The world can now feel safer...

You have to love Photoshop!

Still lovin' it...

The Wii...seriously, I recommend it. Soooo fun!

I downloaded Super Mario Bros. I'm really a geek...I still remember all, ok most, secret 1-ups, stars, coins, etc. The first time I played it...I really impressed DH. "How do you remember all that stuff?" Who knows...useless trivia...I'm a sponge.

I have done other things besides playing Wii. Last weekend, I went to this incredibly fun shoppe, called Oh What a Dish. Its one of those places you go, pick out a piece of pottery and paint it. Then they glaze it and its ready to pick up in a couple days. I painted a Tea for One set, as DH broke mine. The last couple days have been agony because I wanted to see the finished product so bad. But today was the day and here's my piece of art...functional art...

If you open it... there is another branch with white flowers in the cup. I'm pretty proud of it and of course the photo doesn't do it justice. I painted a planter today for DH's grandma's birthday. I'm really addicted to this now.

I've also done some scrapping. Here are a couple new ones...

An Interview with Man's Best Friend

If I Found Out I was Pregnant Today

I Adore You

Click on the names below to see credits for the layouts. The middle one was based on a question I read in a myspace questionnaire.

And on the fertility note, I have good news, well I think good news. I believe I actually ovulated on my own for the past three months! It's a small development, but a good one as that was a huge problem. So who knows? I may be posting a similar layout soon? Maybe...;)

Guess what I was doing at midnight last night?...

NO! Not that! (where are your minds this fine Sunday)

At around 10:30 last night, Andy came running downstairs.

"Get dressed...we're going."

I had a suspicion this was coming..."I have to go with you."

"Yeah," he replied. "I don't want to stand there alone."

Eyeroll from me (although I was secretly excited). "Fine. But we better get one," I warn.

So in the middle of the night we trek to Wally World to stand in line for an hour to get a Nintendo Wii. They don't let you wait in the electronics department, so instead we got in line in the lawn and garden department (you know, outside the sliding doors?) I'm not one for waiting for anything so I wandered through the books and magazines, arts and crafts, the camera department only to get back and realize I wasted....a mere 15 minutes....45 minutes to go.

Some people came prepared with chairs and Icees. While I was gone, Andy found out he was 14 in line for 15 Wiis. "So we're definately getting one?"

"I guess."

I decide I'm thirsty 10 minutes later and go back into the store, hoping for a couple of Icees. No Icees. I get Dr. Peppers instead...20 minutes to go.

Everyone was just hanging out, talking amounst themselves. At about 5 min before midnight, the manager comes and we walk single file to the electronics department. Andy was in fight mode, just waiting to jump someone cutting in line.

"No cuts!"

"What are you? In third grade?" I ask. "I'm not bailing you out of jail this morning."

We wait in line again. When they brought out the systems, Andy exclaimed (to me) "They're bringing out the magical cart."

"Thanks for waiting until I finished drinking for that."

"No problem," he replied, with that impish look in his eye.

Anyway, at 12:01 a.m. the first Wii was purchased and on down the line. There were plenty and only one person went away without one.

12:38 a.m. "So are you going to bed when we get home," I ask.

"Come on be serious." Sooor-ry.

There was much excitement when we got home. Kelvin and Dakota had no idea, but since shopping bags were involved they were excited too. In fact, as Andy and I are pawing through the box, Kelvin started going through the other bag with an extra game and controllers and pulled out the nunchuck and ran around with it.

We played bowling first. (I got the first strike, BTW.) This thing is AWESOME!!! I never thought I would be excited about video games, but you actually get to move and jump and it's so much fun! Definately worth standing around in Wally World for an hour. The best part...we can connect it to the Internet and get classic Nintendo games like Super Mario Bros.

Well in spite of all the excitement, I did manage to get my first layout done for Toni Berman. I'm in love with her Rebel Rock kit, as well as the Date tickets. Here's Original Rock Star, featuring my nephew:

Credits: Rebel Rock and Date Tickets by Toni Berman (My Digital Muse)

Ok, and I promised to tell you about my new workout. Before I tell you what it is, I just want to let you know that my husband (mid-Wii game, of course) commented that he thought I lost weight and said my butt looked tighter. If that isn't progress I don't know what is?

