this paragraph and train of thought could probably become a post in and of itself. 

Blah,  I need to get out of my head. 

So how about you tell me, what YOU have on your mind today?  Spill.

><

a naughty boy

Do you have pet rules in your house?  We do here.  As in, NO PETS on the furniture.  Dog hair drives me insane!  Anyway…

So I climbed up on Bubs bed, to just chill and chat with my boy child while he played on his computer.  It definitely seems if I’m going to have ANY time with him at all, it’s going to have to be me going to talk to him.  Not vice versa. LOL! 

Anway, so there we are hanging out and he’s telling/showing me all about this fighting/fantasy game thingy he plays online when POP…(picture a meerkat popping up outta the desert.  LOL!) there was a pug in my face!

After about 10 minutes of giggling and me saying  ‘Get down Gump’…  I finally caved and sent Sis for my camera…

Here are some pics… enjoy.

Well hello there!

I say: “You know your not supposed to be up  here, right?”

he thinks: “yea, I know, but you dont look mad yet”

he thinks: “hey, that looks like it would taste yummy” lick lick

I say :  “OMG!  NOT MY CAMERA STOP!!!!!  Now get DOWN!”

he thinks: “Maybe if I play dead she will let me stay”

"is it working?”

I say :  “You’re not THAT tired Gump, now GET DOWN”

he thinks: “dammit.”  “Dang it”

he thinks:  “Rules Suck.”
LOL!

Don’t he look like CHEECH from Cheech and Chong?  LOL 

my happy girl

My Sis is one crafty child.

Here is her first “collage” style scrapbook page.  Its still in construction.  Im very proud of her.  This is designed and created 100% by HER.

This is an illustration for a book she is working on about a cat who is a teacher…

Did I mention crafty and imaginative?
She loves to create!

So much so that after hoarding her money for MONTHS, she finally decided to spend it all on… CRAFTING STUFF!  I mean, I buy her crayons, construction paper, and the like… but somethings, the more expensive things, she doesn’t get to use often.  So, she decided an order to Joann’s would be a great way to spend her money.

She was flopping around on the couch, whining and moaning, wishing her order would arrive when – low and behold there was a thud at the door.  It was UPS tossing her box at the door.  She ran and opened it as quick as she could!

Her very own, GROWN UP, crafting supplies.
Picked out and purchased with her very own MONEY.

She is…
a big girl now.

What did she pick?

Well, some TIM HOLTZ of course!  This child loves him, loves his videos, loves his pictures on his blog!  As in “Mommy, did you look yet?  Tim has a new video today!”  “Mommy, did you see?  Tim has a new tag today! *squeal squeal*”  LOL!  Yep, Momma’s girl!

Her very own STAMPS!!!!!!!!!!!

and REAL cardstock!  No more construction paper cards!!!  woohoo!

And stamp cleaner of her VERY OWN!

You will have to stay tuned people, because I am SURE there are many “child craft projects” in this blogs future!  Although, she is BEGGING for her own blog.  So we’ll see!

LOL!

and lastly  a request…

I am needing/wanting some new recipes.  Preferably ones that do NOT contain meat (or mushrooms, Im allergic!).  My kids are so dang picky and I have to tell you.  As a grown up one can only stomach so many burgers and so much pizza…  So what I am asking is…  post a great family friendly recipe on YOUR BLOG.  Then come on back here and add your blog link to this linky thingy mabob.  Myself, AND my children, will be eternally grateful!

ok people…
Im off to run errands, and try to make up that missing hour!  OY!
><

One of the blogs I read does a “hot or not” type deal on Wednesdays. 

Its not Wednesday, but its on my mind so…

NOT HOT:

