Saturday, March 29, 2008

Mornin'!

This won't be very long, but I've managed to avoid blogging for enough days in a row... I've just been busy, tired, and not very happy, but I really don't want to go into that here.

I'm at work now, but I stopped on my way in, registered at the Miracle Crop (benefits our local Children's Miracle Network) and dropped off my stuff. I couldn't get the day off 'cause Sharon didn't want to work. I told Dad I probably have WAY more stuff than I need, but only having 2 days to pack in I didn't get any page kits put together or anything - well,... other than the ones from last May I still haven't completed! LOL It's paper city for me today 'cause I don't have a laptop. It would be nice to have one by the end of the year, but I'm not holding my breath... Mike's wanted one for about 3 yrs, and the one I managed to get him ended up being more something a kid could use for school...

I do have some GREAT news! Kol managed to get back the job he left last May! He's an architectural draftsman, and he left Greg because he wanted to work more with residential than commercial. However, the company he left Greg for let him go in Jan, and he's been out of work since. Every time he manage to get a nibble they'd not call back... Anywho - Greg called him on Wed and offered him his job back because his replacement walked into the office on Tues, and announced his last day would be the 3rd! I will be the first to tell you that Kol worked some LONG hrs at this place - it's only him, the boss, and the receptionist. BUT, the boss would also give him the company cc and a limit towards buy his camera, his EHD, things like that as bonuses for Xmas/birthday/BIG jobs, etc. and we're not talking $50 bonuses here. So overall not a bad gig. It does mean his plans to possibly move back here this summer are nixed, and that makes me a little sad 'cause he eases the loneliness a bit. But, this is awesome for him so a little bittersweet for me.

And, speaking of Kol... I can post this now!

Title: Kol - 28th Birthday
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Credits:
Full credits are at home, but...
Everything by Princess Lala of Divine Digital... except
Stitches from Sew It Seems by Blythe Evans of Purple Paper Flowers.
Label from Laundry Labels - Boys by Traci Reed. (I removed the "s" from Brothers as I'm a girl! LOL)
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A friend from my last job had a baby boy... on Kol's birthday!!

Title: Rioux
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Credits:
Papers and elements from the B Is For Boy Addon Kit by Linda Cumberland of Digital Scrap Garden.
Photo by his mama!(Photo blurred as I don't have his mom's permission to post it yet! If she gives me the ok I'll come back and replace it with the cutie showing!)
Fonts: Mom's Typewriter

And, I made a QP of this page so keep watching! It'll be offered in the next few days!
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Title: Family
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Credits:
Papers and elements from the Family Love kit by Kutnkudly Kreations. (One paper set at 46% opacity.)
Photos by Sears Portraits.
Fonts: Mongolian Baiti
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I tried to post most of this on Thursday morning, but my IE bugged out on me, and I haven't had time before leaving home the last two days...

I will also have at least 1 Desktop Calendar QP to offer up in the next few days so keep watching for that as well!

Dad has the kids at the zoo today so I'm sure I'll have some more photos to work with tomorrow while finishing up the last of my March CT LOs. It's super bright and sunny here today if a bit chilly. They're saying a high of 27 for the day... Yesterday looked like we were stuck in a snowglobe until about 5pm. Just those drifting, swirly, maybe-I'll-come-down snowflakes ALL day! LOL Have I mentioned I hate snow?!?!

I've got a little bit of a headache starting, and should go take something before it gets horrible. Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

Friday, March 28, 2008

Still here...

I'm still here. Just been tired, busy, and not talkative... I'm gonna try to get back later and post more...

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Happy Birthday, Kol!

Today's my baby brother's 28th bday! Does that make me old?!?!
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I have GOT to get me these... LOL

Don't know if any of you ever saw the threads at DST about Little Pet Shop Pets, and how many of the moms seem more into them than the kids... In general I think they are absolutely adorable, and my kids go through days where they say they don't want anymore - and then the next day can't live without them! LOL Well, they both got small sets in their Easter baskets, and each had a sweepstakes code inside that stated they at least won a downloadable poster... which, of course, meant they that is what they'd won. Micaila chose to download the Cuddliest poster, and Brenden chose the Sportiest poster. When I was printing them for the kids this morning look what I found on Brenden's:

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Those are ALL mine!!! I could live without the catepillar, but the bat and iguana - TOO COOL!!! Now to find them somewhere besides online... LOL
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I finished 1 page for Princess Lala yesterday, but I can't post it 'til Friday 'cause it's for a challenge. :)

I also finished a 2pg LO that completed 2 challenges at PPF.

Title: My Reason
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Credits:
Papers and elements from the Simple Goodness Collab kit by the Purple Paper Flowers Design Team.
Photos by my dad and me.
Fonts: Michelle; Mom's Typewriter

LO completes the Week #6 & March Featured Product Challenges at PPF.
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Gotta' go do dishes and grab a shower before work. Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

Monday, March 24, 2008

Hope you had a Happy Easter!

I finished my ADSR #7 late on Saturday... I thought it couldn't get much harder than that, but #9 is to create an Altered Art LO. Blech! I personally hate this style...

Title: Letter To Me
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Credits:
1-Photo matte:
Paper by Digiscraps by Deb from the Grateful 4 U Kit.

