End of 2011

End of the year and I am doing some reflecting.

It HAS been a good year.
We are healthy (well, we could be better), happy and in good spirits.
We are safe.
We love each other.
We protect each other from harm and foulplay.

There are things that could be better.

We could all be better about our messes in the house.
We could be better about our health.
We could be better about our spending.
But that's ok.
We are safe.

My art --- I could be so much more productive.
But I will not punish myself for this.
Only will vow to make it more of a priority this year.

I am wandering, hopelessly wondering, what happened to people this year.
Sometimes I punish myself for placing too much importance on people.
I am always astounded at people's actions.
And I spend too much time wondering why.
This year I need to toughen up and say SCREW IT.
If it were that important, you'd make an effort.
If not, my plan is to move on.

Not to be negative, these are the thoughts that I have today, the last day of 2010.

You never have enough....

Had a new project to start... went to look for Black size 8's.
none to be had.
Now how could THAT happen.

Mailed Beki some beads to match.
Got my answer :)
New bead order going in !

I need to attack my art with vigor -- with activity!
I need to be AGRESSIVE with it.

Have found I am becoming somewhat passive.
Not liking that..... taking the easy way out and not dedicating myself to working on it.

MUST. CRACK. WHIP. ON. MYSELF.

Phillies

Poor Phillies lost.
Whaa waaaaa.

no sympathy from me.

I am mean

What to do... what to do....

The BFAC is finished.
I completed a freeform bracelet for myself.

WHAT TO DO NOW ???

I started an "odd" piece -- not sure what I will do with it.... but it is started.

The purse is screaming to be finished, but that would mean I would have to start over again.... because I don't like where I am with it.......

sheesh.
I need to do something.

The idle mind is the devil's playground.

Current Reading

Fiction: "Anthill" and I find it interesting.

Non-Fiction: "The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It For Life" -- incredible! Not only does it translate to art, but it translates to work too.
I'm thinking that I might like to get a copy for myself and mark it up to go back to.

On the list/waiting at the library:
"Blood Sucking Fiends" --- Christopher Moore. Colleen says it is hilarious, so tomorrow I will be picking it up on the way home.

Wire something -- I can't remember the name -- something to inspire me with wire work.

Monster shopping today and boy are my feet tired!

Good sales -- time to start picking up things for Christmas.
I can't believe how quickly the summer flew by.
No, it's not fall YET.
Still warm here in AC.
In fact today, I was breaking quite a sweat while shopping !

We didn't get down to the beach this weekend -- what with all the folks in town.
But we have this week and those coming up!
I need to walk in the water and let the sand be a natural abrasive to my summer time feet.

AND I need some more shell type objects. I think this time we need to go further down the island -- perhaps closer to Margate instead of Ventnor.
I know Cape May is nice but they have too darned many rocks.
I want shells, damnit !

Somewhere on this mess I call a desk I have another listing. Methinks that there is a good beach on Brigantine Island.

Let's see. I am almost through with my bracelet -- for ME. Just a few more little things and then a clasp of some sorts.

Next project? haven't decided yet. There are so many idea's rolling around in my head.

Weekend update

It's getting hot again here.
Not much going on.

On Saturday we went to see Eat Pray Love. It made me cry in several places.
And it forced me to remember that I do need to forgive myself for some things.
And to acknowledge that there are things that I am not responsible for.

My current project involves greens. I am making a freeform bracelet for myself.
For this to be freeform, it sure does take a lot of planning on my part !

Rachel Alexandra did not win her race yesterday.
I didn't think she would.
Making her Horse of The Year was not a good decision.
IMO.

Our area has had strong riptides this weekend and stronger ones predicted for later this week.
Colleen and I went down to the beach yesterday.
It was nice.
And I discovered this morning that we went with last years tags....... sheesh.

We'll be going again on Thursday.

