Cards

 

Crafts

Well, among everything else I am doing, I am now very much into crafts. :) I took up Creative Memories when I made the album for Grinning's wedding gift, and now that I am planning my wedding I've picked up stamping too. It's fun, and now I've got this monstrous project ahead of me to make my own save the date cards, wedding invitations/rsvp cards, and thank you notes...that's my intention, anyway!! I'll probably get most of my scrapping done Feb 4-6 when I go to camp (yes I am a craft nerd now hahaha), so I could probably put that hobby aside for a while (especially if I am going to pick up consulting, which I am seriously considering...that way, I can scrap at my get togethers, and then I won't have to buy product!). Stamping though...well, that shouldn't be too bad either, since my CM consultant has a project of her own to work on. We've already set up the weekend after scrap camp to do stamps, so it's all good. I will very likely finish the save the date cards that day, so it'll be awesome!

That's the scoop for now...'til next time...

People are idiots

No, I am not only just now figuring this out...but how did I manage to run into two idiots so close together? When I was on my way to San Francisco today, I followed a different route than usual thanks to TomTom, and I found a person on a 10 speed who decided to cross in front of me, even though he was at the corner at a 4-stop intersection when I started going, and I had thought he was either stopping or going another direction. He ended up in front of me, and looked rather clumsy. So, if he couldn't stop...isn't it better to fall down than get hit by a car?! Second, I got to a yield left left turn, and so I did the normal thing and entered the intersection slowly, waiting my turn...and this jackass who was turning left from the other direction decided that, even though I had barely gone far enough to turn into the inside left lane, I had pulled too far up for him to make his turn, and he honks and goes around me on my right side.

And I won't go into the idiots in the city, since they're really a dime a dozen...but how'd I get so lucky in my own town?!

Planning - started!!

Well folks, we've got a venue :) Slight change in date...but we have a venue!!!

September 23, 2006 at Bastrop State Park, appx. 3:30 p.m.

I am very excited! One decision down, 1998 to go!!

Many thanks to my sister-in-law Jana, who has been an enormous help by being my eyes in Bastrop! Thanks for the videos and pictures :)

And careful people, I have a karaoke machine now...*evil grin* and I will probably be renting a margarita machine too...*maniacal laugh*

That's the news for now!

Wedding planning headache

Well, there was this B&B in my brother's town that I was looking at...I liked it, but they took about 5 days to get me a price quote when they said it would be ready the following day...and now that I have e-mailed questions, it's been nearly another week. So, it's been probably 12 days now, and I have lost what confidence they started out with. If they can't answer an e-mail just to say "hey thanks for your interest, I will work on your questions ASAP" - can they handle a wedding?! I don't think it should be my job to babysit the quote and the question-answering...either they're really busy, or they don't need the business.

On to other venues, then!! Now I am looking at a lake, which is a lot cheaper, and I may like it better anyway :)

More new later I guess....


1/27/06 - still no e-mail from that B&B, good thing I booked elsewhere...

New ring pic

Here's a new picture of the ring...it fits and everything! And, it's hard (or impossible) to tell, but it's actually set in white gold.

Wedding update and school

Well, I do believe we've set the date as September 30th - at least, that's the date I like, and Kyle doesn't so much care. So, September 30th it is. It'll likely be in Springfield, since the venue is free and it'll be easier to find vendors since Kristen did this once already.

As for school, I had a major problem starting in the new year. Last August I applied for an outside loan (outside of government education loans), and while I was approved, the school denied it because they stated that if I was getting help from work, I make too much money. Hahahahahahaha - I couldn't live in this area without a roommate, so that's insane. Anyway, I faxed a form stating that I wasn't getting help since it's contingent upon several things...1). that my course is approved as being related to my job 2). I haven't been laid off or something like that, and I'm still employed there 3). that I have a passing grade of C or higher. If I miss any one of the criterion, well, I don't get help.