2-Staples:
Rusted staples from the Essentials Kit by Pamela of Digitreats.

3-Photos:
Photos by my dad and best friend.

4-Stitches:
Brown zigzag stitches by Christine Nash from the Grateful 4 U Kit.
Brown straight stitches by Christine Nash from the Grateful 4 U Kit.
White X stitches by Natali. (blog freebie)
White zigzag stitches by Natali. (blog freebie)

5-Random Elements of Choice:
Life Sucks Word Art from the Note Express 3 Pack by Princess Lala of Divine Digital.
Doodled wing from the Wings Collection 1 by Princess Lala of Divine Digital. (Set at 38% opacity.)
M & E from the Bead Alpha Commercial Use by One Scrappy Mom.
Soda tab with ribbon from the Spring Fever Kit by One Scrappy Mom.
Cardboard Overlay by Windgefluester.

6-Flowers/stars/cardboard pieces:
Light blue/white flower by Alice Koh Designs from the Grateful 4 U Kit.
Red gem flower by Erica Zane from the Grateful 4 U Kit.
Paper pieced flower by Creative Confusion from the Grateful 4 U Kit.
Green metal flower by Jennifer Schmitt from the Grateful 4 U Kit.
Red tattered fabric flower by Merkeley Designs from the Grateful 4 U Kit.
Blue and cream flower by Buzy Bee Scrapper Designs from the Grateful 4 U Kit.

7-Papers:
Background by Julie Bullock from the Grateful 4 U Kit.
Red checked paper by Amanda Heimann from the Grateful 4 U Kit. (Used as overlay at 20%.) Green/blue/yellow floral distressed paper by Julie Bullock from the Grateful 4 U Kit. Orange/blue/green distressed paper by Kara Jones of K-Joi Studios from the Grateful 4 U Kit. Blue flowered paper by Becki Kress from the Grateful 4 U Kit.
Blue polka dotted paper by Debbie McKenzie from the Grateful 4 U Kit.
Note paper from the Dirty Note Paper Pack by Heather Manning Designs.

8-Buttons:
Blue button by Mikki Livanos from the Grateful 4 U Kit.
Green button by Mikki Livanos from the Grateful 4 U Kit.
Dark maroon button from the Autumn's Glow Kit by Julie Kelley Designs.
Wooden button from the Just Because Kit by Julie Kelley Designs.
Melon-colored button from the Splash 'O Melon Kit by Heather Manning Designs.
Brick red button from the Foxy Lady Kit by Miss Mint. (recolored)
Turqoise button from the Party Pants Kit by Miss Mint.
Orange button with red polka dots by Sasha Jane Designs from the Jan 2008 DAD Collab at Divine Digital.

9-Glitter/Gems/Sequins/Bling Pieces:
Bead border by Alice Koh Designs from the Grateful 4 U Kit.
Swirly gem cluster by Cherie Sheilds from the Grateful 4 U Kit.
Light blue glitter splat by Kellie Puddy from the Grateful 4 U Kit.
Silver glitter splat by Kellie Puddy from the Grateful 4 U Kit.
Bauble by "ktd" from the Grateful 4 U Kit.
Gemstone heart by Becki Kress from the Grateful 4 U Kit.
Green gem brad from Buttons Of Bling by Kristine of WenchdGrafix.
Gold gem brad from Buttons Of Bling by Kristine of WenchdGrafix.
Green glitter doodle from the Swirly Doo 2 Freebie by Bunny Cates. (recolored)

10-Journaling:
Dear Me,
I often wonder what I saw when I looked into that mirror all those years ago... Do you, at 16, see the same little girl full of promise that I see at 33, or is there something else there when you see it? I remember that at 16 I saw a slightly chubby, offbeat girl with a lot of determination... And, now realize how silly that was. You aren't chubby - just rounded where a girl should be.

Your creativity is both your blessing and your curse... It will help you relieve stress and work through some tough issues, but it is also what pulls you away from people at times.

Some people close to you will be lost to you inthe next few years - some through personal choices,some through distance, and some through death.Spend time with those you love. Don't be afraid to show in pictures with them because you will treasure those photos in years to come. Experience and enjoy each moment... The choices you make now will affect your life for many years. Not all of your choices are good - not all of them are bad. And, you do end up with some very good results from some bad choices as well.

Fight harder is my best advice... Fight harder for the things you truly want.
Love, Me

Fonts: FG Cheryl; FG David

If you made it all the way through those credits - CONGRATS!! LOL
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I decided yesterday I wanted to do a LO for ME before moving back to CT work... Of course, I had all but the last two elements on the page when PSP crashed without me having saved... I had to recreate it.

Title: Eggstravaganza
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Credits:
Background paper by Creative Confusion from the Grateful 4 U Kit.
Cardboard overlay and flourished frame by Windgefluester.
Hand Stamped Alpha by Michelle Coleman of Little Dreamer Designs. (recolored)
Stamp the Date by Toni Berman. (recolored)
Decorative eggs from the Bunny Eggs 2 Freebie by Lindsay Jane Designs.
Photos by me.
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Jay dropped off my car yesterday. He had to run all over the north country before he got here, but hey - extra test driving right?! (That's what I told him! LOL) He'd had to replace the coil packs, spark plugs, wiring harness, and some of the pins for the wiring. He told me not to hesitate to call if there were any issues.

