My Life: Up Close and Personal

I'm down for the count

been sick since Friday. It started with just a little tickle in my throat. didn't feel to bad so I went to my regular Friday night crop. By 8 o'clock, I was useless. I packed it up and came home. Saturday morning was not good, fever, sore throat cough.

What made it even worse was the fact that I had to work. Have you ever stood in the hot sun for 5 hours with a 101 fever. Let's just say it was not fun. I couldn't wait to get home. Armand and I were suppose to spend the weekend together. No that he is off medical, we could actually go out and do something. Instead, I spent the weekend in bed with him watching me.

Sunday was a bit better, I could actually sit up for more than a minute. I managed to eat a bowl of soup and then sleep for the rest of the day.

Monday and today are even better. I hope to 100% by the weekend. You ask why, because you guessed it, I have to work again this Saturday. I don't want to EVER have to stand in the HOT sun with a 101 fever EVER again.

Besides, my weekend retreat is coming up soon. I need to 100% for a fun filled weekend of scrapping, talking, eating and did I mention scrapping.

Y'all take care now!!

No more playing Nursemaid....

....today is Armand's first day back to work. His doctor's appointment went very well on Friday. He isn't on any medications, hasn't been since the end of April. He isn't going to require any further treatment at all. The only thing left to do is an EEG to make sure there in no seizure activity. If that turns out OK, he can even go back to driving himself around. Talk about being BLESSED.

I have to say, taking care of a sick loved one is the hardest job in the world. I have done it twice now, with 2 very different outcomes. I took care of my mom and now Armand. It is physically and emotionally draining, especially when you are also dealing with other family members. After going through everything that I have taking care of my mother and my husband, you know what, I would do it again in a heartbeat if they needed it. It's what I was suppose to do as a child and as a wife.

The only thing I wouldn't do again is allow my stepdaughter to stay with us. Can you believe after 3 1/2 months, she is still there. She acts like this is here home. This is NOT her home she is a guest, it is time for her to GO!!! The problem is she has no where to go. She knew the day would come when here father would be going back to work and wouldn't need anyone there while I was at work. Do you think she made plans for that day?? NO!!! Well guess what Little Missy , it's time to go!!  hey before you say I'm being to rough on the girl, she is grown, and she walks around MY house without speaking to ME!! She has expressed that SHE has NO DESIRE to have any type of relationship with ME. OK, fine then leave MY house. OK, rant over.

On to some more happy news, I am going here in just a few weeks. I can't wait. My scrapping time has been cut way down for the past few months, so I am excited to get back into the swing of things. My good friend Mye will be joining me. We will be stopping at several LSS on our drive there. I am hoping that they have some of the new Basic Grey goodness at one of the stores we stop at.

OK this post is getting really long, but I don't think it is complete without 1 or 2 pictures. So how about a few from The Taste of Chicago. I did manage to get out and have some fun. I went to the Stevie Wonder concert with a couple of my friends, we had a great time.

I'm out, chat with you later.

****ETA no pictures, I'm having some technical difficulties. I will add them later. 

I really haven't fallen off.....

the face of the Earth. I want to thank those of you that have emailed or called to check on me.Words can't describe what these past few months have been like. I know my last few post were all about my trip to Nashville for Scrap ETC.

I did make it to Nashville, but I didn't stay long. The second day into the event, I had to come home, Armand had a seizure and was in the hospital. Turns out he had a brain tumor. I won't go it to all the details, it's such a long story.  I will tell you that we are so BLESSED. He had surgery 5 days after the seizure and came home 3 days after the surgery. The pathology report came back benign (another HUGE BLESSING). Other than the scar (which is healing) you wouldn't even know that there was anything wrong with him.

I am so happy to have my husband back to his old crabby self. Unfortunately I have to deal with the the fallout that happens when a family goes through a traumatic event like this. Let's just say the relationship between my sister-in-law and I will never be the same. Plus, my stepdaughter has been here for over a month and is staying with us (talk about house guest blues). I just pray for the day when my home is healthy and back to normal.