Weather

The temps yesterday morning were great -- til about 10:30 and then the humidity kicked in.
We were out yard-saling and it got a bit warm.
Colleen got the steal of the day -- a great little purse that she is going to bead.

I picked up a mint Brownie movie camera.
$2.
Not sure what I am going to do.
Part of me said parts, but I had to take it apart......
sigh

things lacking at the show

I found it odd that there was a noticeable lack of dichroic glass artists at the show.
One of the things I wanted was dichroic glass cabs.
And very little to be found.

Guess I will hit ebay.

What did I buy?

Crystals -- tiny tiny TINY ones.
oh me Lordy, I do love me some tiny crystals.

And hot fix crystals too.
And some pearls, seeds, and some odd little things to use in quirky little places.

This time my color chart was quite different and a tiny bit out of my comfort zone -- but I am feeling good about it

Vivid purple, golds, margarita greens.

And then there is that whole green group -- so that I can finish a bracelet for ME !
We discovered that I do not keep anything for me -- and I had almost nothing of my creations to wear to the show.

I need to be on a quest for myself.

Now I am on a kick of wanting to wire crochet again -- I did one necklace for myself over a year ago.
Looks like I will have to re-teach myself.
And that whole turn part looks a bit intimidating.
But I will buy some cheap wire from Michael's and work on it.

Then there is the purse I need to finish for myself.
And a bracelet for a co-worker/friend.
OH and either a pin or bracelet for me -- I am thinking bracelet as I have some ideas re racing silks.
Sheesh!
so much and not enough time.

Friday things

Colleen and I went to Beadfest in Philly, on Friday.
Our yearly trek.
Our yearly epsioe fo "Thelma and Louise" on the road.

As usual, it was a good trip, filled with much laughter, many beads, sore feet and knee's.
And then there are the other issues.

Other issues?
Yeah, like our argument over who would be who?
She's always the "L" names..
She's always Lucy.
and Laverne.
And she wants to be Louise.

I never get to be "L" names when we have a road trip.

This time she decided that I had to be Cletus and she got to be Bandit.
You know, a la "Smokey and The Bandit".

I guess there is something to be said for me NOT being pigeonholed in the Jackie Gleason character.

And then there's the whole "Rocky" theme that I am compelled to sing every time, I mean EVERY time we pass near the Philadelphia Art Museum.
Now she's making up words to make me laugh so that I will quit singing.
That works.

We had a wonderful time seeing Betcey and Nikia.
We made a couple of new friends.
Hell, we listened to people bitch about their local bead societies.

And we spent sizeable dollars.

I got a new toy -- a hot fix crystal thing -- looks like I may be "blinging" some things.
Look out cat.........
and pug
and poodle.

All and all, a good time was had by all.

What I'm doing.....

Because my project for BFAC is finished, I thought I would zip back and work on the purse that I started in Sherri's class.
Alas, that didn't work.
I wasn't feeling the love for what I started.
Colleen helped me to "allow" myself to start over.
(when we go to Beadfest tomorrow, I am going to look for new colors).

In the meantime, I am working on a freeform bracelet for me !!

ACK !!

What happened to my drive?
what happened to my discipline with posting?

Methinks work and life got in the way.
Well, and I've been working, with Colleen, to get the BFAC items logged in!

Back to it.
I'll be more faithful!

Pittsburgh

Colleen and I arrived safely in Pittsburgh.
I had forgotten how beautiful the countryside is.
'The mountains were a nice remembrance too !

We went exploring last night before we settled in at the hotel.
BTW, got a great rate from Travelocity for 3 nights at a Wyndam.
I found several places I would like to shoot pictures but am not so sure of the safety factor.
The good news is is that I have Colleen with me and that is good!

We stopped at "Dozen Bakery" because the ratings were so good.
"I" was disappointed.
Had been craving a German Chocolate cake for weeks, simply WEEKS. I picked up one and the cake was terrible.
Frosting was good but the cake was awful.
Colleen got some strange cornflake peanut butter chocolate concoction and liked it.
I'm not sure I would go back ---- but they did have a savory pesto scone that I was curious about ......