Apparently my financial aid counselor never told me I had to reapply for the loan, not until late December...and I had some money due, which he stated would NOT hold me out of class. Well, it actually did and canceled everything, and since I'd been off for almost a month, I HAD to be in class on 1/3/06 or I might forfeit funding...so on 1/3/06 I was panicked and upset that I was going to lose funding and possibly delay my graduation by at least a month. :(((((

They managed to emergency add me after I proved I had been approved (AGAIN) for the outside loan, but now I still don't have classes. I am bugging my academic counselor about that part, and I hope they get their act together. Since I haven't really had problems before I think it will be ok, but I am still somewhat worried. They do have about 4 weeks, though, so I guess they have time to fix it all.

For my last elective credits, I am looking to take a digital photography class on Tuesdays for 3 1/2 hours...should be fun, if they'll accept the credits. And, I'll learn about Photoshop, which is good because I'll never pick up a book on my own...always something more important and less boring, ya know?!

Anyway....I will certainly be glad to get done with school in October!!

Muscle man!

Engaged!

No postings for a while...no real news.

But now there is...I'm engaged! Here's a pic of the ring. It's not the real band, first it's not my size and second the real band will be white gold. :) No, we haven't chosen a date yet. I need to talk to my counselor and see what I can do about juggling my schedule, and that'll better help me plan things.

Random Thought of the Day

This guy came in to work today to see one of our employees and gave me his card.

His name is Roman.

In 1000 years, are people going to name their children American?

*shrug*

Wedding

Well, I haven't written in a long time. Not a lot has changed, still working and going to school.

Most recently my friend Grinning got married...here's a pic, isn't she purty? :) This was when it started getting cold. :)



It's so weird that she's married now :p

Anyway, it's late and I am tired and cold and trying to watch Gilmore Girls...so I will have to post more later. :)

I want one!

Convenience

Everything these days is about convenience. You no longer have to go to the video store to get a movie (Netflix, Blockbuster Online, etc.); photos are digital, so you upload them at home and do mail-order for the prints (or print at home); heck, you don't even have to lather soap anymore because it comes out foamy*. What's next, pre-chewed food?



*Yes, I know, part of this is infusing air in order to use less soap...but still. Pre-foamy?

Samantha

This is a picture of my niece...we hope when she can read she doesn't get confused about the adoption thing!

The # 1 Reason There Was No Looting In Texas During Hurricane Rita.

I got this in e-mail...being from Texas, I wouldn't be surprised in the least! In fact, Kyle said to tell everyone the picture looks great...LOL.

Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

Here are the lyrics to two of my favorite songs from the soundtrack of the most recent movie rendering of this Douglas Adams book...

Vote Beeblebrox

Zaphod Beeblebrox
He's the guy you want to vote for
When you get into that Voting Booth
Put an X next to his name

Zaphod Beeblebrox for President
Building bridges between the stars
In no way is he stupid
In no way is his brain impaired
It's just not true, he's smarter than you
And he's better looking too

Zaphod Beeblebrox
Has the longest hair of any candidate
And he's got the coolest shades
And his teeth are white as snow

So let's elect him President
He'll build bridges between the stars
Don't believe the rumours
Don't believe those vicious lies
They're just not true
He's smarter than you
And he's better looking too

(Spoken)
"Listen. I just wanted to say, y'know.
Whatever presidents say y'know.
Things like, er... the name of people and er, freedom
And I dunno. Democracy, stuff like that. Woo! Come on!"

Zaphod Beeblebrox for President
Building bridges between the stars
In no way is he stupid
In no way is his brain impaired
It's just not true, he's smarter than you
And he's better looking too


So Long & Thanks for All the Fish


So long and thanks for all the fish
So sad that it should come to this
We tried to warn you all but oh dear?

You may not share our intellect
Which might explain your disrespect
For all the natural wonders that
grow around you

So long, so long and thanks
for all the fish

The world's about to be destroyed
There's no point getting all annoyed
Lie back and let the planet dissolve

Despite those nets of tuna fleets
We thought that most of you were sweet
Especially tiny tots and your
pregnant women

So long, so long, so long, so long, so long
So long, so long, so long, so long, so long

So long, so long and thanks
for all the fish

(yeah)

So long and thanks for all the fish
So sad that it should come to this
We tried to warn you all but oh dear?