Somethings are getting back to normal. I have been back to work for almost a month. I didn't leave Armand's side at the hospital until he came home. I have been working like crazy, I have several new projects going at once. One of the biggest things I am working on is class with our Police Department Marine Unit. I get to spend my days on the Lakefront, sometimes even on a boat. Plus I am getting paid to be there.

Is this not a motley looking crew or what? I had such a great time in class with them. We have since moved on to an even crazier group of students. I will be with them until the end of the month.

Let's see, not much else going on. Oh, I did go see Sex and the City. Loved it. I will be stalking Best Buy waiting for it to come out on video. It is a must have, I own all the other  DVD's and I have the soundtrack on my Ipod.  Yes I am a SATC addict.

OK, you have been updated on the last few months of my life. The only thing that I left out was the comfort shopping. My shoe, purse, clothes and scrap supply collections have grown greatly due to my stress levels.
I'll post pictures at a later date.

Really, I out now. Peace.

I didn't think one person could be this tired...

I mention in my last post how much I have been working. I think today was a record for me. I swipe in at 6:58 am and swiped out at 6:20 pm. I should have taken a picture of the Kronos machine as I swiped out. I am sooo tired, I can barely think to write this post.

I am hoping things will get better soon. I just need to settle into a routine. The question is, how do you settle into doing a job that really requires 3 people, that was split between 2, that is now down to 1? Any ideas? We won't be getting a replacement any time soon or at all.

I can't wait until tomorrow, I am walking out the door at 3, no matter what. I am going with a friend of mine to the spa and we are getting massages. Boy do I need it. My neck and shoulders are soooo tight.

I have no real plans for the weekend, just some cleaning in my scraproom. Anybody got any good stuff going on this weekend?

I have to plan a birthday dinner for Armand. His birthday is next week. Speaking of birthdays, I need some gift help. Armand's Aunt is celebrating her 80th birthday next week. They are throwing her a surprise luncheon, we are trying to figure out what to get her. It has to be something really special, she means alot to both Armand and I. Any suggestions?

OK, I can't keep my eyes open much longer.

There is one more thing. Since today is the first day of Spring and the weather is starting to get warmer, I want to leave you ladies with this. Enjoy.

The Open Toe Shoe Pledge

Alright Ladies, it's that time of the year again. Just a friendly reminder!! Please raise your big toes and repeat after me: (The Open Toed Shoe Pledge)...

As a member of the Cute Girl Sisterhood, I pledge to follow the Rules when I wear sandals and other open-toe shoes:

I promise to always wear sandals that fit. My toes will not hang over and touch the ground, nor will my heels spill over the backs. And the sides and tops of my feet will not pudge out between the straps.

I will go polish-free or vow to keep the polish fresh, intact and chip-free. I will not cheat and just touch up my big toe.

I will sand down any mounds of skin before they turn hard and yellow. I will shave the hairs off my big toe.

I won't wear pantyhose even if my misinformed girlfriend, coworker, mother, sister tells me the toe seam really will stay under my toes if I tuck it there.

If a strap breaks, I won't duct-tape, pin, glue or tuck it back into place hoping it will stay put. I will get my shoe fixed or toss it.

I will not live in corn denial; rather I will lean on my good friend Dr. Scholl's if my feet need him.

I will resist the urge to buy jelly shoes at Payless for the low, low price of $4.99 even if my feet are small enough to fit into the kids' sizes. This is out of concern for my safety, and the safety of others. No one can walk properly when standing in a pool of sweat and I would hate to take someone down with me as I fall and break my ankle.

I will take my toe ring off toward the end of the day if my toes swell and begin to look like Vienna sausages.

If I have been privy to the magic that is Foot Soup, I will share that knowledge and experience with the non-initiated.

I will be brutally honest with my girlfriend/sister/coworker when she asks me if her feet are too ugly to wear sandals. Someone has to tell her that her toes are as long as my fingers and no sandal makes creepy feet look good.

I will promise if I wear flip flops that I will ensure that they actually flip and flop, making the correct noise while walking and I will swear NOT to slide or drag my feet while wearing them.

I will promise to go my local beauty school at least once per season and have a real pedicure (they are about $10 and worth EVERY penny).

I will promise to throw away any white/off-white sandals that show signs of wear...nothing is tackier than dirty white sandals... Don't keep this to yourself - pass it on to other sisters.