Not sure what else to say, but I'm sure I'll remember as soon as I log off! LOL Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Blaahhhh...

I HATE working Saturdays... I've been doing it for a year straight now, and it doesn't get any easier. Especially as it is 4 hrs... in the middle of the day... I think I've had Sharon work maybe 3 Saturdays for me in the past year. I work fulltime, but we're open 10-5:30 Tues-Fri & 10-2 on Sat during Jan, Feb & March. April-Dec I actually work 10-5:50 Mon-Fri AND 10-2 Sat. When you take out my 1/2 hr lunch during the week that means 32 hrs for 3 months and 39 hr for 9. I'd probably hate getting up earlier too, but if we were open say 8-12 then at least I'd still have half the day to plan something else to do. As it is I always feel like I'm getting home at bedtime if I have an errands or plans after work.

Oh! Then there's the fact that any crops in the area are always planned for Saturdays. I am about 97% digi now, but don't own a laptop. I also only go to 1 crop a year now that the LSS closed. Guess what?!?! I found out yesterday that the crop moved from May 5th last year to... March 29th this year!!!! I've been watching for ads on Newzjunky where they posted last year to make sure I signed up as I could take the day AND get paid this year... no ads... nothing... yesterday I'm perusing some classifieds and found it listed among area activities?! Say what?! Did you actually want people to know about it, or did you think with no LSS in the area word of mouth would actually work? So I have to decide if I want to go alone 'cause my niece can't go with me, AND if I want to be jerky enough to ask my coworker on Tues if she can cover Sat. OR, if I just want to miss out on the first 5 hrs of a 12 hr crop (9am-9pm)... Oh, and I forgot to mention it is the same exact day that my niece's aunt on the other side of the family is holding an all day crop in their town from 10am-10pm... I could take Krys to that one, but she has to be home by 5pm...
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Ok, enough of that rant... Jay called Thurs night. It is most likely the computer for the car. He said he never had to replace one in a Cav before, but then, he didn't realize that my wheel well cover was missing. So in case you missed that PSA in Feb - Don't EVER listen to someone who tells you th plastic cover inside your wheel well is not necessary. It is what keeps all the water and dirt and salt and ice and CRAP in general from getting into your wiring and computer!!!! Jay said the wiring harness was corroded right into the pc. He managed to clean it off all the pins for the pc, but wasn't sure if a new harness would actually fix the issue. He MAY have it done today...
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No LOs to share today 'cause I'm STILL working on ADSR 7. This sucker had better be good when I am done! I have it about 90% together at this point, but I'm thinking I may have to move some stuff around 'cause I'm not really sure it has enough white space to be considered CLEAN. Maybe I should just make it 2 pages! LOL Nothing in the directions said it HAD to be one page... Clean is just really not my style - especially not with 3 photos... With 1 photo I may have been able to pull it off easier, but 3 photos just takes up more space... You are not going to want me to post my credits for this LO here. I am listing every single item seperately to make sure I have the right number, AND use no more than 2 items by any one designer. I think at this point I am still missing 2 stitches, 3 buttons, 1 random element, and 1 gem/bling item.
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I have added labels to my newest posts, and am slowly working my way backwards. The links are near the top left, and do NOT have a heading above them. These should allow people to quickly flip back to other posts for LO or QP info! :)

SSD Our Blog to Yours Challenges...

3/21/08: Easter Blogthing

You Are a Hand Painted Egg

Classy and gorgeous - with attention to every detail.
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3/14/08: Baby Names for Meghan
Ryhan
Drue
Brehtt
Danah
Kaydance
Jodi Taylor (DH wanted this for Brenden if he was a girl, but I refused to name my girl after Joe DiMaggio & Lawrence Taylor...)

Friday, March 21, 2008

Freebies!

I have 2 new freebies for you, and new links for some of my older ones!

First up... the 2 QPs for Kristine that I previewed yesterday!

Night Twinkles Ruby QP

Night Twinkles Sapphire QP

Then...

I have re-packaged the QPs I designed for DSG in February. The old links have been deleted so if you would like them you will need to use these new ones. (Previews are in the Feb posts or my the DSG Gallery - link is to left.)

BS - Grungy Valentine QP

BS- Simply Flourishing QP

DD - Warm Fuzzy Pajamas QP

DD- My Purple Valentine QP

I also re-packaged the March Desktop for Kristine that I offered earlier this month.

Emerald Isle March Desktop QP

Keep watch for an April Desktop QP!! I need to go work some more on ADSR #7, and get breakfast for the kiddos. Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Heeee's ba-ack...

The boss gets back today from his ski trip to Colorado. You'd think he'd be relaxed, but knowing him he'll probably be wound-up and edgy... Yesterday wasn't too horrible. Dalton was in for his 1.5 hrs as usual on Wednesdays. Out of a 7.5 hr day that really doesn't amount to much which is why I said I'd be alone all day. Dalton's also only trained for the retouching - not answering the phones, taking appointments or orders, measuring for tuxes, etc... But, I only had people walk through the front door 4 times, and two of those were Dad.

I got 1 LO done last night, 1 LO and 2 QPs done this morning. I need to share this announcement first though...