(oh dear)

Despite those nets of tuna fleets
We thought that most of you were sweet
Especially tiny tots and your
pregnant women

So long, so long, so long, so long, so long
So long, so long, so long, so long, so long

So long, so long and thanks
for all the fish

Shopping cart graveyard

Biking adventures

My bike

Nose pimples

...suck. Granted, you can't see them...but people look at you funny when you touch your nose and grimace. The grimacing doesn't happen all the time, but when it catches you by surprise...then people are thinking "wtf is your problem?" Sometimes they give you a WTF look, so you have to explain that you just made a face because of your invisible nose pimple and then, instantly, they understand.

*shrug*

At least it's universal. No one likes them!

Fireworks at A's game

The pictures aren't amazing, but they were taken with my phone...so in that light, they're pretty good :)

Anyway, here are some photos I got of the fireworks show after the game...it was very nice!

More fireworks!

Even more fireworks!

Even MORE fireworks!

Batter up!

I caught a fly at the A's game!!!! It kind of grazed off my finger and that hurt a bit, but then it landed under the seat in front of me. I was going to let that guy have it but he said I could instead :) It was awesome!! And, I need a glove, LOL.

Airport food sucks.

I have very recently discovered that airport food is worse than hospital food...I would eat hospital food again. I guess next time I will know not to eat at the airport...

For a limited time only!!1!one

Yesterday I saw something odd, which I haven't ever seen before. Actually, it wasn't so much the thing that was odd as much as the sign and the location.

As I was driving yesterday, I saw one of those outdoor canopies such as you would see at, say, an outdoor barbecue or a booth at a flea market. There were two, actually, and they were in the parking lot at a gas station with several signs stating that they were selling shoes for $19.95. Well, selling shoes is not odd, and neither is selling them for $19.95. What struck me as odd was that a). they were in a gas station parking lot and b). there was a sign that said "For a limited time only!"

No way. You mean that a "shop" set up in a parking lot isn't permanent? That when they decide they're closed, invisible walls don't encase the canopies to prevent a 100% discount?

Holy crap Batman!

For a limited time only...you don't say. :)

My brother!

More of the headwaters

Mt. Shasta City park

Headwaters of the Sacramento River

Kyle by the Sacramento River

Cool house in Dunsmuir

Castle Crags

The trunk...

Packing up

And somehow this has to fit in the trunk...

And the mystery guest is...

That's my mom with some of Shasta in the background...

More of Panther Meadows

Panther Meadows...my favorite place.

Mt. Shasta

Mt. Shasta from the Black Bear Diner

Baby oak tree surrounded by pines...I think a squirrel lost his acorn :)

The upper falls

Determination

A baby tree growing through a rock. Brings to mind "I Will Survive" :)

Rushing water...still near McCloud

Lower falls near McCloud

Wandering

Near the lower falls in McCloud

The Chex Mix

Oops...good thing it's not my car...$9 a day, yeah!

Camp, Day 1

The rental with the bear locker in the background (small brown cube blob).

Here's all our smelly stuff. No bears for us!

Good morning camp! More pics to come from beautiful Mt. Shasta :)

And this is who *I* had dinner with!

ICE cell phone entry

ICE - In Case of Emergency

I heard this on the radio, and it's a good idea. I don't wear a medical bracelet, but I am allergic to penicillin and all cillin family drugs. The purpose of this is that most people like me don't wear a bracelet, but those who have a cell phone generally carry it with them.

If there is an emergency and the victim is unconscious, calling the ICE contact can clue in the emergency worker as to what medication the person may be on, or what they are allergic to.

It can't hurt, but it can help a lot.

Supreme Court Justice Nominee John Roberts

Here's your chance to ask questions! Seven Democrat women have set up a website that allows you to ask a question that you would like to have answered by nominee John Roberts.