Today we have day 1 of our class with Sherry Serafini.
She's a fabulous artist and a good friend.
I am looking forward to some serious inspiration!

Updates

The heat continues and is estimated to be WICKED this week.
Near 100 most days this week with ongoing humidity.
ICK !

It was a quiet 4th of July in my world.
Nothing wrong with that!
I am remembering my grandparents -- this holiday was always a big thing.
Because he was a memeber of the VFW and American Legion, my grandfather always had me out helping him to set up flags.
And my grandmothers birthday was July 4 -- so we always had a great time.

Work is good - busy busy BUSY !!!
We have an audit this week.

Friday Colleen and I leave for Pittsburgh.
Will be back on Sunday.
I am excited but also a bit apprehensive.
She says I worry too much.
Maybe I do.

My BFAC is coming along.
I need some jump rings and hope to find them this weekend.
Hopefully will get them, add and be DONE within the next two (2) weeks.

Nice Weekend; horseracing

It WAS a great weekend!
Didn't do that much, but we have fun.

I've been terribly tired -- but I attribute that to the rx. (yes I am self medicating, I stopped one of the nighttime pills for a couple of days and I feel good again. Maybe I will do every OTHER night).

Saturday was low key: errands, bought fresh bread, etc.
We watched Rachel Alexandra win the Fleur De Lis stakes at Churchill Downs. (a stakes after my own heart !).

Then Sunday we watched Zenyatta win at Hollywood Park.

Part of me wants to see them meet -- part of me doesn't.

And then there is the part that wants to see Zenyatta retired, go out undefeated.
I'm afraid they will run her down.
It's said that she is pointed to the Classic again this year at Breeder's Cup (at Churchill Downs) -- makes me just a bit twitchy to think about it.
I know someone who knows someone and I thought about asking about tickets, but...... don't know yet.

BFAC

Still plugging away on my BFAC. But I am getting closer to the 2/3's mark.
Since I am off today, I am going to work on it for about an hour, then we will go out and run errands.

I'll be glad when it is completed so that I can go on to another project!!
Like RAW.
Or an idea that is pulsing in my brain!

Time is just so short.
And I bead so freakin' slow --- I just can not fling them on like hand grenades.
They all must be RIGHT.

Busy weekend !

Saturday morning was hair day -- I'm good for a bit longer :)
Then from the hair appt, we went straight to the Post Office and completed the passport phase of my life.
Ok, as soon as it comes, I am READY to start getting stamped!

Back to the house and we hung out, watched the Belmont.
I can not believe that I picked the winner for Himself and not for me! Sheesh!

As soon as the race was over, we drove down to the beach. At 7 pm, it was almost empty.
I didn't have the nerve to get my feet wet -- somehow I just know it is still too chilly!
And sticky -- salt water and no towel to clean off with afterwards... no thank you !

We left the beach for a quick dinner of chinese -- low mein minus the mushrooms, thankyouverymuch. Yummy.

Back home, beaded for a while and then showered and bedy-bye.

Today was fairly quiet.
Grocery store -- off the get a mani & pedi.
I stopped on the way home and bought a gazillion strawberries (my current fruit addiction).

Brunch.
Out when He left for work and Colleen and I hit Borders. She got the new Laurel Hamilton and I bought an atlas.

Home again, home again jiggidity jig.
I worked more on the BFAC project, then reframed something.
Light dinner, more beading while watching old episodes of True Blood -- yay it starts again next week!.

Now I am catching up, eatting my strawberries and will shower, then hit the bed.
I am in the middle of the newest Jim Butcher book -- great reading!

Continued ouchie

I am ready for my mouth to stop hurting.
It has been 9 days.
It is time for the soreness to be gone.