What have I been up to?

Yes, I realize it has been a while since my last update. I truly haven't been lazy and neglecting my blog, I have been working my poor fingers to the bone. What might you ask have I been doing? I'll show what I have been up to.

I am sure that I mentioned that I am going to Scrap Etc. Well we are doing a charm swap. We had to make 82 charms. I have never made any type of jewelry at all. This is the front of my charm.

I used the 1" bazzill chips.I covered them with bazzill paper using the event colors. Then I inked the sides. the front was stamped with the letters "SE", and then covered with stickles. once the stickles dried, I covered it with glossy accents to seal the paper. Then I added some bling. hanging from the bottom are some glass beads in turquoise and clear.

Here is the back view. Pretty much the same as the front, minus the extra bling. Stamped on the back is "08".

I have to tell you, those jump rings and lobster claw clasps were a pain. I ruined my manicure doing those things, but I am so happy with the outcome. Can't wait to get the rest of the charms back.

We are also doing a cocktail swap. It's an 8x8 page with your favorite cocktail recipe on it. We only had to do 8 of those. Here is my page.

My cocktail recipe is Red Sangria.

OK, so I know that really isn't enough to keep me from  my blog for over a month. OK, so I admit, that isn't totally it.

I upgraded my camera. I had the original Canon Digital Rebel 300D , but I now have the Canon Xti 400D . So I have been spending alot of my free time learning my new camera. I am re-reading Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson.

I am also learning CS3. I have had it for a while and I am not very good with it. I have Scott Kelby's 7-point system for photoshop. It has lessons for using photoshop. I have been trying to do 1 lesson a week. So far it has been very helpful. Plus I have what I call the CS3 bible, The Adobe photoshop CS3 book for digital photographers.  I think between these 2 books, CS3 will no longer be a mystery to me. Oh wait, did that rhythm?

Not satisfied that I still have been to busy to update. how about we are short one person in our office and I have been assigned to pick up his workload. I have been working 8-10 hour days for the past month.  That's not really the bad news. The bad news is we won't be getting a replacement. Can you say more mental health days for me.

Tagged

I was tagged a few days ago by Lu , so here goes.

So, here are the rules...

    Link to your tagger and post these 3 rules on your blog:

        * Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
        * Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
        * Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Here are my 7

        1. I have an unusual obsession with the Kennedy's. I have seen every documentary that has aired on             the history channel about them. When the Jackie Kennedy Onassis collection was on display                 here at the Field Museum, I had Armand take me since no of my friends wanted to go. I am now                 working my way through the books written about them.

         2. I like weird food combinations. One of my favorites is hot dill pickles and BBQ potato chips.

         3. When I was in first grade and we did all our scholastic testing, my parents were told I was a gifted             child. They wanted to send me to a school for gifted children, my parents said no because they                  wanted me to grow up normal with my friends. I stayed at my regular school and was placed in the             accelerated classed.

         4. I am a terrible speller. I carry 2 dictionaries and a pocket thesaurus.

         5. I am very passionate about things I believe in, so please don't get me on my soapbox, if you don't             want to hear my mouth.

        6. I am deathly afraid of snakes. I am so scared of them that I can't even look at them on television or             in a picture. I am one of those people that if I ever came across a snake in real life, I would                         probably have a heart attack and die right there.

        7. I can't sleep if my feet get cold, so I sleep in fleece footies all year round.

I am not tagging anyone, because everyone I know that blogs has done this tag at least once.

That's all for tonight folks.

Peace out

Lots to talk about

and quite a few pictures to share.  I've been working my butt off. For the past couple of weeks, I have been putting in 10-12 hour days.  On the few days that I didn't have to work late, I had appointments after work, so getting any type of rest when I got home from work was impossible.

So this weekend, I rested. I mean I really rested. Saturday, I didn't get out of my pj's all day. Thank goodness Armand knew I needed the rest, because he didn't say anything about me still being in the same ole smelly pj's I was in when he left for work.

Today started out the same way, but I had to get dressed. We had to go pick up my truck from the shop. My baby needed new tires. It makes no sense to drive a 4 wheel drive truck in Chicago, if you have bad tires. So that has been taken care of.