Yes, as seen for TV, but it really works and its really fun. It says there are 5 complete workouts, but there are really 4, as the first one mostly just teaches you the right positions. There is a guided meditation though that's ok on it. However, if you've done yoga and/or ballet in the past you can skip it and go on to the basic workout.

I bought it from Double Day Book Club, but Target has it on sale on line. If you buy it through Amazon, you don't have to spend the extra $5 in shipping for the "free" squishy ball. I'm not sure if Target has it in stores...it's not at any around here anyway. I'm waiting for my squishy ball which according to UPS is still in California. I've just been using one of the dogs larger stuft toys, which they really aren't happy with.

Wow! Two blog posts in a weekend! Ciao!

CT News, a tag and some other things...

{Project 26}

So did you rush to see Tracy Ann's new collection this morning? Project 26 was released today in honor of Australia Day. And it is awesome! You have to download her free catalogue/newsletter (click on her name above) and see all the work she's done. It is filled with inspiring layouts from her creative team...just pure eye candy!

Here are a couple of layouts I did that appear in the catalogue:

Credits: Bondi from Project 26 by Tracy Ann Robinson; pin from Bedazzled by Tracy Ann

Credits: Fremantle from Project 26 by Tracy Ann Robinson; Photo Bend template by Debbie Knorr

Credits: Her Majesty from Project 26 by Tracy Ann Robinson

{New CT News}

I was pleasantly surprised by a PM from Dielle at DST asking me if I'd be interested in a guest CT spot for Toni Berman designs. Coincidently, Toni's MIL was my second grade teacher...how is that for a small world?

You have to see these awesome new date tickets:


Can't you just picture these on your layouts? I feel bad that I haven't done a layout yet, even though it's all sketched out...so expect it this weekend.

{Angedawn}

Ange has created these fabulous shadows for your ribbon embellishments...



Don't they look more realistic than the drow shadows in Photoshop?

{Teresa Ferguson}

If you already didn't know, Teresa's layouts are some of the best out there! That's why her templates are so awesome!!! I love using them. In the last week she released her second set of 4x6 templates:


{SBB E-Team}

The fabulous designers on the Scrapbook Bytes E-team created Frosted Friends for January. One of my layouts Chilly Willy is posted below, but here is another one I did...


Look at my little (eh...big) Snow Princess! To make it look like she was stepping out of the frame I layered the frame over her photo then lowered the opacity of the frame. Then I just erased the frame where Dakota showed through. After I finished I upped the opacity back to 100%. That's it!

{A Tag}

Gina tagged me the other day (thanks girl!) So without further ado...

5 Cool Things About Me

1. I'm obsessed with Broadway musicals, especially Wicked. (Is that cool?) My dream would be to play Elphaba in Wicked. I saw the show twice in Chicago within 6 months...the second time with Ana Gastyer (sp) as Elphaba.
   
2. I love learning new computer software. I'm self-taught in Photoshop and am now working my way down the rest of the Adobe Creative Suite.
3. hmmm...this is hard... I competed in Miss Wisconsin in 1999 (in spirit that Miss America is on Monday night). My talent was singing and I sang "Home" from the Broadway musical Beauty and the Beast. My title was Miss Northeast Wisconsin (however, I was a resident of Michigan)
4. My husband is half Brazillian. His mom came here with her family when she was 12. We spent New Years there in 2004! So yes, that means I have a latin lover...;)
5. I used to be deathly afraid of dogs. In fact, it was a black lab who jumped out at me as a baby that instigated this fear. My next notable encounter with a dog was when a cocker spaniel wandered into our yard and proceeded to chase me off our porch. Ironically, I now have a black lab and a cocker spaniel.
   

Thank you so much for all the birthday wishes last weekend! You ladies really made my day.