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For those who cannot read the ad...
Can you:
- create 4-6 Los per month?
and
- host a challenge or post a minimum of 25 posts per week?

Purple Paper Flowers has one full time and two 1-month guest spots open starting April 1. Send an email to absolutartist1@gmail.com if you’d like to apply!

Email should include:
-your name
-your email address
-your PPF Forum Name
-a link to your fullest gallery

Deadline: Saturday, March 22nd

The 1-month guest spots will be rotating out each month so if you are interested please apply! You can always let me know that you wouldn't be available until May or June! :)
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Title: Love Xs 2
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Credits:
Paper 6, frame, and beads on string from the A Little More Love kit by One Scrappy Mom available at One Scrappy Shoppe.
Paper 2 and pink swirl w/flower from the Spring Fever kit by One Scrappy Mom available at One Scrappy Shoppe.
Cardboard swirl from the Dreams Come True kit by One Scrappy Mom available at One Scrappy Shoppe.
Purple swirl from the Embroidered Swirls Pack by One Scrappy Mom - no longer available. (re-colored)
Photo by me.
Fonts: CK Tea Party
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Title: Look to the stars, baby!
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Credits:
Papers and jeweled swirl from the Night Twinkles- Amythest Mini Kit by Kristine of WenchdGrafix.
Photo by me.
Fonts: CK Serendipity
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And, here's previews of the QPs for Kristine...
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Not sure when/where those will be shared so stay tuned for info!

The car didn't make it back here yesterday- as I had assumed it wouldn't! LOL Still waitin' to hear from Jay.

Not much else to say so I'm off! Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Tired... Long day of working alone ahead... Not much to say...

Title: Work?
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Credits:
Paper 2 from the Funky Graphs Dotty 2 Paper Pack by Princess Lala of Divine Digital.
Paper 2 from the Free Paper Pack by Princess Lala of Divine Digital.
Journal area and 5 from the Journal Spots Doodle Pack by Princess Lala of Divine Digital.
Border doodle from the Designer Doodles 1 Pack by Princess Lala of Divine Digital.
Aquarius brad from the Zodiak Pack 1 by Princess Lala of Divine Digital.
Lyrics by REO Speedwagon - "Time For Me To Fly".
Photos by me.
Fonts: DJB CT's Rock; Emily

LO completes ADSR3 Challenge #8.
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Still workin' on #7... Journaling is done I think...

Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Quick note...

Mornin'! Well, the cats were good. BTW - we take them in carriers! Not loose! LOL We picked up the car. Not on the way home as we'd hoped because it was blocked in, but last night. Had them move it, and lock the keys in it. It started fine - ran like it always did... About a 1/4 mile up the road it started running a little funny, and by the time I was 3/4 of the way home I think it was down to 2 cylanders firing again... It's only about 1-1.5 miles from the garage to my house... It sounded so horrible by the time I got to my house I wanted to cry.

I ended up taking the day "off". I didn't do the taxes as I should have, and I didn't get any CT work done. I was just tired. When I got home from Gouverneur with Dad and the kids I fell asleep on the sofa, and had a 3 hr nap. I just needed a break. Period.

I finished this before work this morning:

Title: Daddy's Little Girl
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Credits:
Papers and elements from the Family Love kit by Kutnkudly Kreations.
Photo by my SIL, Marcy.
Fonts: DJB CT's Rock

Gotta' run 'cause I'm at work! Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

Monday, March 17, 2008

Vet and car...

So it's Monday again... I have the dishes done, washer loaded and waiting for the kids pajamas, and garbage half collected to go to the curb... Today we have to take Miss Kitty and Dad's cat, Mytzi, to see Dr. Tim in Gouverneur. It's about a 30-45 min drive one way. On the way back we have to stop to pay the $40 and pick up my car from the mechanic where it's been sitting for about a month now.

I finally managed to catch up with my brothers' friend yesterday. He'll be stopping Wednesday to pick the car up, and from what I described to him he's hopeful he'll have it done and back on Wednesday. I'm not holding my breath though... With the luck I've had lately it'll end up being much worse than he thinks. He's only going to charge us parts and gas which I think is MORE than fair.

I finished burning all the DVDs yesterday... It only took 17 DVDs to get all the stuff off the drive! I do have to say that it included not only the unzipped stuff I'd decided I probably won't be using any time soon, but also the zipped files for the stuff I kept on the drive. I started saving the zipped files to backup about 4 months ago, and hadn't burned them to DVD yet... Oh! And, that was just digi files. I still haven't backed up my photos since last year about this time... Need to do that next.

