Bad Day....

You know that song? Sometimes it just fits...like today...I'm PMSing and am soooo irritable...and bloated...I'm just not a joy to be around. (Thank goodness you guys only know me online...LOL!)

Anyway, I picked this day to be inspired to take a self-portrait. Hey...but that's what we do right...document the good and bad? I found a sunny window and took some self-portraits. Well, I had the song "Bad Day" in my head and was compelled to scrap my photos.

Here is the result:

Credits: kit-Boho Chic by Michelle Coleman (ScrapArtist), brushes-Distressing kit from ScrapArtist, font-Susie's Hand; filter-Visual Photographer

Is it conceited that I really LOvE this page? This is the style I've wanted to capture for awhile, and of course, Michelle Coleman's papers and designs don't hurt (I'm becoming a huge fan!).

Creativity has always been my release when I'm down. When I was in high school I wrote books and books of poetry--full of teenage angst...but so revealing. I look back now and I was pretty good. Now I don't have that same release or artistic freedom to write that way again. I blame that on years of news writing classes for my journalism major.

Singing has always been a release for me also. There's nothing better than belting out a song that expresses exactly how you feel. I do that when I'm happy, sad, angry...whatever. It really helps...I'm sure I get many odd looks when I'm screaming Janis Joplin's Piece of my Heart in the car...but oh well...that's there problem...not mine. (See I told you I was a piece of work today)

Thanks for letting me share. A question for you...what helps you on a bad day?

A new layout...

I actually scrapped again last night! You know it really does make me feel better...I think I was going through withdrawls.

Anyway...I wanted to finish Gina's sketch for Scrapbook Bytes which is due Thursday...thank goodness this was a two week challenge! I had photos of an art project Oshkosh took part in two summers ago so I thought the sketch was perfect for these, but I wanted to do a two page spread...I'm rather proud of it...what do you think?

Credits: Papers-ChocoBerry by Angie Briggs; daisy brush--my own design

Well...my infertility treatment has been moved back...probably to June. Andy has to go to Germany for work the week we'd probably have to go in. I'm dissappointed, but I'm actually going to go part time with my job starting in June so it will work out anyway. So that's where we are today. Oh...BTW...my stomach is finally used to the Metformin so life is so much better.

Well...there are weeds that need to be pulled and seeds that need to be planted...Ciao!

Thank you...

I want to thank everyone who commented on my last entry...I really appreciated reading each one! The doctor's office called and I'm not pregnant...not that I was thinking I was.

But I'm sure feeling pregnant right now. With Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) I have to take a diabetic medication, Metformin (commonly known as Glucophase). Why? I really don't know. I hadn't taken it for awhile and just started last Monday...I started to feel the affects on Saturday. I'm absolutely sick to my stomach. The thing is it only feels better when I eat, but who feels like eating when they feel like throwing up? Hopefully I'll only feel this way for another couple days, as my stomach gets used to it.

Have you been to the $1 Spot at Target lately? Andy and I are getting ready to start working outside and Target has some cute, cute gardening stuff! I had heard about the galvanized tins (which are ADORABLE!, btw!) I picked up some of the seed kits. I'm not sure if they'll work, but they're cute.

I'll keep you posted!

What to blog about now?...

Now that the 21-day challenge is done...what do I blog about? Hmmm...

My New Favorite Products!

{ok...temporarily hijacking my own blog...WTF?! Chris in the bottom two?!!! Com'on people!!!!!! Something had to be wrong because I tried forever to get through but couldn't}

Back to your regularly scheduled blogging

In my recent shopping excursions I've found some new beauty products that I'm actually happy about...this doesn't happen too often Like many I have bags and boxes of stuff I bought that basically was crap.

Here's the first:

Sally Hansen Healing Beauty 18 Hour Lip Conditioner

I love lip gloss, but it's so hard finding the one that 1) lasts 2) has a good color and 3) doesn't feel gloopy. I bought Clear Sugar Cane. The color actually lasts a long time...ok not 18 hours, but you don't need to reapply all day. The color is a little shimmery, but not sparkly. It really conditions your lips and THATS where you notice the 18 hour. Great product...run for this one!

Next:

Coppertone Endless Summer Gradual Tan

I have to thank Stephanie for this little find! (Thanks Steph!) Last summer I was a huge fan of the Jergens' gradual tan...but this stuff works faster and smells better. Great stuff here!

And finally:

Revlon Fabulash Mascara

This is a quest I've been on for some time now...the perfect mascara...and I think I may have found it...or something close to it. Actually the perfect mascara is not made anymore. It was the first stuff I ever used called Maybellene Featherlash, I think. Anyway...Fabulash...this stuff is not clumpy, but it thickens like a dream. I already have long lashes, so I really can't judge on it's lenghthening abilities.

In other news...