Well I had meant to talk about so much more (boy am I chatty this evening) but I'll give you girls a break! More this weekend, including my new workout program, which I actually love. Yes, I said love and workout in the same sentence.

Ciao babes!

Happy Birthday...

to my blog! My blog turns one today and coincidently I turn 29. Yes, I started this blog on my 28th birthday last year.

Last night we went to dinner at my favorite Mexican restaurant with 20 of our friends then out for martinis after...I'll post pics later. Today we head down to my in-laws for dinner and cake and to see my BIL's girlfriend who has been out of the country for over six months.

With my new camera in hand, I begin the last year of my 20s and celebrate my last birthday. From now on I will celebrate the anniversary of my 29th birthday...right Mom? :D

And to those who read this blog...I thank you for your comments and support...here's to 29!

I'm in a rut...

Ugh!

I don't know if it's my birthday coming up (Sunday) or the fact that after 6 months out of work and I can't get an interview or my stupid knee...but I feel like shit. Of course, since I'm coming out of a depression my first thought was to banish it away, but hey at least I'm feeling something...even if it is like shit.

Creatively I'm in the biggest rut that I can remember. Nothing is coming to me. In all honestly I really think I'm the most creative when depressed. Ironic, isn't it? For someone who defines herself as a creative person, I feel like I'm losing my mind. I feel like a clumsy child trying to cut a straight line for the first time.

Then I turn 29 on Sunday. Yes, I know that's not old. I've never been one to care about aging. It's just that my 20s are almost over and I still don't know what I want to do with my life...well I do, but it just isn't possible right now. There are no jobs out there for someone with my degree or talents. (not that it matters because my creativity's gone anyway). I would love to be a SAHM or a WAHM, but unless we're counting dogs...the person count for 18 and under in the ives household is 0.

Limbo..that's where I am...at a time where I should know or at least have an idea where I'm headed. At least I always thought I would have it figured out by now.

God my 20s are almost over...most of it was in a depressed haze. wow. Of course, I can't look back it's done. There were plenty of great moments to remember too.

I think I do this before my birthday every year..for the past couple anyway. Maybe it has something to do with the fact it's 2 a.m.

If you're still reading this...thanks for listening...I think I'll try going back to bed now...night.

Life, dogs and learning to run...

I'm still working on my running...however, I have hit a snag...my left knee. After my Thursday run last week, it started to click as I walked up the stairs. (Pretty picture isn't it? Makes me cringe thinking about it) I also noticed on my run that my left foot was turning inward. *Wonderful* I have a feeling that's the problem with my knee. My friends told me that the right shoes should help me. But yesterday I started using Andy's knee brace, but it was actually more work using it as I felt "uneven." Anyway...I think I need new shoes...I hope that's it though...I'm already registered for the 10K.

So I'm really excited about getting in shape again. Running is great, but I tend to get bored...so I ordered Ballet Booty Yoga workout. This is the first time I actually ordered something after seeing an infomercial (but I didn't buy it directly from them). I used to love dancing! My favorite workout was a ballet workout video and I took jazz for years and loved it! I think this will help with the motivation problem. But as I said, I didn't order it from their company...I ordered it off Double Day Book Club where shipping was $2 compared to $13. I'll keep you posted...

Kelvin and Dakota have been driving me up the wall today... Dakota's latest goal of life is to try to convince me that dinner time moves back an hour each day. When I was working I'd feed them when I got home, but now I'm home dinner time has been at 5p.m. For the past month or so, at 4 p.m. like clockwork she jumps on me, cries and just annoys me until I give in (which I do). However, it's getting earlier and earlier, but always on the whole hour. Smart chicky... Of course I'm not going to be pushed around by my dog...so I fed them at 4:30...so there!

The job outlook hasn't been good. Companies must not do much hiring at the first of the year, as the listing have even dwindled. I am doing some freelance work though. It would really be nice if I could find a writing job with a publication, though.

Thanks to everyone who commented and encouraged my running! I really need it now that it seem that typical Wisconsin winters seem to be upon us.

I leave you with three new layouts...