Dental/mouth update

It's been a rather painful week as far as my mouth goes.
I am thinking I am on the down side now.
One of the stitches came out. That helped a bit but my mouth is still sore.
Last night I had a bite of salad --- ZOMG, I had forgotten how much I missed lettuce!

But, there is a steak in my forecast this week -- I will eat very gingerly !

I hate getting older and falling apart!

Snapple

So I'm an easy mark.
I don't usually drink Snapple -- most times the sugar free tea puts me on a major buzz. The kind of crawling on the ceiling buzz.
But as i said, I'm an easy mark.

Yes, I also am Jane Q Public....... I watched The Celebrity Apprentice.
And yes, indeedy, I wanted Bret Michaels to win.
As the program progressed. I find him very likeable, very personable.
He seems genuine.
So, I fought the urge to buy his Snapple tea for about a week.
Couldn't find it anywhere in a single bottle.
I was forced to buy it in the six pack.
It's ok. A bit too fruity for me. But it's ok -- not a bad sugar free taste.
I think the pear flavor is what is a bit overwhelming.
I'll finish the 6 pack but probably won't buy another.
If it was in single bottles I might.

Iron Man 2

We went to see IM2 last night.
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the first one -- and then insisted that we see the new one.
The first one was the best for me.
The sequel was good.
It was action filled.
But it didn't hold me in awe like the first one did.

Must admit though --- I was CRACKING up about the "senator from PA" .DAMN, he had an amazing resemblance to Arlen Spector...... ummm, of PA.

Owwieesssss

Mouth is hurting.
Already had two (2) percocet.
I'm ready for it to stop.
I'm boiling some pasta and will have some with butter for dinner.
Doesn't THAT sound yummy?

It will be a feat to eat it without bringing my teeth together.
what fun it is to get older.......

Not to jinx myself

but I am back on track with BFAC.
My muse has had its little muse-y butt kicked.

Ok, is my muse like me? in that case it would be BIG butt kicked.
But if it is MY muse, can I make her skinny ????
Inquiring minds would like to have it her way.

Inspiration

I just visited a blog that I check in on (more film at eleven on that) and I have just tasked Colleen to make some red velvet cupcakes for me -- so I can take them to work on Monday.
She loves to bake, I love to eat (well, DUH !!).
And I think cupcakes may be just a nice thing for Monday.

So....... she's agreed.
I look like the good guy at work.
AND I get a cupcake too (with my coffee) !!

Whhhhhhhheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee !

More struggles

It is astounding to me that I continue to struggle with a concept for next years BFAC.
NOTHING is speaking to me.
I am on idea #4 -- worked on it today.
Abandonded just the other 3.

This is not working for me.

Loot !

Colleen and I went to the Bid n Buy at her boss' church last night.
It's always fun -- I see a few people each year that I only see once a year (at the B n B).
A nice dinner and then the B n B.

We came home with a nice stash of loot -- felt like pirates!

She won a brandy new Coach purse.
And a gift basket with a piece of art from the Lucy The Elephant (a great piece of history here in Atlantic City) .
http://www.atlanticcitynj.com/lucy_the_elephant.aspx

I won a health basket, a footed Lenox bowl, a book, an exercse Pilates thingy and South Beach Diet book, a grouping of Mikasa crystal and a toaster.

Maybe it's good kharma, or good planning, or being in the right place at the right time!

Comes and Goes....

I'm still not happy with my BFAC.
I am not sure why this is tormenting me so.
Today it will get cut apart AGAIN for reformation number 3 (I think).

The shape is just not correct. I think there is a combination of what I have with what I WANT it to look like.

My problem is I am too darned picky with it. It has to suit ME and right now, it just is not suiting me.

Sometimes I envy people who just fling beads on -- there are a few that I know that have no patterns and bead 5 and 6 at a time (embroidery). I just can't do it that way. Each of the darned little buggers have to lay exactly right.