Today I met with my doctor to discuss the next step of our process to parenthood. Nothing came at too much of a surprise...he recommended trying IUI with injectables two more times before moving on to other procedures, namely IVF. Of course before I can start anything I had to take a pregnancy test, which I'll get the results of tomorrow. Wouldn't that be something? I really doubt I'm pregnant now, but it would be so nice not worrying about this anymore. However, the chances of me getting pregnant naturally is slim to none with Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome. I'm incredibly nervous...IVF is so expensive and our insurance doesn't cover it. Adoption is just as expensive...but I'm sorry, I really want my own biological child right now. I want to experience pregnancy. I have nothing against adoption at all and if we do adopt I will love our child just as much as if he or she came from my body, but I want to give my body all the chances it has. That's not too much to ask right?

Well, that's all for tonight. Bed is callin' my name....

I did it!

We did it!!! 21 days! I'm ready to continue with my journey! Today I called and I have an appointment with my doctor on Wednesday.

I want to thank everyone for their support and comments during these last couple weeks.

Congrats to everyone who participated!!!

Day 18...

Last night was a bad night. I went to the doc to have a growing mole removed and got weighed in. I haven't lost anything! I'm so frustrated!!!

Although this challenge is working, because 18 days ago I would've went home grabbed some cookies and sat on the couch and cried...instead I went home and worked out. So that's a plus.

Anyway, I did make the decision to go back to Weight Watcher meetings. I haven't been since last fall and sadly gained most of my weight back. I tried to do it alone, but I need something to make myself accountable...so this is it. So today I went back...it's a first step.

Spring has Sprung....

Look what I found this morning....my daffodils! Ok...I had nothing to do with these....they were here long before we moved in. But aren't they pretty? Usually we don't get this many, but this is actually one of two patches.

Spring is finally here!

Last night, I tried to take Dakota for a walk. Dakota's our 90 pound lab, who doesn't walk on a leash very well...ok not at all. We walked five blocks than came back and I finished my walk. She was crazy...barking, jumping, trying to run. What an upper arm workout though.

Yes, I've accepted the fact I looked like the neighborhood fool!

But it was so GORGEOUS outside yesterday. Temps in the low 70's and sunny. I was supposed to go to step class, but
why when you've been cooped up all winter?

Not too much longer and I'll be hanging up the hammock!

Day 17...(and 12, 13 and 14)

So Monday's the day...I'm going to call the doctor and make an appointment to start our next cycle. I'm actually pretty excited and extremely thankful for this challenge that helped me come to this. Thank you Rhonna!

Tonight I also went back and completed Days 12-14 from this weekend. Here you go:

Day 16...

Wow! I can't believe it's day 16 already! I'm glowing from an hour+ workout. I feel great right now.

As I write American Idol just finished up...it was probably the most entertaining show for a long while. I wasn't so sure about Queen music, but wow! I'm still a huge Chris fan, but I thought Elliott, Katherine, Kellie and Paris did well tonight. I would love it if Bucky was kicked off...just don't like him. Sorry to his fans. If I had to pick the bottom three I would say Ace, Taylor and Bucky with Bucky-boy going bu-bye!

Ciao babes!

Day 15...

Ok, after a weekend of eating no sweets, regardless of the plethora of yummy chocolates and candy during my scrap weekend (see my previous two posts for my layouts!), I couldn't resist the Swiss chocolates brought from my husband's friend straight from Europe. Each was only the size of my finger tip, but I'm so sorry...it was sooo worth it...I really enjoyed that tiny burst of sweetness. BUT it stopped there with a mere taste rather than sitting down with the entire box. I'm putting them away now though until after the challenge, when I can have a couple only once a week. Eventually I will work up to having one sweet a day. So there it is...my ultimate weakness...chocolate from Europe.

More layouts...

Credits: kit-Warm and Neutral by Gina Miller (Scrapbook Bytes); license plate-escrappers.com

Credits: kit-Warm and Neutral by Gina Miller (Scrapbook Bytes)

Credits: kit-Warm and Neutral by Gina Miller (Scrapbook Bytes); file tab-Build Your Own Bulletin Board kit by Gina Miller; photo edge brush-Rhonna Farrer

One productive weekend...

Three days of scrapping...I got a lot done...tried some new things....had a wonderful time! I'm still pretty tired so please excuse any misspellings or grammar.

I was the only digi girl there, but instead of having people snub me, they were truly interested and asked lots of questions. Most of these scrappers subscribe to the Creative Memories point of view, which there is nothing wrong with...everyone has their own style. I was just very happy and appreciative that they accepted mine also.

So here we go: My layouts from the weekend...