I also got ADSR3 #5 & #6 done, posted and linked yesterday... and then looked at #7!!! YIKES does not cover this challenge! LOL It has two completely seperate sets of directions that have to be followed down to the letter, and they are doozies! Each partner has to follow one set of directions - one is messy with no journaling, and the other is clean with journaling. I think it'd be more fair to make the messy LO do journaling but oh well! LOL There is also a very, VERY specific recipe for the LO number-wise as to the elements/photos/papers to use. But, Heather & I have hit the half-way mark, and we're still in it! YEAH!
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Title: The Crappy Job Interview
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Credits:
Papers and elements from the Candied Ginger kit by Kristine of WenchdGrafix.
Photo by me.
Fonts: Vintage Typewriter; MLB Thankful

LO completes ADSR3 Challenge #5. (If you are having trouble reading this you can see it better in my gallery at NDISB. Link is to the left.)
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Title: You're SOOOO not Ready Kids!
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Credits:
All papers and elements from the Grateful 4 U Collab kit.
Photo by me.
Fonts: CopperCanyonWBW; DJB CT's Rock

LO completes ADSR3 Challenge #6 and CT Appreciation Week contest.
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Not much else to say right now... Need to finish gathering the garbage, grab a shower, get the laundry going, and get the kids ready...

Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Saturday Fun...

I hate that I've managed to get to a point where I only post every 2-3 days... I was so good about posting every day at about the same time for sooooo long. Especially considering I wasn't sure I wanted to do this as I wasn't sure anyone would want to "hear" what I have to "say"! LOL

Oh well,... life happens! I've been busy as usual, but I did manage to finish 1 LO last night, and another this morning. I've been awake since 4am... Something woke me up, and I just couldn't get back to sleep. But I used the time constructively... I got one load of laundry washed & 1/2 dried before we left home, and cleared about 25GB off my EHD. I moved the files to my C drive temporarily, and am burning them to DVD before deleting them. I managed to get 3 DVDs burned and a 4th was left burning. You know - after downloading the HUGE "Grateful 4 U" kit that some of the digiworld designers put together for their CTs I only had 95GB left on my EHD. (I did that downloading this morning as well.) Besides, I still had all the goodies I started downloading when I first started digi - most of which I never touch! I probably need to burn at least another 7-8 DVDs to get this all off the pc.

On a good note I am completely caught up with all of my LO uploads. Of course, slowing down on making them helps!!

Today Mike and the kids dropped me off at work. They're runnning to a dollar store on the other side of town, and then going to the credit union's Easter party at Velocity - a local "arcade" type place. That party is only from 11am-1pm so I couldn't go as there was no one else to cover for me at work today... Boss is on his way to Colorado for skiing for 5 days and Sharon's busy getting ready to go downstate for her son's graduation from CIA next week. Anyway, they'll be stopping somewhere for lunch afterwards, and then bring me something when they pick me up so I can eat on the way up to the zoo for their Easter party! Might as well get it all out of the way at once, right?!? Dad's meeting them at Velocity and then meeting us all at the zoo so at least I'll have pics since I can't go to the first party.

So, on to the LOs...

Title: Sometimes
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Credits:
Papers, alpha, and elements from the Simple Goodness Collab kit by the Purple Paper Flowers Design Team.
Photos by me and my brother, Blayne.
Fonts: Brankovic
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Title: May All Your Days...
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Credits:
Papers and elements from the Simple Goodness Collab kit by the Purple Paper Flowers Design Team.
Photos by me.
Fonts: CK Heritage;CK Scratchy Box

Once I saw the acrylic cloud & kite in this kit I couldn't get this image out of my head fast enough!!! LOL
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That's it for today... Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

Thursday, March 13, 2008

A PSA and some LOs!

Mornin', all! I've been a little busy the last couple of days with my CT Leader duties... I now have access and know-how to create coupons in Zen cart! Never done that before! LOL We've moved the PPF CT from 3 members plus me to 7 members plus me!! BTW - if you are reading this, and are interested in joining us we do have a few more spots open... Please send me an email at absolutartist1@gmail.com including your name, email address, PPF Forum name, and fullest gallery. I will be searching for 2 more full time, and 2 1-month guests (Guests to start April 1). Please let me know which you are interested in!
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And, now for the PSA... This came to me via email so the "I" is not me...

90# on your telephone

I dialed '0' and asked the operator who confirmed that this was correct so please pass it on . . (l also checked out Snopes.com..this is true, and also applies to cell phones!)

PASS ON TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW

I received a telephone call last evening from an individual identifying himself as an AT&T Service Technician (could also be Telus) who was conducting a test on the telephone lines. He stated that to complete the test I should touch nine(9), zero(0), the pound sign (#), and then hang up. Luckily, I was suspicious and refused.

Upon contacting the telephone company, I was informed that by pushing 90#, you give the requesting individual full access to your telephone line, which enables them to place long distance calls billed to your home/cell phone number.

I was further informed that this scam has been originating from many local jails/prisons.

DO NOT press 90# for ANYONE.
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I finished this LO Tuesday morning before running out the door...

Title: fun Fun FUN!
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Credits:
Papers, alpha, and elements from the A Night Out kit by One Scrappy Mom available at One Scrappy Shoppe.
Torn orange paper from the Birthday Bash kit by One Scrappy Mom available at One Scrappy Shoppe. (I "tore" the paper.)
Photos by me.
Fonts: Bryony
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I started this last night, and finished it off this morning... Let me say that I do LOVE it, but I'm annoyed in the way only a scrapper can be... I started this LO to use some specific goodies Amanda sent me, and in the end couldn't use them becasue they completely DIDN'T fit the feel of the LO! LOL

Title: Beauty
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Credits:
Papers from the York County Fair Paper Pack by Amanda Dykan of Purple Paper Flowers.
Stitches from the Sew It Seems Set by Blythe Evans of Purple Paper Flowers.
Photos by me.
Fonts: Brankovic
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Anywho- I need to get out the door to work! Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

What a long, strange weekend...