• child abuse.  worse -> child abuse in a public place damn well knowing I cant do anything about it because I don’t know what would happen to my kids if I had to spend the night in jail for kicking a$$.  Lady, the next time you want to smack your kids in the face repeatedly in public you might want to make sure no one is watching.  Is beating your kids the new fad?
• the fact that common courtesy is dead.  I think I say this every day for one reason or another.  Another fine example::   To all those douchebags that drove right by that little old man standing out there working on his truck in a flannel shirt in 14 degree weather with no help and no coat at the Post Office today – SHAME ON YOU!  I hope you all find yourselves knee deep in a snow drift on the side of the parkway this winter, closely followed by a slight case of pneumonia that your dr. can not diagnose or treat.  Enjoy your winter.  {yes, I made him get in my car.  And even though he clearly didn’t like accepting help from a GIRL…hey he was like 70…. I took him home.}
• calling the UNITED STATES POST OFFICE to get some shipping information, and getting someone who didn’t speak a lick of English.  Seriously?  Come on.
• and while we’re talking about THE POST OFFICE.  So not cool that 2 weeks ago you delivered the boxes I ordered from YOU via UPS.  OMG!  No wonder you are having to lay people off.  YOU don’t even use your OWN service!
• companies that give out gift baskets at the holidays that ALL of the fruit inside has already started to turn.  Man, thanks for the extra trash!
• Husbands that, whenever their wife mentions dieting,  bring in dingdongs (not the good kind), donuts, and candy bars home the very next time they leave the house.  NOT COOL HUBS!
• the weatherman calling for snow with subzero temps and people running around acting like Chicken Little and the Sky is Falling.  Stop it! 
• Forgetting pizza is in the oven until it’s been in there so long it’s just going to be easier to throw away pan and all.  *looking all innocent*
• Teachers telling kids their parents should have gotten them better shoes for Christmas.  UMMM…
• people who have not updated their blogs since OCTOBER!  Auntie!  Dad! 
• “friends” that borrow books and then don’t return them.

HOT:

• Shredded Parmesan Cheese.  omg, yum.
• YouTube.  In the last 2 weeks I have learned how to cut my own bangs, cook a proper scone, and fix the handle on my toilet!  YIPPEE!
• Jason Bateman.  Just because.  Yea, I said it.  And?  I will even follow that with a “mmmmm… yummy”. lol.
• My friend Loucee, who sent me the most amazing handmade watch for Christmas.
• the fact that my 9 year old helped me with year-end paperwork.  Man, that child can read a spreadsheet I tell ya!
• Meeting kewl people via the internet!  Like YOU!

Are you still reading?  LOL!  You really must have issues, I can’t believe you are still reading.  roflmao!

I really don’t have a lot to write about, I just need to gripe so… here I is….

What have you been doing since Christmas?  Anything note worthy?

My friend Mary came over one night and we chatted and crafted till like 3am…
Hey, I haven’t posted those pics yet!

Mary had a little… Cricut

LOL!

My friend Mary came by and we goofed off crafted until nearly 3am.  See, we SHE made ONE CARD some stuff.

I really don’t know how people “crop”.  I got NOTHING done!  I was too busy chatting away!

She did bring her Cricut.  We, Sis and I, had never seen one much less used one. 

Sis was AMAZED.  I have to admit, I was a little smitten.  I think I may have liked her Cricut as much as she liked my new guillotine paper trimmer.  My new trimmer…. MMMMM… it says *shhhhwwwwwwiiippppp* when it cuts. Me likey. 

ok, I guess Im going to harvest my crops on Farmville until time for bed.

><

I’ve been thinking a lot about my New Years resolutions the last few days.. Since my Year in Review post.  And I think I will post my own little challenge list online.  I would love to see your’s if you do such a thing.  In fact, I’ll add a linky thingy and if you post a “resolution” list on your blog, come on back and link it up!

My 52 In the Can Plan

What is it:

I reckon it’s kind of my New Years Resolution list meets my Bucket List….
When a task is done they says its “in the can” so…

My Mission:
Compile and complete these 52 tasks during 2010.

Why’d I pick 52:
There are 52 weeks in a year.  I think 1 goal a week is attainable.  Maybe.  Hopefully.

Punishment for failure:
$2 per failed task, donated to the charity of my choosing to be paid no later then Jan 31, 2011.  I will also post "Im a loser x ___" on my blog for 1 wk x however many tasks do not get completed.  The Im a loser text will remain in my side bar, with a fresh webcam catch of my frowning face.  Photo updated at least once a week. 

Inspiration
the 52 in the Can Plan was inspired by:   All those New Years Resolution lists {I admire you ALL for your goals!}, the movie the Bucket List, and The 101 Things To Do in 1001 Days project by Brooke.

Timeline
January 1, 2010  through December 31, 2010
and so it starts, and in no particular order….