Credits: kit-Five and a Half by Angedawn (The DigiChick), brush-acrylic paint from Distressing kit by ScrapArtist; font-CK Tijuana

Credits: kit-Paw Print by Cindy Wyckoff

Credits: kit-Oooh So Fresh by Gina Miller (Scrapbook Bytes), fonts-Modern No. 20 and Napa

Credits: kit- Design It Jumble by Tracy Ann Robinson (Scrapbook Bytes), title font-Marcelle

Credits: paper-Vintage Rag Tag by Michelle Coleman (ScrapArtist); sketch-Gina Miller

Credits: paper-Vintage Rag Tag by Michelle Coleman (ScrapArtist)

More in next post...

Day 10 and 11...

Credits: Papers-Vintage Rag Tag by Michelle Coleman, brushes-ScrapArtist



Credits: Kit-Dusted Rose Petal by Gina Miller, brushes-ScrapArtist

I've really been keeping up with my goals...just didn't have time for the journal last night.

Since my last entry, the chocolate cravings have gone down and I actuallyENJOY working out! (Can you believe that?)

I'm pretty excited because tomorrow I leave for a weekend long scrapping retreat that's about 45 minutes from my house. I can't wait! It's actually a lot like a weekend long summer camp complete with bunks and all. And yes, there will be a lot of chocolate! However, I'm packing a lot of fruit and veggies and the camp always feeds us very well. This is the fourth year I've gone, but my first as a digital scrapper. I'm expecting a lot of odd looks from traditional scrappers, but hey, I'm there for the same reason they are. I'm planning on getting a lot done without all the baggage!

Now, however, I must go to bed...I'm pretty exhausted!

Ciao for now!

Day 9...

Credits: Forever kit by Rhonna Farrer and ornamental brush by Anna Aspnes (Designing with Digital)

When did I become so addicted to chocolate? When?! Do you know how much my mouth waters for that smooth, sweet flavor? Oh...the days...that velvety goodness...this does get easier right? Right?!! (Please, please say it does!!!)

Oh...I want to write more...but I'm so tired. Hopefully there will be more tomorrow!

Day 8...

Credits: kit-Peas and Harmony by Rhonna Farrer

Change...today in my art, I reflected on the changes I've experienced since beginning this challenge. How can I experience changes in a mere week?

I have...I'm so much more hopeful now than I was before. I'm finding the strength to continue on my journey. And that's the most important change of all.

Day 7...

Credits: Urban Chic patterned paper by Jasbeanie

One week down! Cutting back on sweets is definitely harder than I thought. I guess it's a bigger problem than I thought. I frequently would have a piece of chocolate after dinner...I always savored the sweet taste...Well, actually, I did at first, but lately I've been blindly eating chocolate and Sweettarts...thinking nothing of ordering a Cinnamon Dolce Latte with whipped cream. When did these treats become commonplace?

Today I did my Fertility for Yoga DVD by Brenda Strong (Mary Alice on Desperate Housewives) I bought this a few months ago, but only did it once. It was an incredible experience. I LOVE yoga. Since beginning the challenge I've done a little more everyday...but mostly meditative. This video concentrates on the reproductive system and the Second Chakra. Brenda Strong experienced second time infertility and took yoga, which relaxed her. She claims it helped her body be more receptive to accepting pregnancy. After she had her child, she became a certified yoga instructor and is an advocate of fertility issues. Her voice is so soothing and you can tell how knowledgable she is.

Oh cool...everyone is knitting on GA tonight! Last year I went on a knitting binge and knitted a million things including a hoodie! However, some of my clothing items were a little short...oh well...I never have to buy mittens, scarves and hats!

Ta, ta for now!

Day 6...

I'm an April Fool, because leeks made a fool of me!

As promised yesterday, I purchased my two pounds of leeks and brought them home for a weekend of nothing but "Magical Leek Soup." According to the book "French Women Don't Get Fat," drinking "Magical Leek Soup" for an entire weekend is the first step to cleansing your body and "resetting" it to make better food decisions. My worst food decision? Assuming I can live on nothing but leeks alone for two days...or two hours.

I should've realized by the smell when I started boiling these things that this was going to be a long weekend. Like a trooper, I trustingly drank my first cup...not too bad but the smell was a little unsettling. Three hours pass and I'm supposed to drink the liquid again, but I can actually add some boiled leeks this time. I sat down with my bowl...and....I just couldn't do it! Am I a failure? I really don't think so...because don't we need food for nourishment? Isn't eating really supposed to be enjoyable? I do like healthy foods...but NOT leeks...I'm sorry...sue me.

So is my entire 21 day challenge up because I can't get a bowl of leeks beyond my nose? NO! It's a set back, but I can still follow the ideals of the book, which is pretty good. So this afternoon I sat and reevaluated my eating goals and instead am moving on to the next part of the book were you retrain yourself by first giving the bad foods up for a little while, then adding them so you actually ENJOY them! Like the treat they're meant to be. So no candy...no cookies...no *gasp* chocolate...no *wimper* Cinnamon Dolce Lattes from Starbucks. Instead snacks will consist of fruits and vegetables...which I really do love anyway.

It does go without saying that I'm giving up the leeks also.