BFAC is now moving along

SLOWLY, but I am in the initial groove.
My new progress involved shaving it..... that is all I will say for now.

Today I will spend more time with it -- but I still am toying with a color to add.... a rich rich blue or a mango.

?????

Could I possibly have too many beads?
If I find bags with bead in them... that I don't remember buying....... does that mean I have too many?

Not groovin' on the BFAC thang ...

I am on the 2nd incarnation of my BFAC project.
I am NOT happy.
When Momma ain't happy, she just grumps around.

Nothing about it is making me happy.
NOTHING.
I can not find the groove and do something.

My goal is not to fling something together.
My goal has always been to make something different -- something that speaks KATE-ese.

I'm silent right now.

::: sigh :::

Adriana Trigiani

One of my favorite authors is Adriana Trigiani, who wrote, among other things, the Big Stone Gap trilogy.
In the 1980's I spent a lot of time in BSG, VA.
BSG is a warm family town.
It's a small town, a coal mining town, a good place to be from.

I still have friends that live there.
I have friends from nearby.
People who I can call and the conversation will pick up just like we left it the last time.
We laugh, we giggle, we get serious.
But most of all, we are friends.

Memory fails me as to exactly WHY I went out to Adriana's website -- perhaps something about the latest book. I just can't remember.
On a whim, I clicked on the button marked Appearances.

Good God ya'll -- she had an appearance scheduled for North Jersey!
I have too much vacation time to use before June 30 and made a split second decision to make the trip up.
(It also gives Himself the chance to see His kids).

The luncheon/tea/appearance/book signing was going to be at Blessed Sacrament Church.
I called and made the arrangements -- sent in my check to Vita, etc. Vita was specific in directions:
"Wear a hat and bring your teacup".
Hmmmmmmmm ...........

The trip up was uneventful. Just the basic 2.5 hour trip up the Garden State Parkway.

We were a half an hour early.
He decided to go off and spend His own time doing "His" thing while I had my time.
Sometimes it is a bit intimidating to do something alone.... but hey, that's part of the adventure!

There we were in the gym -- Vita took excellent care of me -- I was at Table 6 -- almost dead center and up very close.

It was a bit intimidating to sit at that table alone and not have anyone to chat with. Luckily a lady next to me was in almost the same boat. We began to chat and discovered we had similar views about books, libraries and reading. I enjoyed her tremendously.

I hardly remember the lunch part -- a little turkey sandwaich and some olives. I had my teacup and had a nice cuppa.
Desert was cookies, I think. But not being a huge desert fan (unless we are talking Juniors cheesecake...), again my memory fades.

Before speaking, Adriana set up shop at a little table to sign books, etc.
I went over and stood in line (alone, remember). While in line I met two wonderful ladies: Janet and Joan.
Janet was holding a place in line for Joan (who was running late). We chatted and visited and it was quite pleasant. Joan arrived -- how can I describe Joan? She's older, high spirited and wearing a great straw hat.
We laughed and visited and bantered. Did I mention that I love to good-naturedly banter with someone?
At one point I told her that she just had to trust me --- "I'm a fun girl, you'll see".

They both lamented that they had not brought camera's. I had my little Luminix (the $35 bargain on eBay) and volunteered to take their pictures with Adriana.

Adriana -- a beautiful, funny, caring, amazing woman. When I first got to the table, just like everyone else, I told her that her books were fascinating. Then I told her that one of my dearest friends was Karen Kilgore -- she squealed and I squealed and then we began talking about BSG -- she knew from the things I said, that I KNOW Big Stone Gap. We both talked about the character that IS Karen in the last BSG book. The conversation was great. She signed the book I brought with me (the first in the BSG series) and the cookbook that I bought for Colleen.

A picture of us was taken -- with the promise that I would email it to Karen. Before I left, she made me write down my name and address and email. Who knows????

