In a much better mood today!

I am in a much better mood today! My back was really hurting me yesterday...and that made me in a really bad mood!

Plus, the fact the Beth and I just signed up to take a class from Donna Downey in April helped put me in better spirits!! I am so excited!! I can't wait! I hope Cathy comes along too...we signed up for the Friday Crop, which Donna is going to be at for a few hours, and then we signed up for a book binding class! It's going to be a blast!!

I am counting down the days until winter break!! I have until Thurday!! I NEED a break...I just have to write a paper thats due on Wednesday and then I have to finish my drawing of the St. Paul Cathedral in class tomorrow and I have am done with my work for the semester!! Is going to be a huge relief to be done! And I am glad to have one semester under my belt...it went fast for the most part...It took some getting used to and time to figure out how to manage my schedule and work load. I am really glad that I went to such a good high school that prepared my well for college. I have to say I have not been as challenge as highschool, yet...the projects are time consuming, but not that difficult...I like a challenge so I hope it will get a little more difficult....but not too much, I am having fun! and I LOVE my school!

I am really in the Christmas spirit! I can't wait! I am excited for my friends and family to see what I got them...and I am excited to see what I am getting! I know thats not what Christmas is all about...but it is a really good part about this time of year! :)

On Wednesday, after school...Beth and I are going to go shopping for fabric. She is making me a laptop bag...She usually makes purses, but I don't really have a need for a purse...so we came up with a laptop bag! It going to be really cool...and we decided we need to make really cool crafting aprons...so we have to find some fun fabric for that, too! Its been a while since I have actually sewn something other than a scrapbook page! I used to make PJ pants and scrubs (for when I worked at the nursing home) and I have even made sweatshirts...so it will be fun to get into that again...and then we will have cool aprons to were when we create!! Oh...and when we teach too! That will be cool! I wish I had an embroidray machine, cause it would be cool to put our names on them...I bet we could figure something out...maybe apliques...

I am making a new CD for my car...I make one about every 2 weeks or so...and listen to in continuously...and its about time for a new one...This one is full of Citizen Cope, James Blunt, Jack Johnson, Five for Fighting, Brett Dennen...and of course...my favotire Imogen Heap!

Alrighty...I should go make some dinner for myself and then get a start on my paper thats due on Wed...

peace. keep it real...m

On Friday Beth met up with Amy and Nancy from Cloud 9...and they gave her the new valentines line! Its so cute! They are really inproving their products! After she met with them, we met up at Artsy Tartsy...and met Bonnierose. Then we decided to go up to Scrapbook Companions and see Jen (one of my favorite people)! I havn't seen her in a while! It was good to see her! Then we came to my house and scrapped!
On Saturday, I wanted to go to Archiver's...so my mom and I went to Maple Grove and to Archiver's (about 40 miles from home....). Then I decided I need to get some of Scenic Route paper, and the only place I could think that carried it was Scrapbooks Plus in St. Cloud (about 50 miles from Maple Grove)! So we went!!
I needed to get that paper because my Uncle had called my a few weeks ago and asked if I could do an album for my aunt for Christmas...they had recently put the first dog they owned down and he wanted to give her an album for christmas. They never had kids, so they dogs are like their children...I stated it on Friday...got three pages done...and then I did 7 pages on Saturday!! Thats the most I have ever done in such a short period of time!! I am planning on doing 20 pages in the album...so I think I will come home on thurday and do some...then finish it on Saturday...(cause I work on Friday night)...anyway...this is what I have done so far....













well I am done blabbing...I am in weird mood...my back hurts...and I don't know why...so I am kind of crabby....
oh..I almost forgot! I made a delicous dinner tonight! Manicotti! YUM! Thats my favorite food! I even made the sauce too! oh...it was sooo good!
k...well have a good week all!
peace. keep it real. m.

Weekend Update

So I am still trying to get my banner worked out...I like the new template I have, but it made my banner be left justified...I will have to figure that out...

Thursday was so great! Lance from Rusty Pickle was at The Shop teaching classes...I was in class (at school), so I couldn't make it until the last class...but it was so great! Beth and I were teacher's assistants! And man, did he need them..we had some beginners in the class it was over their heads...and the class was fast paced...but with my help they got it done! Everyone that attended said they had a blast and really enjoyed Lance and his classes. He is a great teacher and such a humble guy...After the class we cleaned up and just hung out with Lance..he really is a great guy! And he's got a great company! He was kind enought to give Beth and I each a sheet of stickers, a pack of mini file folders, and the Rusty Pickle Idea book! THANKS LANCE & RUSTY PICKLE!! And Thank you to everyone who came out for the event! It really was great!