Well, not really. The weekend never seems long enough for all I SHOULD get done... Like the taxes. I just have no desire to deal with them - even though I KNOW we need the money... Anywho - the majority of Saturday afternoon/evening was spent goofing off with the kids so that I only got 1 LO done...

Title: Micaila
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Credits:
Papers and elements from the Sweetheart kit by Linda Cumberland of Digital Scrap Garden.
Photo alpha template by Anita Stergiou.
Photo by me.
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Then on Sunday, as I posted yesterday, we lost our power for about 9.25 hrs. It was really odd 'cause I was cooking lunch on the stove (electric range). I turned the burner off, and walked across the kitchen to get some shredded cheese out of the fridge - to find no power! Wierd... Thanks heavens I had finished my ADSR LO, and gotten it uploaded prior to the power outage, or I would have been disqualified...

Title: Random Pieces of Me
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Credits:
Background paper, notecard, journal stamp, border stitching, and staple from the "Seriously? Seriously." kit by Karah Fredericks of Blue Flombingo.
Frames from the Tattered Frames by One Scrappy Mom available at One Scrappy Shoppe.
Heart sticker from the All My Love set by Miyon of Scarlet Heels Media.
Alphas from the Netters Alpha Scraps, Red Alpha, Painted Alpha, and Tinfoil Alpha sets by Miyon of Scarlet Heels Media.
Labels from the Krafty Labels set by Miyon of Scarlet Heels Media.
Photo by me.
Fonts: FG Cheryl; FG David

LO completes the ADSR3 #4 Challenge.
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And, then there's yesterday... I woke up with another massive headache that just didn't want to end. I was up for a little over 2.5hrs, and laid back down to take a nap. (Don't worry-Dad was here for the kids.) I woke up 3 hrs later to no headache - just those small nagging pains that flirt around an edge of a headache. We had lunch, and watched Unaccompanied Minors - another good movie btw. I was still feeling loagy though, and had just started a LO when Mike walked through the door an hr early from work. So I only got 1 LO done yesterday as well...

Title: Irony
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Credits:
Papers, frame cluster, flower, and heart charm by Heather Manning Designs from the Come What May Collab kit available at Purple Paper Flowers.
Reversed staple from the Close It Commercial Pack by Heather Manning Designs available at Purple Paper Flowers.
Photo by me.
Fonts: Byrony
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From there I sat down with the kids at 8pm to watch Brother Bear as a way of getting them ready to fall asleep... They REALLY don't wind down at night. I was a little surprised because they both laid there to watch it without getting up and running in circles the way they normally do when a movie is put on...

Now, I did START another LO last night, but didn't get a chance to finish it. So,... I need to go do that before I have to do dishes, take a shower, and run out the door for work! Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

Monday, March 10, 2008

Back later...

We lost power at about 12:50pm yesterday, and it didn't come back on 'til a little after 10pm... We're fine - just annoyed. No food loss or anything - it's too blinkin' cold here for that atm. But, I woke up this morning with the worst headache. Not sure how much I'm getting done today...

I do have 2 LOs from Sat afternoon and yesterday...

Saturday, March 8, 2008

Tagged!

So Diane managed to tag me with the 7 Things You don't know about me... This post may take a while to get up! LOL

1. Some of you may know this, but I mention it because it is one of the 10 questions on my quiz at My Space, and even my brother answered chipmunk... I caught a hummingbird with my bare hands at about age 10. I was much more patient then apparently! LOL

2. I wanted to design album covers for a living when I started college. Yes, I call them album covers which probably reveals my age, but it is so much more dignified than CD jackets. My typography professor informed me in my first college class that unless I knew some bands this was probably never going to happen.

3. You know how you're supposed to set realistic goals for yourself to hit?? Well, apparently that memo never made my inbox 'cause I don't. After having the album cover idea nixed I decided I wanted to be so successful in the advertising world that I had a Super Bowl commercial! I do have a great idea to sell to Coca-Cola if I ever work up the nerve...

4. I collected Absolut Vodka ads for over 10 yrs - hence the screenname absolutartist1. I LOVE that campaign, and it is in the Advertising Hall of Fame. Not too many campaigns can stay fresh and running for 20+ yrs! Unfortunately I lost my entire collection including the book (Yes, they wrote a book about it!) in storage because it all got wet & moldy.

Well, the first half of that went faster than I thought...

5. I was working for an advertising research firm at the corner of 40th & Lexington on 9/11. If you want to know more about that you can view the 2-page paper (Yes, paper OMG!) LO here and here. Or, this digital LO. BTW - I drew the eagle in the digital LO on 9/12, and scanned it into my pc to use on that LO... I did do another paper LO for an Un-circle Journal, but apparently I never uploaded the pic to photobucket so I can't share that right now as I'm at work.

6. Growing up I had planned to graduate from college, and move south to Tenessee or Kentucky... Somewhere with horses and little to no snow! LOL Instead I have lived in 5 towns in my life - Philadelphia, Cazenovia, Brentwood, Nedrow, and Theresa - all in NY, and all with lots of snow.