Credits: papers, rubons and ribbon from Wisp by Tracy Ann Robinson (Scrapbook Bytes); alpha brushes by Nancie Rowe Janitz and date stamp by Amber Clegg(Scrap ARtist)

Credits: Everything (except brushes) are from Frosted Friends by Scrapbook Bytes E-team (Scrapbook Bytes); paint brushes by Michelle Coleman (Scrap Artist)

Credits: Everything by Teresa Ferguson: Paper, rubons and word art from "Enjoy the Ride" and template from Smarties 2, everything available at Sweet Shoppe Designs.

Ta ta for now...

I did it!...

I ran a mile!

A whole mile without walking. I'm pretty proud of myself. I just kept going. I'm not sure I'm enjoying it yet, but baby steps here ok? I'm all signed up for the 10k so there's no turning back. Right now I'm alternating running with yoga. I did one of my favorite yoga videos last night for an hour...wow! I need work. I used to do yoga regularly, but got away from it. My body felt so tight in some of those poses! I have to ease back into it. I'm feeling it this morning...

We've had the most beautiful weather here for the last couple days. Today it will be almost 50 degrees.

Otherwise...not much going on...for some reason my body decided to wake at the abnormally early hour of 5 a.m. So I think a nap will be in order later today. The dogs are still sleeping! I really think it's our mattress. Hopefully flipping it will help...we really don't need to buy a new one.

Have a great Thursday! Remember all new episodes of The Office, Earl and Grey's!!!

Happy New Year...

I hate new year resolutions, but I make them anyway. Of course, like most people, mine is to get healthy and get in shape. However there are two things this year that I think will make me motivated...

1. I want to lose 20 pounds before we start IVF
2. Andy and I are going to start training for a 10K that takes place in July.
   

Yes, you read that right...me...running...10K.

I'm hoping with a goal (and a training partner) I will keep with it. I have several other friends running also so it will be a whole weekend event up in the U.P. of Michigan.

So keep coming back...and watch the process. My first day of training (Saturday) we ran a mile...a half mile straight with no stopping...then the other half walking and running. I've never ran in the winter before so I didn't expect the pain in my chest from the cold air...that really held me back. Today I'll be doing the same thing (by myself this time), but I'll wrap a scarf around my neck...but it's warmer today also so I may not need it.

2006 will not go down in the "greatest" year category, mostly because it flew by and I really think I "slept" through most of it. But now it's 2007 and I'm feeling better...I'm on a new antidepressant (Cymbalta) and its really working for me. For the first time in a long time, I feel like I "should" feel...not like a ghost of myself. And it's good...it's good.

My ghost status was really apparent while I did this layout. The year seemed to flow by, yet when I look back on these photos...it seems like so long ago, like in a different lifetime.

Credits: paper, rubon, ribbon, tags from Wintersong by the ScrapArtist artists; pin by Tracy Ann Robinson; paper fold action by Jen Caputo (Digi Shoppe); date stamps by Amber Clegg (ScrapArtist)

Here's to a better, healthier, safer and successful 2007!

Merry Digi-Christmas...

Well...I must have been one good girl this year because Santa really came through...no I don't have a baby or anything...maybe next year...but my Christmas was a digi scrappers dream.

Here's what Santa brought me...(Santa as in my family)

First from my BIL...


I LOVE this book...I have the first one, but this one is even better because you can add your own sketches and ideas at the end. So many of the ideas transfer so well to digi...need a little inspiration...this is the book you need!

Then from my brother...

Isn't this the cutest? Amazingly this bag fits so much stuff! (However, if you have a widescreen laptop it probably won't fit...hopefully they'll make another one that will)

Then...from my loving, wonderful parents...


Seriously people...does it get better than this? You know it doesn't...

Finally, my wonderful husband, who sometimes I wonder why he puts up with me so...

For Christmas---RAM (which brings me to 1 GB) [Sorry no pic...RAM's really not that exciting to look at]

Then for my upcoming birthday...