Last night (Friday) I had to work the mania...I didn't get home until about a quarter to 2! And then of course I had to check my e-mail and some blogs...I lost track of time..and by the time I looked at the clock it was 3:30!! EEK! I went straight to bed! Slept until about 11:30 this moring!

Monday is my Dad's birthday...I am making him a miniBOOK of photos of his grandkids...he recently was in California and visited them...and thats all he talks about now...so I tought he would like that...its small enough so he can take it with him in his truck...I hope he like it...We are celebrating tomorrow...after I am done with work I have to drive home for dinner and such...we usually keep it small with my dad...small as in no company...he's not big on having attention directed at him...so that they way he likes it.

Last tuesday night I had a customer come into The Shop and tell my about a yahoo group call Twin Cities Scrappers...it sounded cool so I joined...It will be fun to get to know some people in this area that are as crazy about this....life style as me! :) THANK SUZY!

Thats what I got for now....
Stay warm..its starting to get reeeeaaaally cold here! (Today was supposed to be the warmest day until March!).....

Peace out girl scout! :)m

sorta....

I sorta got a banner....I have to play around and make a cool one...and get the template all set up....the brown and cream is ok...but not really 'me'.....at least I know how to do it now....thanks for the help :)

peace.

i really really really really really really really really

really really really reall want a blog banner!! i am going to figure out how to do it this weekend!! but if anyone had some insight...i would love for you to enlighten this fine fellow :)

peace.

my first thanksgiving on my own...

So I had thanksgiving with my family at home. its the only holiday that we say home, just the four of us...and i like that.

on friday...the dreaded black friday...beth came to delano to scrap...thats right! now shopping for this guy! i can't handle all the people...and do you think i have money for gifts! yeah right! i am in college!! that means eveyone gets macaroni art! :) anyway...beth and my sister and i took like over 200 photos! it was so fun...we were snapping 'em so fast, if you flip through then fast engough it looks like a movie! ha!






then on saturday i had a thanksgiving dinner with my friends at my apartment. i cooked the turkey and stuffing and the fixin's...it was great. and i have to say, the food was delicious!! we had to move all the furniture and eat on the floor, cause we have a dinky table and only two chairs! ha!
we has such a good time! it was great to see all my friends from highschool agian!!

RUSTY PICKLE!

Is coming to the Scrapbook Shop of St.Paul!! Lance the owner and teacher extrordinaire is teaching at the Shop!

He has designed three awesome classes and will be teaching for the first time in Minnesota! Some of the classes have never been taught in the United States! You could be one of the first people to create these projects!
Here are two classes he will be teaching...
Be Merry Banner

Girl Friends Album (this is more like a technique class with a bonus of an album)

Check out the Shop's website for more info....hurry! Classes are filling fast!

Weekend scrappin!

So Friday, I worked in the morning...just until 12...then Beth came to Delano...we dropped my car off for an oil change and tire rotation...(which my car guy didn't charge me for!)...and picked up my mom and sister, and went to some scrapbook stores around the area....Then we came home and scrapped all night in my studio! It was so nice to scrap there again! I miss it! But I tired a new size....6 X 12...it is WAY fun! Here is what I did that night.....


and a 12 X 12 one I did too....


And I played today too....This is another 6 X 12.....so fun!!
My pup...she looks like a gangsta in her hoodie!

Wednesday night...

So today...my three hour classes that starts at 3:15 got over at 3:30!! Thats awesome!!

But anyway...I had Beth J and Emily over for dinner...it was fun...We had Garlic and Herb Chicken, Scalloped Potatoes, Ceasar Salad, Toasted Italian Bread, and Cheese Cake for desert...Yum!!
We after dinner but before the cheese cake we watched the movie Crash....thats one of my all time favorite movies.

I saw this on Elsie's Blog....so I tried it....its funny....

'What will your obituary say?' at QuizGalaxy.com

Thats all I got for now.....Peace out girl scout...

Today...well...today...

Today was an interesting day...I slept in until about 10...then I got up and cleaned the apartment. my friends Whitney and Tom came down around 11:30 or so...and we went and got coffee...It was good to see them. Its been a while. And I can't pass up coffee!

I had to work at 2...and it was BUSY! The Midwest Scrapbook Convention is about 5 mins away, so we took out a an add in the booklet there...we got a ton of traffic from that! That was totally good! Its so nice to move product so that we can get more new stuff! Yay!