Be a Better Me
1. Identify 5 bad habits and drop them take proactive steps at changing them.
2. Identify 20 things I like about my self  life
3. Identify 100 things that make me happy
4. One day of each week, do not watch TV
5. At least 2 days per week – NO ONLINE WORK

Be Knowledgeable
6. Read 5 non-fiction books
7. Read 5 fiction books
8. Read atleast one full length book with my kids
9. Take atleast one online class/tutorial a month
10. Learn to use Light Room

Be a Family
11. atleast one "movie night" a month with the kids
12. atleast two BOARD GAME nights with the kids a month
13. TALK to dad atleast once a week

Be Adventurous
14. get passport for me and kids
15. Host a party/scrapbooking night atleast once a month OR attend a crop
16. Have a spa day with my daughter
17. Send a postcard to PostSecret
18. Participate in 20 Postcrossings
19. Drop atleast ONE Book Crossing
20. Try one new recipe each month

Be an Organizing Junkie
21. Reformat both the Internet pc and the graphics pc atleast ONCE this year.
22. Back-up pictures on external hard drive once a month
23. Clean the fridge out completely once a month
24. Purge Kitchen cabinets
25. Purge my closet and dresser
26. CLEAN/REORGANIZE/DECLUTTER the laundry room

Be Professional
27. Focus on building my Studio line
28. Take at least one expanded education course
29. re-vamp and submit both of my finished books to at least 5 publishers

Be Frugal
30. No internet purchases for two weeks each month.  (Bi-weekly spending freeze)
31.Compare pricing and bargain shop on ALL internet purchase.  no more buying all in one spot just because its easier.

Be Healthy
32. Take a multi-vitamin every day
33. Treadmill Mon, Wed, and Fri (3 days per week) *so far so good!
34. limit to ONE cup of coffee per day
35. No more sodas
36. No eating after 6:00 p.m.
37. Go to bed before 11:00 p.m.
38. Exercise with Mary {Hi Mary!!!!!!} at least once a month.

Be Giving
39. Pay for someone behind me in the drive thru
40. Send a hand-written note to a family member at least once a month
41. Send a gift to someone in the mail for no reason
42. Plan a girl’s trip for my scrapping/crafting friends
43. Make a list of all family/friend birthdays and send them a card
44. Leave 100% tip at a restaurant for exceptional service at least once
45. Read Obituaries once a month, and send sympathy cards, anonymously.   
46. Donate to Salvation Army Christmas program
47. Shop at Salvation Army/thrift stores for "things" before buying new at Wal-Mart.

Be a Memory Keeper
48. Take an “us" picture every month
49. Print at least one folder of digi pics per month.
50. Create a wall of photos for one room in the house
51. Complete at least ONE scrapbook
52. Finish the memoir books I bought 8 years ago and haven’t even began to fill out.

So, how bout you?! Be brave, post your PLAN on your blog! Come on back and link it up so we can all see what your "good intentions" are!

One good thing the digital age has brought us is the digital camera.  I can pretty much pick any folder in my pictures and see exactly  where my mind was that day.  Digital Camera defiantly goes on to my “things I’m blessed with” list.  I am also grateful for my blog.  My blog has become my diary, my friend, my link to the outside world.  It even introduced my to you.  Well, maybe not “you” as in YOU you, but you in general.  So this blog and the friends I have made from it also go on my blessings list. Three for me, and I haven’t even started the list?!  YAY!

I really admire the people that include a “family” newsletter in their Christmas cards.  I admire more that they found the time to just create the newsletter itself.  It seems like each year time becomes harder and harder to come by.  This year, even my Christmas spirit was missing!

Anyway, so here I am, adding a few more hours into the looking glass getting my YIR down before its gone from view. 

Enjoy.  Or not.  This post is purely for Me.  This is My blog, ya know?

blink.  blink blink.

January

January was a very average month this year.  I do know I fell in love with baking again this year.  I think I kind of fell out of it for a while.  Speaking of the kitchen, Sis had a big milestone in January.  She finally got to help with supper.  I also realized that Bub is not a baby any more.  I mean, he’s a teen, I know.  But it took seeing facial hair for me to really realize how quickly I’m losing him. 

The end of January also saw one of the worst ice storms in Hopkins County history.  We lost power for over a week, and lived off of the grill for both heat AND food! 

My Dad, aka “Daddy” aged another year.  January is also my sisters birthday.  I only mention this because I giggle every year on that day.  I know it eats her up inside that on that day she is 4 years older then me and not 3.  At least I imagine it does.  I guess you would just have to know her, to know what I’m talking about.  Who’s 40?  Who?  Not MEEEEE… heehehe!!  

The USA had a big month in January, when the new president took office.  The first african-american President.

February

February started off pretty badly.  We were just coming out of that big ice storm and had no power.  Sadly, on the last day without power we lost our dear Samual and Sara.  I still haven’t had the heart to replace them. 