Even though I have been dog-tired, I still managed to make it to my Friday night crops. I may not get much done, but it feels good to get out with my friends. We went to a weekend retreat a couple of weeke ago, and I was pretty productive. I got six layouts done. I was supposed to be working on a gift album, but I wound up working on some random pictures of my own. I really like the way they turned out. I even journaled on them. That is one of my goals for this year. I have a ton of layouts awaiting journaling, so this year I won't put a layout away unless it has journaling. NO MORE PUTTING IT OFF (OK, there it is in black and white. I am bound to that goal now). Here are my layouts from the weekend retreat.

This is me (I found someone who could work my camera, so I got to be in the picture) and a few of my friends from work we were at a retirement party. Just kinda goofing off.

This is me and my BFF. We have been friends since second grade. We were just hanging out at my house. I took this picture using the timer.

Sorry about the bad photo. This is another group of me and my friends. We were out celebrating a birthday.

This is just me. Another picture from the retirement party. The title is SOON, because in 71/2 years this will be my retirement party.

Isn't this the cutest? It's one of the make and takes we did at the retreat. We used Close to my heart products to cover the coasters. Guess where the coasters came from? Outback. So, if you find yourself heading to Outback, just ask for a couple of extra coaster and see what you come up with.

                                                                           I'm going to add a couple of small pictures and give it to Armand on Valentine's Day. He can put it on his locker at work (he doesn't have a desk to put it on at work).

Can I ask you guys for a favor? I could use a few extra prayers this week, it's going to be a tough one. Once again, I have some medical concerns and have to make an appointment to see a specialist and schedule more testing (more to follow on this later).

Also, Jan. 30, 2001, was the day my Mom died. Every year that day is very difficult for me. Armand does his best to give me what I need on that day, but it just doesn't make it easier. I think it is harder because my sister and I aren't close. I think this day would be a lot easier, if I could be with my sister and we could share in all that we both are feeling. I've accepted that this won't happen.

On a happier note my girl Mye has a birthday on Jan.28th (fed ex shipping says your package will be delivered on the 28th). Why don't you stop by her blog and give her some birthday wishes.

Can someone tell me how to add music to my post? I have been on IMEEM for the past 2 hours trying to get a song posted on my blog. PLEASE HELP ME!!

OK, I have rambled enough to make up for my not posting in a couple of weeks.Enjoy the music.

 

Peace and Love!

I've been tagged

Patrice tagged me so here goes.

Two Names you go by:

1. Kim
2. Kimmy

Two Things You Are Wearing Right Now:

1. My underwear
2. Purple footies

Two Things You Would Want (or have) in a Relationship:

1. respect
2. Great sex lol I'm j/k really, i'm not

Two of your favorite things to do:

1. crafty/diy projects
2. people watch

Two Things you want badly at the moment:

1. To go to bed
2.

Two pets you had/have:

1. Tropical fish
2. German Shepard named Lucky

Two people you think will fill this out:

1. Mye
2. Dana

Two things you did last night:

1. Got my clothes ready for work
2. Watched a movie with dh

Two things you ate today:

1. a bag of doritos
2. a bowl of chili

Two people you last talked to:

1. Val
2. Armand

Two things you're doing tomorrow:

1. work
2. pack for my weekend crop retreat

Two Longest car rides:

1. Chicago to New York
2. Florida to Chicago

Two favorite holidays:

1. My birthday (hey it's a holiday around here)
2. Christmas

2 Favorite beverages:

1. Lemonade
2. Green tea

2 People no longer alive who you'd like to talk to:

1. My Mom (I really miss her)
2. John F. Kennedy (don't ask)

I am tagging Mye  and Dana

Today's ramblings

Baby it's cold outside. OK I know this is nothing new for Chicago in January....but I. DON'T. LIKE. IT. I have lived here all my life and I have never gotten used to it. I can't wait to get up outta here. Besides it doesn't help when I come to work and half of our building DOESN'T HAVE HEAT.  Of course, it not the half of the building where I work cause you know I would be out of here.