7. I wanted to name my daughter Cailleen. It was a name I "thought" I had made up when I was about 12 by combining my name with my favorite cousin, Colleen's. However, when it came down to it I told Mike if he wanted a child named after him it had best be the girl 'cause I wasn't going through the whole he's Mike and you're Michael bs that his family had done with him and his dad. We chose Micaila because I have at least 3 cousins named Michelle...

I guess that was a little easier than I thought, but there are probably some of you who knew some of those things! :D

Edited to add - BLINKERS!!! I forgot to tag anyone... Ummm - I guess I tag Kari and Dawne!
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Someone asked yesterday if my uploading being behind meant I create a average of 5 a day. No - I average about 2 a day. Some days none and some days 3-6, but I tend to finish them as I need to run out the door to work or get the kids to bed so they tend to pile up before I get the uploading done... :)

That being said I have 2 to share today! I finished one just before wrangling the kids into bed last night, and one for ADSR Challenge #3 this morning.

Title: Lenora Youker - approx 1921
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Credits:
Papers and elements from the Quiet Day kit by Heather Manning Designs available at Purple Paper Flowers.
Die-cut paper from Border Patrol Vol 2 by Theresa Hernandez available at Purple Paper Flowers.
Photo by ? (My paternal grandmother at age 2.)
Fonts: FG Cheryl
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Title: Me
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Credits:
Papers and elements from the Iced Fudge kit by Kristine of WenchdGrafix.
Photo by me.
Fonts: FG Cheryl; FG David

LO completes ADSR Challenge #3.
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I've found myself using FG Cheryl a LOT lately because it is fairly similar to my handwriting... Not sure what else to say so I'll let you go for now! :P Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

Friday, March 7, 2008

Fun Friday!

It's here! Day 1 of PPF's Official Grand Opening Celebration! Be sure to stop by, and join in the fun! Plenty of prizes and goodies for all!

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PPF Grand Opening Celebration
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AND, more fun... One Scrappy Mom has opened her new shop today! Whoo-Hoo! 40% off everything in the store through Wednesday, March 12th! Be sure to stop by and grab some goodies!

One Scrappy Shoppe
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AND, last but certainly not least... Don't forget the Wench has 30% off Emerald Isle and Candied Ginger through tomorrow!

WenchdGrafix Shoppe
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I wish I had at least 1 LO to share this morning, but I spent the majority of my "free" time this morning trying to catch up on uploading again. A couple of the sites I upload all CT LOs to only allow 5 per 24-hr period which leaves me behind most of the time! LOL

I also did the dishes, started a load of laundry, got breakfast for the kids (pb toast this morning!), caught up a little of my forum posting duties at SDD, downloaded my Challenge 1 & 2 prizes for ADSR, and realized I have 2 days to finish Challenges 3 & 4! YIKES!!! My new duties have sucked a little brain-power and a lot of time! LOL

The boss is leaving the office early today so maybe I can get some sketches together to make the LOs go faster... Gotta' run to take a quick shower & get to work! Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

Thursday, March 6, 2008

The Great Scrap-off!

Get, ready... get set... SCRAP!!!

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For those who can't read the ad:

1 Grand Prize:

1 year term with PPF's CT

3 compilation kits

$50 GC to PPF's store


4 Second Place Prizes:

3 month Guest Spot with PPF's CT

1 compilation kit

$10 GC to PPF's store


Register today by emailing Amanda at registration@purplepaperflowers.com. Send your name, email address, and PPF Forum name.


Contest starts TOMORROW!

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Happy Humpday!

Have you seen?

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Get ready for some FUN!!! Sales, contests,and general hoopla all weekend! Don't miss it!
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I've been busy,busy, busy! I finished a LO for Kara Monday night...

Title: You Could Be Swingin' On A Star
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Credits:
Papers from the Tristan's Room kit by Kara Jones of K-Joi Studios.
Template 27 by Lindsay Jane Designs. (Slightly re-arranged.)
Photos by me.
Fonts: Expletive Deleted
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I finished a LO for Princess Lala yesterday morning...

Title: Love Forever
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Credits:
Papers, frame, tag, and reversed brad from the This Boy kit by Princess Lala of Divine Digital.
Love Forever Doodle from Note Express 1 by Princess Lala of Divine Digital. (re-colored)
Swirl doodle from Big - Swirlies by Princess Lala of Divine Digital. (re-colored)
Photos by my dad.
Fonts: FG Augustin
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I finished 1 LO for Linda Cumberland at DSG this morning...

Title: Love Is
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Credits:
Papers and elements from the Sweetheart kit by Linda Cumberland of Digital Scrap Garden.
Photo by ? (A friend of my grandparents I am sure, but which one?)
Fonts: FG David
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And, 1 for One Scrappy Mom...