On Feb 11th I truly realized how crappily “patched” this house is, when the wind blew and a window pane jumped right out of the window and shattered on the ground below.  I am now full aware that we purchased our very own “Money Pit”.  

February, according to my folders and folders of photos, also seems to be when “hybrid” crafting started to take over my creative endeavors.  We filed taxes in February, and it was the first time in 4 years that my income for the year went down instead of up.     For the first time in my life, in February, I got a virus on my computer I could not fix myself.   Giving up and calling a technician for help was one of the hardest phone calls my stubborn ego has ever made.  Also in February,  Matthew 7:12  became my “motto”?  What’s the word I’m looking for here?  Motto is not correct.  I also learned the meaning of ubuntu.  The philosophy not the software.  “the essence of being human”.  That statement alone, is almost enough to bring a tear to my eye.  I can see why my dear friend Kimmie loves home so much.  For all its negative press over here in the States, South Africa seems to be and is beginning to feel like… home.

March

In looking through my photos, March must have been pretty boring.  Lots of photos of “stuff” and not many of “the good schtuff”. 

In March, I remembered I love Alec Baldwin.  I started a reading log/blog here on BCdc, which no one read (RIP Reading Blog).  You guys do read don’t you?  I mean you are HERE reading THIS.  Has the internet killed books?  Am I one of the last lonely survivors trying desperately to provide CPR to a tangible literary world?  

Two of my brothers had birthdays this month.  Though I do admit I don’t enjoy them nearly as much as my sisters.  I suppose it’s because I know it doesn’t bother them, thus making it not as entertaining.

I did attempt at planting my own vegetable garden.  Sort of.

April

Started out exciting, and sad.  We found a new baby, only to have it die the next day. My Gran moved into a bigger apartment in April.  I was so happy for her.  Her other one was quite tiny, and I am sure miserable since she didn’t want to be in a “community” anyway.  At least now she is spread out a little and not living in a shoe box sized room. 

My computer repair business had a pretty good growth spurt in April, in fact it was enough of a spurt for me to realize that is not the “career” path I wish to be on.  It took so much of my time I barely had time for anything else.  So I decided that everything must be SCHEDULED and no longer do “drop everything and run over” calls.   My Computer Classes for Adults idea finally started to become a reality.   I can’t tell you how much I enjoy teaching, and I really hope this takes off in 2010!

I was blessed by the generosity of a stranger in April, and for a few days I really forgot how much people suck. 

Sis informed me of her life plan this month. LOL…  My girl child really cracks me up.

May

Looked promising out of the gate!  My crappy, nosey, animal hording neighbors had a FOR SALE sign in their yard.  They took it down a few days later.  Sad.  I would really like some new neighbors.  Of course, the next will probably be just as bad if not worse.  Trying to count my blessings not my banes.  Trying.  May was filled with images and memories of childhood (both mine and my kids!) for me, when I saw the preview for Where the Wild Things are.    May saw my Gran ring in her 80th, and there was a huge party.  

My Dad even made it in from Chi-town.  I need to work out how to see him more in 2010.  2009 sure didn’t have many Dad filled days.   We also spent a day swimming at my Aunts.  The fun, outside days were far and few this year.  That is going to have to be worked into my schedule some in 2010, before my kids are too old and family time isn’t entertaining anymore. 

I introduced you to me.  The REAL me, flaws and all.  Eager and hungry to fix myself.  I dieted.  And dieted well, and lost 18 pounds.  After being stuck at 18 pounds, I gave up sometime in September I think.  Broken.  It is all very depressing. 

OH, and I started playing with my webcam #2.  Yay!

June

Started out pretty good.  Well sort of.  I had my heart broken early on with my first visit to the POUND.  I mean, I’ve ran in before with donations, and been in the office when Sweetz ran away, but I had never been “in the back”.  That is where the animals are all kept.  I am pretty sure a few pieces of my heart can still be seen on the floor in there.

We had an impromptu family day at my Aunts, which was really nice.  I got to spend a little time with my Cousin Bubby’s kids.  They are, for sure, his little mini-me’s. 

It was also one of the only times this YEAR I got to hold, smell, LOVE on of these.

Omg, how I miss that smell.  Someone that lives close to me and needs a baby sitter needs to have one soon, or or…

Thinking of kids, Bub got one of his only haircuts of the year THIS MONTH, AND we also captured a VERY RARE moment on film! {well, on digital, but on film sounds better.}  Bug started taking her crafting a little more seriously.   We also took a trip to Chi-Town to visit my Dad.   I lost some weight, Bug lost some teeth, Bub lost some hair, and that pretty much sums up June.  LOL.