As hard as I tried, I have failed. I AM SICK. I woke up this morning and my throat felt like sandpaper, there is this buzzing in my head (more so than normal) and I have a runny nose. I have tried to keep my distance for all of the people that have been infected with various germs, but somebody must have gotten close. Somebody call my boss and tell her to send me home.

I'm on a roll, 2 days straight of blogging (without an email from Mye tell me to update yo damn blog). Just so you know, I won't be blogging tomorrow. I'll be out of the office, and I haven't figured out how to use my blackberry yet to update my blog. If anyone knows how please email me.

I spent most of yesterday afternoon and evening chatting with Patrice, you know you a damn fool. If you haven't checked her, hop on over to her blog. Trust she will have you LOL, with her tales from the Food Stamp Office.

OK, I feel like shit and my mind is fuzzier than normal so that's it for now. I'm going scrapping this weekend, so I'll have some pictures to post next week.

PEACE AND LOVE.

The second day of the new year....

....and the first day of my new blog life. I won't even go into how long it's been since my last post and why. This is a new year and my goal is to blog on more. 'Cause according to Armand, I always have something to talk about.

Let me just say Happy New Year to everyone. Hope everyone bought the new year in safely and survived the resulting hangover( you know who you are).

Everyone is talking about the "goals" that they have set for 2008. I am no different. I have an entire list of things to accomplish this year. I managed to put my goals into categories, and it turns out there are quite a few. I guess that means I am a work in progress (and all this time I thought I was fine just the way I was).

First on my list is my health. Most of you know I have been a bit challenged in that area these past couple of years. As a result, I have become diabetic. That in itself isn't really a problem. The problem is that I don't eat right. On a good day I eat maybe 1 1/2 meals, and I rarely eat breakfast. So my goal is to get my eating habits under control. I have taken positive steps in this direction already.

1. I am waiting for an appointment with a nutritionist.

2. I had breakfast this morning.

I also must exercise to build muscle. I am not overweight, I am actually underweight and have no muscle tone due to my recent illness. So I am looking for a personal trainer. In the meantime, I am working out at home with light weights. I love to exercise, so this is a no brainer.

OK, I think this is enough for one day, besides I must get back to work. I will share more of my 2008 goals later this week.

PEACE AND LOVE!

I've been thinking...

If you ask Armand, when ever I start a sentence with I've been thinking you are in for a long conversation. So get yourself a drink and settle in.

Alright, I've been thinking about all the hating, the jealousy and the bitterness going on. I just don't get it! In my last post I talked about my issues here at work(and I still am not talking to my co-workers).

Yesterday I read about Adrienne's issues. Then I ran into another friend and she has been accused of Violence in the Workplace. Now this woman that has accused my friend of pushing her is one of those kinds of people that sees you with something and then she has to run out and get it. Like when my friend bought a new car, the next day she went out and bought the same car, just a different color.

Here's what I've been thinking, if what I say, what I do, what I wear, what I look like,how I am treated, what I drive, what I buy, who I am married to, what I write or how I scrap bothers you soooo much, THAT IS YOUR ISSUE, NOT MINE!!! I DON'T NEED OR WANT TO KNOW ABOUT IT.

You know I am not one for quoting Tyra Banks, however, ladies "let's not dull our shine for anyone". I am pretty sure she is not the originator of this quote, but that is where I heard it last.

And that's all I have to say about that.Wasn't as long as I thought it would be.

I have been tagged by Mye. Not to mention put on BLAST about updating my blog! Here you go girl.

7 Random Facts! Here are the rules:

• Link to the person that tagged you
• post the rules on your blog
• Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself
• Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs
• Let each person know that they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog

7 Random Facts About Me:

1. I've been published in a educational book about communications. 
2. I have a dirty mouth, and if you have every been in the car with me driving you have heard it.
3. I am a girly girl, that hates chic flicks (ok there are a few I like but I prefer action movies).
4. I have been rockin the Bee Gees on my Ipod lately.
5. I get my feelings hurt and can cry really easy.
6. I am an action junkie (see #3)
7. I have never seen a James Bond movie.

Now I have to tag 7 people. Dang, ya'll ain't leave nobody left to tag.

Lisa

Toya

Veronica

Cas

Jamillah

Kieanna

Alright that's it, ain't nobody left. Peace Out!