My previous camera has been on the fritz for over a month now and unfortunatly hit rock bottom over the holidays and I missed out on many photo ops. I originally wanted a dSLR, but there is no way we could swing it now, but I wanted something more advanced than my previous model, which had 3.2 mp and 3x optical zoom. The reviews for this camera were outstanding, plus I can shoot quality video on it. The zoom is spectacular and I can purchase additional lenses and a external flash later.

So my birthday isn't for another three weeks, but since my problems with my other camera...my birthday came a little early this year...who am I to complain?

Of course, this isn't all for digi scrapping...one thing I've learned since looking for a job is that most journalism/writing jobs require graphic design experience also. I'm hoping to start taking classes toward a visual journalism emphasis this fall to add to my current degree. However until then...I can learn as much as I can on my own. I've also been exploring digital art and would like to put some items together and enter the local gallery walk.

I hope everyone reading this had the happiest of holidays...here's to the new year....

Some people are just idiots, Part Deux...

Unfortunately, I think this is going to be the name of my book of all the insensitive things people say or do to someone that is dealing with infertility.

Ok first I must write a disclaimer...*I am not a fan of holiday newsletters...not at all* Now if you send out a holiday newsletter, please know I will not hold it against you...just don't send it to me.

Ok...After my last entry I went to the doctor for a check up then to the store to get my baking supplies. When I got home, I checked the mail, excited to find more Christmas cards. (I love getting Christmas cards and photos!--See I'm not a total Scrooge). One was from my very good friend, or someone I thought was my good friend. We've kinda lost touch over the year because of another insensitive comment. In this letter, a form letter, she announced her pregnancy (well to me anyway...she's been pregnant since summer). My heart was just broken...If you've ever dealt with infertility, you know how hard it is to hear about other's good fortunes...especially their second or in this case...third...good fortunes. It's really hard to explain...we don't get mad at the couple...it's really just a reminder of what we want so bad, but cannot have.

This case though...I was mad. I'm sorry I can't help it. It was just a tad insensitive (a lot of sarcasm here) Yes, I probably would've been upset no matter what, but I really think a little personal note asking about how I'm doing and breaking it gently would've soothed the shock.

Whatever...I should have moved on a long time ago. It's just the last in a long line of insensitive remarks and actions. We really were great friends at one time. The things I know....not things that a Christian mother of three does....that's all I'm going to say...

Anyway...now that that is off my chest...I actually did it...I joined myspace. I've said forever that I wouldn't...however my friend Patty convinced me. If you're interested my site is www.myspace.com/mives121

And I realize I haven't posted a layout here in ages! Believe me I've been busy...I love the creative teams I'm on! I have been so fortunate to play with these awesome designs...here are a couple of my latest...

I used Holiday Peace from the Scrapbook Bytes E-Team (December 06 kit) for this one of Dakota eating my candy cane.

I used Tracy Ann's Midnight kit for this one...I love her new glitter!

This kit is from a new collection by Tracy Ann...this one is Flip...don't ask what I was doing...I'm really not sure.

I LOVE how this one turned out...I used Ange Barton's (Angedawn) 21...the grunge was perfect for the city scape, I also used one of Tracy Ann's Photo Mats on the photo.

This cute layout is done thanks to a template from Teresa Ferguson's Smarties 3 collection. Teresa has such a fresh style...I love using her templates! The kit here is Sweet Blue from Tracy Ann.

Well that's all for now...I can't wait to share what I'm getting for Christmas...I'm so excited! Of course, like always there will be a lot of travel, but it will be really nice to see all the family in one weekend. Besides...I can just sleep in the car. ;)

Have a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and hopefully I'll post again before the new year.

Travel safe!

If you wait until a few days before Christmas

to order your gifts and have them sent by US mail...don't bitch at me that you have to pay an additional $11.95 to get it there on time!

*whew* Had to get that off my chest. But yesterday was my last day doing customer service! Yea! Most people were really nice, but I had my intelligence questioned one too many times to actually enjoy the job. I can't help it...I'm a nice person and tend to take things personally....it's just what I do.