July

Oh July.  How many gray hairs you did give me, let me count the strands.  Impossible!  LOL!  In July we started renovating the downstairs into the Studio.  My work place, office, craft spot, Den of Creativi-tay….  LOL.

August

Renovations spilled over into August.  In fact, its nearly January 2010 and the studio STILL in not fully complete.  Usable yes.  Complete, NO. 

Bub had a birthday, of which NO ONE wanted me to photograph!  I do believe the novelty of my photo taking has wore off.  Jerks!

The kids returned to school for another year, YAY!  I nearly broke my ankle out in the yard, that blew.

September

Yikes.  From looking at my blog, September started out pretty crappy!  So, KimB and I relaunched the DigiScrapVault in September. 

 
I decided to sell DSO and the girls all talked me out of it.  I’m really still not sure if that was the right decision or not.  We’ll have to see what 2010 brings.  I really felt like crap this entire month and I finally admitted I have something medical going on, and went to the doctor.  UPDATE: I still have no idea what that SOMETHING is…

October

This month that kicks off the mad dash to my years end.  My life always seems to spiral from Oct thru Dec.  I have no idea why.

October was completely insane this year!  First, we got a new baby.  Gump.  Then, Mel came all the way over from Australia a visit!  It was so awesome!  She just happened to time HER visit so she would be here during my families ALL GIRL TRIP and my birthday and Halloween!  So this month was filled with shopping, long drives, and restaurants out the wazoo!  I have to laugh because while Mel was here, we had to fill up my car about every day.  Some days, TWICE.  I filled it up on the way home from dropping her off at the Nashville Airport.  I literally did not have to put more gas in my tank until the other day.  Like 3 days ago!  How funny is THAT!   Anyway, this month we went to Brown County, Indiana, celebrated my birthday, shopping in Evansville, Graceland!, my cousins Halloween party {and introduced my lil Aussie friend to real KY moonshine. LOL}.

I also got to meet another of my “internet friends” face to face! So funny to be walking across the street in a town you do not live in, nor had ever visited, and hear someone scream out your name from a passing car.  “BUNNY!!!” wave wave!  My first reaction was "WHAT THE…!!!!!!!!!!!”  LOL!!!  Hi Catherine!   Still waiting for YOU to come and visit ME up here in KY!!

November

November started out really sad for me.  I had to take my friend back to Nashville for her long journey back home to Oz. *sniff*  I’m not lying when I say I did cry a little.  I just wanted her to stay a COUPLE of more days….  LOL
 

Another big BIRTHDAY month in the Cates home.  Bug had one this month!  YAY!  Our NEW water heater died this month, and our sliding glass doors got BUSTED!  Bub got his AWESOME jr. ring!  My beautiful baby Gump had his first seizure on us this month too.  With Christmas approaching and stress levels so high, I found myself doing a lot of reflecting.   

Bug got a little too close to Sweetz on the 27th, and got her nose nipped by a normal docile animal.  I am really concerned about the changes in her behavior the last few months.   And in the end there was Thanksgiving.

December

December for me has been hard this year.  Physically, I’m spent.  Emotionally, I’m drained.  It was all I could do to get into the Christmas spirit for my kids, ya know?   I did finally get the tree up, AND I cut my bangs for the first time in like 7 years.  Funny how something so “small” ended up being so refreshing.

THE END

welp, there it is.  All typed out in black and white.   I cant believe I have been sitting here ALL day.  I started this post at 8:45am, it is now 4pm.  Talk about a full days work!  LOL!  At some point tonight or tomorrow I will sit down and write up my goals for 2010.  Maybe I’ll post them on here for you guys.  You know, put them “out there” then there is no ignoring them.  We’ll see. 

I am out.  Tonight we are making HOME MADE pizza for the first time.  And then a friend is coming over for some late night crafting.  So I need to clean off the table down in the studio, and get ready to start cooking!  Wish me luck!

>Im outtie<

EDITED TO ADD:

PLEASE PLEASE read THIS POST:   A Prayer Request, for Andrea…

I love P!NK.

Enjoy.

Here’s hoping you all had a very Blessed Christmas, spent with those you hold most dear, and realized that they are what’s important in life, and not how many boxes fit under the tree..

Much love from our house to yours.
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