Title: Storyteller
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Credits:
Papers from the Underwater Paper Pack by One Scrappy Mom available soon at the One Scrappy Shoppe.
Decorated popsicle stick from the Popsicle Dreams Element Pack by One Scrappy Mom available soon at the One Scrappy Shoppe.
Frames from the Tattered Frames Element Pack by One Scrappy Mom available soon at the One Scrappy Shoppe.
Flowers from the Ribbon Buds Element Pack by One Scrappy Mom available soon at the One Scrappy Shoppe.
Rusty, reversed staples from the Metal Lovers Element Pack by One Scrappy Mom available soon at the One Scrappy Shoppe.
Cardboard swirl from the Dreams Come True kit by One Scrappy Mom available soon at the One Scrappy Shoppe.
Tear from Totally Ripped by Penny's Miscellany.
Photos by my brother, Blayne.
Fonts: FG Cheryl; Jane Austen
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Oh! And, you didn't think I made a page for DSG without a QP freebie did you?! (FYI - These freebies I offer are al on behalf of the designers due to my CT work.)

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LC - Sweetheart QP
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I'm also working on a CT Call ad, and have 3 CTs I am waiting on the kits for the month from...

The car is still in limbo because a friend of my brothers said he thought he could help, but I haven't been able to get a hold of him since...

And, we got denied for HEAP... Instead of using your actual income as I had been told - they take your weekly income from 4 weeks and average it, and then plug it into a formula to make it a "monthly" amount since a month isn't 4 weeks strictly speaking. Long story short - we were about $20 under their cap before the formula... So the $500 I had set aside for 4 other bills andhad to use on oil will not be re-imbursed... My landlord has gotten the whistle installed on the oil tank though.

Gotta' run to get some things done before work! Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

Monday, March 3, 2008

HAPPY NEWS! :)

I wasn't gonna' post 'til tomorrow morning, but I have to share...

FIRST - I made Princess Lala's Personal CT!!! Whoo-hoo! I've been (mostly) sitting on that for about a week now. It feels so good to be able to shout it!

SECOND- Heather's super-sweet mom, Kathy (aka Halfmoon) sent me an email yesterday to thank me for commenting on her blog! :D She's a sweetie, and her blog sounds a lot like the thoughts running through my head half the time so it's refreshing to read it from someone else -makes me stop doubting my sanity some days! LOL

THIRD - If you haven't seen "Game Plan" with "The Rock" yet - do so. It is AWESOME!!! Just be forewarned if you have any super-smarties around like my little ones you may want to wait until they are otherwise occupied - not because of movie content, but because of the ideas they will get from Peyton's character!! ROFL The movie is hilarious and touching all at the same time.

FOURTH - And, here's the biggie that made me decide to post - I got asked to be the CT Leader at PPF!!!! Whoo-hoo! Yippee!! [insert dancing smilie here]

FIFTH - Bobbie aka One Scrappy Mom has decided to keep designing. She'll be selling at her own new store sostaytuned for more info on that! And, she made me her Head CT!

SIXTH - I have ANOTHER freebie for you!

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Link removed - see post for 3/21
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I also have the last 3 of my "February" CT LOs to share... I mean jeez - the month was only 1-2 days shorter than any other, but where did it go?!?

Title: Naptime Buddies
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Credits:
Papers from the Warm Fuzzy Pajamas kit by Doodle Designs available at Digital Scrap Garden.
Photo by me.
Fonts: the King & Queen; SF Expresso Shack
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Title: Micaila's Favorite Pajamas
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Credits:
Papers from the Warm Fuzzy Pajamas kit by Doodle Designs available at Digital Scrap Garden.
Photo by me.
Fonts: MA Sexy
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Title: My Book of Fives (Cover)
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Credits:
Papers and elements from the Mirabel kit by Rachel Martin available at Pickleberrypop.
Alpha is Casper Alpha by Rachel Martin available at Pickleberrypop.
Fonts: Epoxy History
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I need to go read over the PPF contract, and get a few more LOs done. Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

Sunday, March 2, 2008

March Desktop Calendar Freebie!

Thanks to Kristine of WenchdGrafix I have a freebie for you! Here's a March Desktop QP made using her newest kit Emerald Isle! Emerald Isle and Candied Ginger are on sale at her store through March 8th for 30% off!

File is saved in .png format so you just have to slide your photos behind it!

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Link removed - see post for 3/21

Please remember - no sharing or posting of the link! Please send people here to download, and remember to leave some love! :)

Saturday, March 1, 2008

Mornin'!

I have two more LOs to share with you from Thursday night/Friday morning, and the 2nd ADSR Collab LO. I spent last night finishing my 2nd ADSR LO, and uploading - still got more to do.

I also updated my header using Kristine's newest kit this morning! It's on sale until March 8th! :)

Title: 5 Cartoons I Watch
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Credits:
Papers and elements from the My Purple Valentine kit by Doodle Designs available at Digital Scrap Garden.
Fonts: Comic Sans MS

LO complete challenge 44of 50 from the My Fives Challenges at DD.
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Title: Jaylin - Untitled
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Credits:
Paper from the Heart to Heart kit by Snowraven's Cave Designs available at Kutnkudly Kreations.
Photos by my brother, Blayne.
Fonts: CK Serendipity
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Title: My Family/Mi Familia
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Credits:
Papers, alpha, and elements from the Dirt Don't Hurt - Neutrals kit by Heather Manning Designs available at Purple Paper Flowers.
Script run on photos: Soft Sepia by Heather Manning Designs available at Purple Paper Flowers.

ADSR Challenge #2 LO - 50/50 Collab
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Not much else in the way of news, and it's snowing so I'll have to shovel to get out to work. Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!