Can you believe that Christmas is less than a week away?! I'm excited. Ok...this may sound horrible...but I LOVE presents! I love getting them I love giving them! I just love everything about them! Please don't think anything less of me. :D I'm especially excited this year because I *think* I'm going to have the digi-scrapper's dream of a holiday.

Today I'm going to do my baking...I'm making traditional sugar cut-outs and spritz. I'm also going to make Super Easy Fudge, which really is super easy...thanks to the Betty Crocker cookbook. Then I have to do laundry :( (My worst chore)

Well...I'm going to leave you for now...here's a photo of our Christmas tree, which is the most beauiful Christmas tree I've ever seen!

Wha? Ya mean this blog doesn't update itself?

I'm alive! Really I am...I've been a great scrapper (if you've checked my gallery), but just a bad blogger...wanna know why? Really it's a poor excuse. I wanted to redress my blog for Christmas, but have really been too lazy to do so. Told ya...

I've also been a rollercoaster of emotions lately. I really don't know whether to laugh or cry, so I've done a lot of both. This time of year is always emotional for me and has been for the past four years. Every Christmas I always say this will be the last as a childless couple, however, Christmas seems to find its way back and we're still in the same place.

I still don't have a job, but I've been doing customer service for a cheese and sausage company until the 19th...which has it's ups and downs. Mostly it had been good, but someone yesterday said something to me that struck me to the very core of my confidence. I can't even write it here as it's still too fresh. It's amazing how much words really hurt.

I wrote a letter to Santa this year...my first in a while. Actually it was a scrapbook page.

Credits here

Ok...I really don't mean for this to be a depressing post...my first post in such a long while. Actually I have been doing quite well. I feel like my depression is lifting. And that is the most wonderful news. That black blanket is slowly being pulled from my eyes and I'm starting to see color again. And this is what I wanted before we decided what our next step was in creating our family. Now we will be saving money for IVF. Anyone have an extra $20,000 lying around? Unfortunately that means my scrapping budget will have to be greatly decreased (more than usual)...thank goodness for the designers who've asked me to be on their CTs! But don't worry...once we receive that gift we long so much for, I and my Paypal account will be back! :D

And to finish...I've been tagged so if you've made it this far, Shannon is the reason I'm back!

I'm tagging Steph, Julie, Jen, Ange and Teresa

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot Chocolate with tons and tons of marshmallows, plus an extra couple on the side.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just set them under the tree? Santa of course, who else would do it?

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? All white...I just love it!

4. Do you hang mistletoe? I don't need it...lol!

5. When do you put your decorations up? The closest weekend to Dec. 1.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Mashed potatoes and gravy!

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child. Santa would always stop at my Grandma's house before he started out on his long journey. He always would bring my cousin's an I one gift each, then we would remind him what we wanted him to bring to our house later that night. To keep us busy until he came, my Grandma would hide sticks of spearmint gum and we'd play "hot and cold." Once my little brother who was scared of Santa (well he's 27 now) was looking for his gum by the front door when Santa rang his jingle bells and shouted out a "HO, HO, HO!" The look on his face!!! (only a big sister could appreciate that story!)

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? uh....what do you mean?

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Yes...and I'm always the one who starts this tradition...it's my right and it wouldn't be Christmas if I didn't.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? Our tree this year is a pretty balsam with white lights, silver beads, a white and silver star and red and silver bulbs. We also hang our special ornaments like our Hallmark ones that we collect each year.

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? If it would snow only from Dec. 22 to Dec. 27...maybe the 28th I would be happy. I like to look at it...from inside with a hot cup of coaco in my hands.


12. Can you ice skate? um...no...I don't do anything in the winter besides what was described in question 11.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? hmmm...this is a hard one...Andy and I usually don't exchange gifts...Oh! I remember the favorite gift I gave! My mom was in love with a particular piece of art that depicted a bride on her wedding day with the ghost of her mother behind her (can't remember the painter). She saw it on vacation and kicked herself later because she didn't buy it. I found a plate with the image on it and purchased it on eBay from a store in Canada, however, a day later was Sept. 11th, 2001. The plate was stuck in Canada, but fortunately it arrived on time. She love it!