I highly urge you all to participate - remember, the Supreme Court has no court of appeals. As such, we need to be aware and concerned with lifetime Justice appointments.

http://democrats.senate.gov/AskRoberts/

Wow.

Cats have amazing agility. I bet that SNL character would be jealous -- Anna's never taken yoga a day in her privileged little life.

A cat's life

Sometimes I wish I were a cat. Must be nice to be that relaxed!

Harry Potter

So, anyone know when the next book is out? Book 6 was phenomenal, as usual, and now I can't wait for the conclusion. I will probably experience regret at the end of 7 because it will be the end, but at the same time...at least I'll know what happens.

Well, hopefully in a day or two I can embrace the suspense...but for now, I am frustrated :p

Collections

Some of what I do at work...

Work

Isn't my boyfriend sweet? :)

Doggus!

Gavin, enjoying a bone.

Anna, my cat! Isn't she cute?

Progress...but not on homework.

I managed to move a lot of stuff to our on-premise storage unit (4'x4'x?'....10'?) this afternoon, and I am feeling rather accomplished. It's a big rush to get everything FINALLY unpacked before my mom gets here. Plus, I would sort of like to unpack the table set I spent about $200 on :)

My biggest accomplishment was on the patio, however. I got enough space cleared that I could set up the Rubbermaid shelves outside ( ---> ) and there's space in front of them! I didn't get as much done as I would have liked, but I am pleased with the results.

Avoiding homework...again and still!

Ahh yes, my old remedy to hating school...avoiding it and waiting until the last minute to finish, while hating myself for procrastinating. There certainly is something to be said for the familiar feeling of being home!

As I speak, I am supposed to be examining a scenario to determine if there is any civil liability for one of the characters and one of the companies involved in said scenario. All in all it is interesting, but it's still school and as such, it's not fun :) But, I'll still put in the research and turn out a quality paper. I am such a lousy model student :)

And on to the required reading...it's completely insane to expect someone to be able to read 150-300 pages of a textbook in a week, every week for five weeks, with one break between classes, and still emerge from the experience a fully functioning, cognitive, creative, well-adjusted human being. I feel like doing cartwheels across what would be considered a lawn in this tiny apartment complex, chanting, "they've come to take me away, ha ha," and bonking my head into the wall repeatedly for having set this course for myself.

Anyway, I do enjoy school and the debates that we have in our classroom, but I have to wonder if I will carry even 15% of what I have learned into the workplace with me once I have earned my degree and marched in the footsteps of others who've gone before me in search of the ever-better career. Do I want to climb the ladder? Do I have what it takes? Who knows...I hope I'm up to the course I've set for myself.

So much to do, so little time

I feel so busy lately...part of me likes it, and part of me just wants to sit around doing nothing but fun stuff like reading or playing video games all day :)

Last weekend was my first trip to Disneyland...it was a lot of fun! My boyfriend was traveling with me, and we stayed at his grandmother's house. She was the reason for the trip, but since it was nearby we also did Disney. It was a nice visit, even though I got sick on the day we came home and it's a really long drive. I think next time we visit we'll be flying.

Coming up next month my mom is visiting. This is the first real visit for her; the only other time she's been here she was helping me move, and that was not exactly a fun trip. We're going camping in Castle Craggs State Park, and visiting Mt. Shasta as well as McCloud for the Civil War re-enactment. It should be a fun event; the whole town participates. It starts with the Rebels taking over and ends with the Union chasing them out by railroad. It should be a blast, and I am really looking forward to it :) My only regret is that she can't stay longer. We won't be spending much time around here so I can't take her much of anywhere where I actually live, so that's kind of a bummer. Oh well.

In September, I'll be traveling to Texas to visit my niece for her first birthday and to visit my other friends and family that are scattered about there. I'll be there from September 2-11th, and I'll be between Houston and Dallas/Austin (depending on where my brother is living at that time).

October brings my friend's wedding and a 5 day trip to Missouri. Whether I am in the wedding is up in the air, but I'll be there nonetheless.

So, between work, travel, and school, I should be pretty busy. And, one of these days I guess I will have to really unpack :)