I hung around to take the pictures of Janet and Joan -- because I promised to email them.
Joan was such a sweetie -- her husband had just died three weeks ago. Janet told me that they had been married almost 60 years. That made me smile. Joan made me smile.

As we were walking back to our respective tables, I promised to send the pictures. Joan turned to me, in a serious voice and told me that I was "... one fine bitch."
That made me laugh out loud -- a deep laugh -- definitely a feel good laugh.
And I hugged her and told her that THAT was one of the best things anyone could ever say to me.

Adri's presentation was hilarious ! I laughed and felt like I had known her family forever !

On the way out, I stopped and said goodbye to Joan and Janet.
I told Joan that she made my day and was someone that I would think about with a smile because she certainly made my day. As I left, I can still see that wonderful beautiful smile.

What a great day I had.

There is something wrong with me....

I know that it is ME.
There is something wrong with me

Someone I know --- barely has a 'real' job.
no benefits.... no way to consider preparing for the future.
But yet, he has every new toy to hit the market.

A Droid,
a new 35mm SLR camera,
now a new iPad.

The person doesn't have a car.
This person EXPECTS the kindness of others.

I don't get it.

Am I a freak of nature -- that I am responsible?
Am I just a freak ??
Am I a tightwad?
I won't spend $30 a month for internet access on a cell phone.

Who's the freak here??

Ephiphany

Well, I didn't really have one....... but Colleen sort of had one for me.
Again, I was struggling with BFAC.
Last night I changed everything I was working on -- including an added bead.

New project.
New attitude.
Yes, I am on my way (again....)

Author: Adriana Trigiani

I adore her books.
With the exception of the young adult book, I have read them all -- and love them all.
Can't pick a favorite -- Lucia Lucia is high on the list, so is Rococo.
But then the entire Big Stone Gap series holds a wonderfully warm place in my heart.
I KNOW BSG -- spent many nice times there -- and one of my dear friends is in the last book.

Adriana Trigiani makes me smile, makes me think, makes me laugh, makes me sad sometimes too.

At any rate, here is a quote from the most recent book, Brava Valentine:

"Next is a small purse of filet mignon in pastry, then a fresh salad of greens and pignoli nuts with sliced oranges.
I forget my troubles and slights, and do what I do best no matter what else is happening in the universe: eat. I enjoy every single bite.
Every once in a while I look down to the end of the table where Carlotta and Gianluca are engrossed in conversation, and shovel in another bite in their honor."

Yes, I AM struggling...

... with BFAC.
Sheesh.

Why do I do this each year??
I put so much pressure on myself.
argghhh

BJP -- struggle?

It's not so much a struggle this time as it is that I am just not groovin' on the whole process this time.
I finished all my hearts for last year.
Never put up any photo's.
But they are done.

This year I am part way through my first triangle -- much smaller too I might add.
Last year I had thought patterns behind what I did -- the heart told a story.

This year, it just is not working for me.
I am not -- and this is honest -- willing to tie an emotion to it.
Perhaps I am not willing to share my feelings with me, much less with anyone else right now.

NCAA basketball

Well, I didn't expect UK to play WVU -- and my emotions were torn.
Colleen gave up her tv expectations so I could watch the game.
Now I COULD have gone in the bedroom to watch it -- and that would have been fine -- but the living room is so much more conducive to beading while watching tv !

I admit it, I was torn.
My loyalties go both ways -- east and a little bit further west !

But in the end, I was rooting for WVU -- they haven't been to the final 4 since the days of Jerry West.
UK goes and rarely wins........ and the team is all freshmen this year.

I think WVU deserved it!
What a great game.
It was close several times.
Then UK got the cold shooting hand and not only could they not hit a 3 point shot, but their free-throws stunk too.

All in all, I enjoyed it and had a big grin on my face when it was over !

BFAC auctions up this week

Mine is up.
So is Colleens.

AJ did a lovely lovely job on the description!