14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? I love getting together with family. I love that good feeling.

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Without a second thought...pumpkin pie!

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Getting the dogs in the car and driving around the park with all the lights while listening to Christmas music.

17. What tops your tree? A star.

18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving? Giving, not only because I love seeing peoples faces when they open what I give them, but also because I can shop all I want and not feel guilty for one month. (So is that like giving something to myself and it doesn't count?)

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas sung by Judy Garland (Shannon, I can't change this...I get chills when I hear this!)


20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? I've eaten half a box already....Kelvin and Dakota help me though.

Tag you're it! (Copy, paste and share on your blog) Leave me a comment with a link to your blog so I can check out your answers too!

And in case I don't make it back here for another month...have a Merry, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Wonderful New Year!

Mixture of happiness and sadness...

Well the elections are over...for the most part anyway. For the most part, I'm very pleased with the results on a national level...it looks like our country is in for a change and that is very good. Even my city of Oshkosh, traditionally Republican, elected a Democrat into the state assembly...first time in a long time.

However, the marriage referendum went through and that made me very sad. I really expected it to get shot down. Hopefully next time...

I'm also happy that the smoking ban in bars will continue in Appleton. I'm not a resident so I didn't vote on this issue...but I can't tell you how much I enjoy waking up the next morning after a night out and not gagging over the smell in my hair. My hangovers aren't that bad either. Now....if only Oshkosh would follow suit...

I know not everyone reading this will share my opinions, but isn't that what a blog is for, to express your thoughts and opinions?

Don't forget to vote today...

Just a friendly reminder to get out and vote today. No matter your political preferences...you need to have your voice heard...regardless what you think...your vote counts.

AND if you live in Wisconsin....Please, PLEASE vote "NO" on the marriage referendum. It is an unnecessary referendum and will take away rights of so many Wisconsin residents. If this referendum goes through, ALL civil unions will lose their rights. With a "NO" vote nothing will change. Please visit Fair Wisconsin Web site.

Voting is so easy to do...I got up and voted at 7:30 this morning...and it took only a couple minutes. So get down to your local polling place!

Happy Halloween!!!!

Are you witches and goblins ready for candy? That's all I've eaten all day! I'm waiting for trick or treaters to come to our house...in my costume! I hope more come because I'll be eating candy for the next two months!

Andy and I had a blast at the Halloween party we went to on Saturday night...we didn't get home until 3:30 a.m. Now thats a party! LOL!

Here are a couple photos...

This is when we first arrived (notice lack of beer in my glasses). I'm a beer wench (bitch, whatever your preference) and Andy is a gorilla going as "The Moustashe," which is Andy's alterego and what he dressed up as last year.

Here's the group! The best costume is that in the lower righthand corner...Fudgums and the little girl from the Domino's commercials!

I hope everyone has a fun and safe holiday!!!

Lover of words...

Occasionally, I'll just reminisce about things...usually in the shower. I love to float back and remember things and people that are important to me and how I grew up.

Today I was thinking about my love of reading and writing...words really. Books have always been a big part of my life. I credit this to my mom who always read to my brother and I. Steve and I would get into our pajamas, cuddle up with our blankets and favorite stuffed animals, while mom pulled out a well worn book.

As much she would try to pull out something new, we insisted on our favorites, which she read dutifully time and time again. We were repeatedly drawn to The Monster at the End of this Book, a story about a panda bear who loved his watercolor paintbox and I had a particular fondness for Cinderella.

My mom still has most of these books, especially Cinderella, which was our personal favorite. It's corners are worn and some of the pages may be bent, but that story is still the same.

Mom read that book so much that I had it memorized very early, much to the chargrin of my mom, who tried unsuccessfully to skip pages so I'd go to bed.

It was from this book that I had my first learning "a-ha" moment, as Oprah would call it. Although my mom had taught me to write words like "cat," "hat," and my name, I still hadn't quite put together the meaning of words and their connection that told a story.