I don't know how to post what I am feeling. I am not mad. But by no means am I happy. I...well...got 'talked to' today at work...I was hesitant to post about this, because of people reading it that are involved. But these are me feelings and why should I hide them. Apartently there are some people that feel that I am not an assest to my work place and that I am 'snotty.' And that..well...for the lack of better words.."am trying to take over"...I am sorry. I feel that taking the photos for and updating website, the newsletter, the class calendar handouts, and majorly cleaning the store is not me trying to 'talk over.' this particular person has only met me at most 3 times, and I feel that she has no means to judge me...I feel there is a difference between being a responsible employee and trying to take over! I don't get payed any more than anyone else to have any of the extra reponsiblities. Its times like these that I feel taken advantage of. Before today I had no idea of this situation. I get along with all of my co-workes, and I assumed thay all got along with me. Apparently not. This person also sayed that artsy people bring drama. What is that supposed to mean? artsy people?...I HATE drama! I honestly feel like I am in highschool. I feel more mature than these people.

If I offend anyone by what I say...I apologize. I am just putting my feelings in the open. This is how I feel..and if you don't like...I guess we have a difference in opinion.

But today...after I have been thinking...about what happend and whats going on in my life...I realized...I am happy...for the first time in my life I am truly happy. Regardless the situations and drama I have to deal with...I am happy. I am greatful to have a new friends and still have my old friendships. I met my friend Beth J, and we have such similar tastes and personalities...I feel that she has really made me a better person, even thought I havn't know here entirely too long. For the first time, I am confident with myself and my creativity. I don't have to try to be someone I am not anymore. I have realized that I can just be me and people should accept that. I realized that I don't care what people think about who I am, what I do, or what I create. I am confident with me and what I create, and for this I am greateful.

So today...was not a bad day, but I wouldn't call it a good day, either.
Thank you for listening to me. I am so glad I have this outlet to express myself.

Peace.
Keep it real.

Friday!!

I had a fun friday!! It was busy! But really fun! I used my new stamp again...not on a project...just for fun...If I keep this up I will have one for everyday!! Ha!


First Beth J and I went to Archiver's in Roseville for the special invitation deal...and then we went to the Midwest Scrapbook Convention in St. Paul...which was sort of a joke...not so much what I was expecting...but it was good to see what it was all about. This is Beth and I riding the escalator out of the convention...blurry...but oh well....it was a quick spur of the moment shot...


Then, we had lunch at Cossetta's...its a really good Italian resaurant in downtown St. Paul....and after that we drove to the new scrapbook store on Whitebear Ave...I forget what town its in...but Beth wanted to check it out...its cute...on the smaller side, but cute. Yep...and then we went to Archiver's in Woodbury...and then to Memory Mania, also in Woodbury...no...thats not all...then we drove back to St. Paul and went down by the Mississippi River and took these awesome photots!! I havn't edited these yet...but here are a few...
This one is one of my favorites...she didn't know I was taking it..Lets just say it was windy and she was eating her hair!

Another one of my favorites!! Such a cool shot...I think...

I love the sunset in the background...

Nice bench..don't ya think?

Love the yellow garbage cans...

This was by the Ford Dam...its a turbine...thought it was cool!

Rock wall....and fence....nice safety precautions...you don't want to fall into the river!

cool stairs...

I like this shot...with the bridge in the background...


It was really fun! But COLD!! I have more...but I will post them later...But anyway...Then we ran to Proex to get the photos printed...went to my apartment and waited for the pics to be done...then we picked 'em up...and headed to the Shop for the crop! and I just got home! Busy day! But it was awesome!!

This is what I did tonight....yeah...I only did one page...but I had fun! So it doesn't matter how long it takes!!


oh...and this is me in Beth's glasses! Ha!


But now I have to go to bed!! I am waaaaaaay behind on sleep!!

I am on time!!

For the first time ever I am on time posting Ali's Challenge!!
I had alot of fun doing this one!! It was to use three stamps on one layout...and embrace the imperfection of using stamps...one stamp was to be geometric, one to be text, and one to be organic....



So my text is the date on the right side of the photo, the geometric is the circle dots by the date, and my organic is the {....it stamped badly..so I embraced it...and colored over it with my white Shaprie...I like how it makes it look embroidered...

Tomorrow is the Midwest Scrapbook Convention!! I am excited to check it out with Beth J!! And then we are going to scrap up at the Shop!! But before we do all that we are going to Archiver's for their special invitation deal..What a fun day!

Beth made me a miniBook!! It was so cool! She used one of the Creative Impressions BE little board books...it was cute!! THANKS BETH!

I have such a mess on my floor right now..but its a good mess...its all the layouts that I need to get uploaded or the cards that I need to get sent out and fun creative stuff! So I like it!