:)

http://cgi3.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=beadingforacure

Hey Bubba -- Hey Christine

Come here and argue with me.

I didn't go in to full mode with you -- the way you did with me.

If you want to debate/argue/whatever, come here.

Don't take a pot shot and then hide your profie and not allow a direct response.

In fact, all I did was comment that I knew the name.
YOU made it personal.

BTW, I know lots of names..... names of presidents, names of bankers, names of lawyers.
None of them got snitty.

BFAC thoughts

Darn it -- I wish I could add TWO (2) beads..... I need that.
But I follow the rules.... and will resurface on how to eliminate that extra thought.

I'm almost ready to start.
This darned flu is slowing me down.... but I have my ideas.

Caught up with me....

Everyone else's flu finally caught up with me.
My biggest problem right now is my ears -- they are so stuffed up.

One major errand today and I am home to the couch.

And it is a good day to be on the couch too :)

BFAC bead kit is here!!

WHHHEEEeeeeee !
now to start.
Well, first to pick out what I am going to add.... then to start !

AND -- my piece is up for auction next week!

Blasted Bracelet is finally finsihed

I'll have to take a picture of it.
Sheesh.

Bracelet is ALMOST finished

I made a mistake on Wednesday evening. I knew I was tired, I SAID I was tired.
And I should have stopped beading.
But I didn't.
And I made a mistake.
It took me two (2) days to come back to the bracelet.
That mistake just about got the best of me.

But fear not, I have not given up.
The bracelet is almost finished.
I suspect it just might get finished this weekend.

And a darned good thing too -- I have ideas for the BFAC and need to work on them before the beads get here.

Jury Duty was a yawn

Almost five (5) hours sitting.
Never even saw the judge.

I got a lot of reading done.

They let us out at about 1:30.
And we were done.

No more local jury duty for me for three (3) years.

I've attempted to do my civic duty.

Stress Level

My stress level today is off the charts.
OFF the charts.
Beyond the end of the chart.

The only thing that is making it better is to get home, change clothes, and relax.
Colleen is making some dinner.
I will eat dinner.
Then retire to the living room to bead and watch Survivor.

This stress cocktail is almost more than I can/want to deal with.

I know I am putting more on me than I should.
But I need to just be done.

Jury Duty

Must report for jury duty tomorrow.
I guess it is out of the question to sit there and mumble: killthelawyers killthelawyers ...
kill.
the.
lawyers.

Wonder if I wore black lipstick, black fingernail polish and pierced my lips with safety pins.............

Same snow time, same snow channel.....

Our office is closed today due to potential blizzard conditions.
There was a bit of snow last night.
Sometime during the night it changed over to freezing rain etc.
The most recent snow -- flat, bright white, smooth and beautiful (and yes, a pain in my ass), is now lumpy and mottled. It looks like a giant thigh with cellulite.

Today we have the potential of 7 to 14 more inches of snow.

This is the 3rd major storm of the year.

It is beginning to get somewhat tedious.
Mother Nature has gotten on my LAST nerve.

On the other hand, it does allow me to be home for the initial registrations for BFAC. I can make sure those go through smoothly.

Working on........

finishing the pin from Sherri's class at the Tahoe bead retreat.

Then I will take apart the Marcia DeCosta bracelet and begin again.
I had such difficulty with that.
It was almost abandoned completely -- several times it was almost thrown across the room.

But I refuse to defeat myself.
It is ok to let myself fail in order to learn it.

I WILL defeat -- umm, I mean -- finish that bracelet

Everyone is eatting French Toast!

Everyone in Atlantic County must be eatting French Toast......
the store shelves were stripped of bread, eggs and milk!

Snow snow snow snow

Brrr !
The snow started later than planned last night.
It eased up around noon today.
Now it is snowing again -- and is supposed to continue until about 9 pm.
Maybe another 4 to 6 inches.