My "a-ha" moment reminds me of that scene in "Miracle Worker" where young Helen Keller puts together the sign for water with actual water. In reality it's a complex idea, something I believe we take advantage of as adults.

The first word that I had that connection with was "room." It was on a page towards the end of the Cinderella book...a page that I really hadn't memorized. I don't remember the situation around my realization...I just remember the light...just like those cartoon light bulbs. But that light started an obsession...I wanted more and sought out words and their meanings everywhere I could.

After that I picked up reading pretty quickly. While many of my classmates were still reading board books, I had graduated onto Little House on the Prairie, which I completed in first grade, even though I didn't really understand the meaning of chapters. I just read each chapter as a seperate story.

In seventh grade, after learning my childhood idol Debbie Gibson would be playing Eponine in Les Miserables, I wanted to read the novel by Victor Hugo. I went to the library and found the heavy volumn and brought it to the checkout desk. However, the librarian wouldn't let me check it out. She said it was too advanced for me...it was a book for college students...not for a girl not even in high school. I took it out anyway. I didn't read it all the way through, but I did fall in love with the story especially Eponine's.

In tenth grade, I took out the book again...this time I read it all the way through...along with my required literature for class. I've read it many, many more times since...and now own the original version, the abridged version and a two-volumn version in French, as well as most versions of the Broadway recordings.

Yes, books and words have been a large part of my life. Reading is a powerful thing...so powerful it can unlock the entire world.

It's been for-ev-eh...

But I'm back.

Didja like my picture? LOL! No that's not my Halloween costume...that's my husband's, without the dress that is. He's actually wearing a pin-striped three-piece suit with the gorilla costume! I'm going as a beer bitch...or bar wench...whatever you feel like calling me. I was looking all over for plastic beer mugs so I could carry several large mugs at once like they do at the Hof Brau Haus in Munich (without the weight of the glass mugs). My plan was to use one for beer, then the others I would fill with gold-colored Jell-O and top with Reddi Whip. So now I'll carry two glass ones both filled with beer...:D I LOVE Halloween!

I have great news!!! The awesome Teresa Ferguson asked me to be to be on her new creative team! I'm so excited to work with her designs...here's one that I've done already with a photo of my completely darling nephew...

Credits: Be True, Be You kit by Teresa Ferguson at Sweet Shoppe Designs

I've been itching to scrap...but I just finished the Miss Marinette Area pageant. My mom is the executive director of the pageant, and I am the producer/director/host/performer for the show. It was a great show...but I'm glad it's done for another year.

I also want to finish knitting my new hat...yes, I knit. The cold weather has refreshed my desire and a pink, cashmere blend yarn sitting in my stash was calling me to make a new winter set. I finished my 50" cable scarf over the weekend (it took me a week, only because I had to order and wait for more yarn). I did finish my hat, but it was too short so I frogged it halfway and made it longer. I also have a sweater started. Knitting is really relaxing and meditative....and it gives my eyes a rest from the computer screen ;). I'll post pictures when I've finished the matching cabled mittens.

Well I have to go find a photo of a donkey's ass...don't ask...it's for my husband...

Freaky Friday...

This is just ridiculous! I have a week before I have to host the Miss Marinette Area pageant and I can't control this hair! I mean, I know with PCOS I should expect some access hair...but this!?
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I better make a waxing appointment...

Carrots are my new friend...

First I want to thank everyone who commented on my rant in the previous post. I really appreciate your understanding. I was really touched by everyone's posts and to all the people who are keeping Andy and I in your thoughts.

We haven't completely decided our next path, but we're...I'm...really leaning toward IVF. His only reservations are its effect on me. However, at this point, right at this moment...I'm not ready for IVF.

Which brings me to my title....got the cholesterol results today and its even less pretty than before...my total cholesterol was 252! Before we do anything...I need to get my body ready. Yes, I know I've been saying this for awhile, but that number scares the sh*t out of me. I come from a family with heart problems. I saw my dad suffer from a heart attack in his 40s.

So carrots are my friends...