Got these today!! The Autumn Leaves stamps that Beth and I ordered came yesterday...they were shipped to Beth's house so I didn't get to play with them until today...but they are awesome!! I got the dates and Beth got the journaling spots!! Can't wait to use them on a layout!!

Peace out girl scout......!

Ali's Challenges....

I thought I would post all the ones I have done, but havn't posted yet!!
This is the first challenge...it was to make a mini-book titled "5 Fabulous Favorite"









The next one was to do a page titles "This Month" and base it on the month of September...


This was the next one...still needs journaling...it was your realationship with your camera...



I missed a week....the week before the past one...it was to do some work in photoshop with multiple photos....and the week after that we were supposed to remember to "take a break"

The message of the challenges have been awesome! Creative confidence...embrace imperfection...it's ok to get messy...Great job Ali!!! You rock!!

Sorry for the bad photos on the last two layouts....I took them inside with bad light...

The time is upon us!

Its just one day way! Election Day! I am voting for my first time. I feel so lucky to live in a place where everyone has a say in our government. This election is a pretty substancial one for Minnesota. And there are people who I really do not want to get elected and there are those who I really do hope get elected, so I am glad I get a say.

Its monday so you know what that means! I get to play at the Shop. Beth and I get to do Ali's Challenge for this week! I hope it's out in time...but I understand that she is busy and gets caught up in other task, as do we all...

The whether was wonderful yesterday! It was soooo nice out! Today is gloomy, but warmer than it has been...so I will take it.

This weekend is the Midwest Scrapbook Convention!! I have never been and neither has Beth J...so we are excited to see what its about!

Thats about all I have for now...remember, we are all artists in our own way! So get creating! And don't forget to vote! It's important!

Peace out girl scout!

Well...yesterday..Halloween...you think a college student would have been out partying and having fun....well, what did I do? Oh, yeah. HOMEWORK! I had a huge project to finish..and everything kept going wrong! But it is done now! And no more stressing!

Beth and I met on Monday at the shop even though we didn't have Ali's Newsletter, yet...which was ok, cause I got all my stuff organized! It was out of control! It is so hard to work out of a tote...when I used to have a whole studio to work in! But I am lucky that I get to create! Beth organized all of my ribbon for me!! THANKS BETH! It was like a mess!! But it looks awesome now! I owe her!!

Friday I have a stupid thing to go to for school! UGH! I hate them! We don't have class on Friday, why should I have to do school stuff then? I have to be at the art institute at 9 in the morning until 2 in the afternoon! I wanted to take my car in and get the oil changed and my tires aligned, but now I can't!

Saturday it going to be fun! I am looking forward to it! Beth is coming to see Delano, my home town! and my "farm"....and then we are going to Apple Jack's Orchard...in Delano...it's a pretty big Orchard and its getting more and more famous each year...then its the Grand Re-Opening of Scrapbook Companions...my old job...and so she is going to drop me off there, while she goes to a baby shower right next door...then she is ganna come check it out....And then.....(its a really busy day!)...we are having and EAT crop...(employees and teachers) at the Shop! I am really excited! We are going to have a blast! We e-mailed Cathy Z to she if she wanted to come, cause its just a few miles from her house, but she is flying in that night..so she can't! Bummer! But we will have to get her in there again another time! And we are still going to have a ton of fun!!

Then Sudnday...back to the art institute...for more school junk! But this should be better..this is for my art history class...one of the classes I actually enjoy! and its only about and hour..so not too strenuous!

I really need to get a banner on my blog...don't ya think? If anyone knows how...let me know! I need to add my creative touch to this thing!

Keep it real :)
Peace out gril scout!

Its THURSDAY!

...and thank god! I have had such a homework filled week! I am glad its over! Not having class on Friday is such a relief! This week was mid-term reviews...I don't have test, cause its art school, but I had portfolio and sketch book reviews...And had a ton of projects and papers due at the same time! But its all done now...Just have one project to finish by wednesday. And I am staying ahead of the game from now on! I am going to start the assignments when they are assigned and not wait until 1 or 2 nights before they are due to start them..like I have been...its too stressful!

Sadly, my biological Grandpa committed suicide yesterday. I have never met him. I call the man that raised my dad "Grandpa." But he is still part of the family and its always hard to loose anybody. My dad is headed to California for the funeral on Friday, with his sisters. But to get a plane ticket on such short notice was expensive. About $600...plus a hotel room, and rental car...so I have to give him a ride to the airport from my apartment in the morning. That way he doesn't have to pay $60 a night to park there...and its about 13 mins from my place so its not bad. The whole situation gets my thinkink...I just don't understand suicide. There are so many more options and you hurt so many people. But it is a desicion that the person makes, whether it is the best or not it up to them to determine. Frankly I just cannot understand why or how any one could do it. I know people that have had to suffer loosing someone close to them due to suicide. Its not an easy thing to deal with...It just makes me think.................