The development got the street blowed and we have a path to the front door now.
I went out and uncovered the cars.
Colleen was sick yesterday so I did hers today.
I am sure it will cover again -- what with the wind and the snow -- but at least the crusty part is off of them.
Man, there was a few painful moments when the wind was blowing the snow BACK in to my face and stinging.
But I am done.

Going to go work on the chili now.

February weather so far

We are under a Blizzard Warning beginning at 4 pm tomorrow afternoon.
Predicted 12 to 18 inches of snow.
Possible up to 24 inches.
Sustained winds of 35 mph + for over 3 hours.
On the chart, it is listed as a 4.5 (with 5 being "Crippling" ).
We've stocked up.
Should be fine.

I'm not worried yet :)

Photoshop

I must settle down and force myself to work with Photoshop.
There may be a moment this year when I have to do more photo's.

Have a copy -- wish there was someone here to work with me with it.
Must. Spend. More. Time. With. It.

Or I guess I can check out "Photoshop for Dummies" from the Library.
::: sigh :::
My friend, the library :)

In the words of Dr. Phil.....

"What were they thinkin' ??"

Has AmEx lost its' mind?

Exchange my reward points for certificates to The Cheesecake Factory??

good god, ya'll

Another weekend :)

The Eagles lost last night. darn.......... (she said with a snicker in her voice face....).

A guest for breakfast -- went well. A little stilted at first, but we survived.

Cold cold again today. 14 degrees this morning and a wind chill of 3. HELLO !!This is NOT the midwest !

Laundry almost done.
Errands ran.
Meatloaf in the oven for dinner and leftovers tomorrow.
I need to wash my hair before it gets much later.

I am woking on a beaded quilted piece. need to settle in and do that.

This cold weather is killing my hands -- they are so dry -- no matter what I do to them.

Must drive to PA tomorrow for a meeting.
It should go well.
And I will be smart and complete my expense report asap -- it will give me idle spending money.

I got the Wii back up again -- used it last weekend. I'd like to get Wii Resorts. a friend is going to hook me up on how to use a hard drive with the Wii and then I can have lots of games!Sweet.

New project

Working on something new right now -- a rush project.
Only have 20 days to finish it.

Have to put the BJP on hold for a few days.

film at eleven

My friend Kathy

My friend Kathy died last Sunday night (BTW, on the 38th anniversary of my fathers death).
Yet another reason for me to hate 12/27.
But the date has nothing to do with it.

We organized a successful fundraiser for her -- to help with the bills -- and we raised a nice tidy sum.
Kathy was there -- god, it was so good to see her, to hear her laugh, to see her smile.
She looked good !

October was the last time I saw her.

She called me the next morning and left a voice mail on my cell phone.
I called her back -- she didn't ever call me back.
I sent cards every week.
I called and left messages.
She didn't call me back - at all.

Kathy was, well .... Kathy.
She had the biggest heart.
She would help anyone that needed it.
She could curse like a sailor.
ZOMG the times she made me laugh -- cursing at people in our office.
We were the bitchin' buddies -- we'd order lunch (most often Chinese from Mr. Wonton's -- sometimes subs from Michelli's) and go in conference room and shut the door.
Let the bitchin' begin!
And the laughter.
She made the difficult times more bearable.

But then, she didn't call anyone back.
With discussion with other friends, even people who had known her for 10 plus years, we came to the conclusion that she was distancing herself from us.
Preparing us for her death -- if you want to look at it that way.

She's been dead a week tomorrow.
No obituary yet.
Nothing about a service -- even a memorial service.
Her son is to be making the arrangements.

She HAS been cremated (her wishes).

I've decided that I need to say my goodbyes.
Weather permitting, next weekend, I think I will go down to the pier at Ocean City and throw some rose petals in to the Ocean.
Kathy loved Ocean City. She loved the ocean.
I don't know any other way to say goodbye and to tell her how I feel.