Tonight Beth J is coming over. She hasn't seen my apartment. So she is going to grap Chilpotle after work...then we are going to check out some scrappin' store around the area. I have no money to spend, but I love to see what other stores are carrying and how they are merchandising their product...and get and idea of what is going well for them...and its always fun to see samples and etc. that they are making with the wonderful products that are on the market.

Saturday my mom and my sister are coming down to take the Antique Window class at my work. Its way cool! You take old (or new and make them look old) windows and do layouts for behind the panes and then put it all together and decorate the front of them...they look so stinkin' cool when they are all done...and then you hang it on your wall! It awesome...check out the Scrapbook Shop's website (that I am working on updating...link on the side bar)...On the classes there is a pic of one done by Rhonda Gowan, the designer of the class...its call "Window Pane of Memories"...

Then Saturday night it the Johnnies Tommies game...St.Thomas is a college by my apartment that my friend Emily goes to...and St. Johns is their rival school...and my friend Ashley and Clare go to St. Bens...which is the girls "sister school" to St. John's....(they are pretty much the same school...one for boys and one for girls)...but the football teams are playing at the St.Thomas Campus...so Ashley and Clare and coming down and we are all going to hang out...Then Abby is having a Halloween party!! So everyone is coming home for that! I get to see all my close friends from highschool that I havn't seen since homecoming! Like BETHANY! I miss her so much! We are like best buds!!....no...we are not "like" best buds...we ARE best buds! And I work on Sunday...so where does that staying on top of homework fit in there?.....that right...no where! I guess I will have to figure out where to sit down and work one it....Friday during the day should work...now I am just thinking out loud!

Anyways...I am still in love with Candy Corn, M&Ms, and peanuts! Its the best combo ever!

That be it! My life as far as the weekend is concerned...
Keep it real!
Peace out girl scout....

I switched...

To blogger beta! Its kinda cool! Much easier to use....at least so far!

Beth J and I have plans to do some shopping...and checking out some other stores on Thursday....it should be fun! I need to look for some stuff to start my HOF layouts...

Have a bunch of homework to get done this week! I got a good start on it today...but its bed time! I need to start getting to bed earlier! I havn't been to bed until at least 1am the past few day!!

WHOO! Internet and randomness!

I got my wireless internet working!! We had been pirating our neighbors for a while...and we had gotten a modeum, but needed a CD to get it activated...and I finally got it going!! It is so much faster and reliable!!

Friday my mom, sister, Beth J, Erin (Beth's friend), Erin's sister, and me scrapped at The Scrapbook Shop (my work)....it was way fun!! I got most of my Circle Journal done that I am doing with my design team at Cropper's Cottage. I can't wait to get it back and see everyone's work and how they respond to it.

I had a ton of homework to do for this week...and did I do it? Nope...I never do! I always say..."I am going to get it all done early so the week will be easy"....but I never do! I always wait until the night before things are due to do them! I need to start being more on the ball!

I am really irritated by people who act childish...Grown ups need to ack like them! Sometimes I feel more mature than some adults...

I am in love with music!! I can't stop listening to it!! I have music on when I do everything!! There are so many talented artist and there are such great songs to listen to!! I feel really inspired to do a layout about my music!!

You know what else rocks?? Candy corn!! Especially when its mixed with M&Ms and peanuts! mmmmmmmmmm.....

Tomorrow is monday! That means Beth J and I do Ali's Challenges at the Shop! and get dinner! We had chili that Beth made last week...it was really good! Thanks Beth! :) and she convinced me to go for Hall of Fame...she is too....

I think thats about my life right now....again, I will try to be better about posting!! I am bummed that people are not blogging anymore (Cathy Z, and Rhonna F)...I promise I will keep my up!

Peace out girl scout! See ya on da flip side!

Here you go Beth J! :)

So Beth J wanted me to do another post....so here goes....I have been a bad blogger!

Well...lets see...I got my hair cut...I liked it at first...then I didn't like it...but now I cant decide....heres a pic....

School has been good...I have been busy...but I feel like things are starting to let up...I don't know why..maybe I am just getting used to the work load.

I have been doing Ali's Challenges...with Beth J on Monday nights...we have dinner and try to get the challenges done. I have them all mostly done...I have to journal yet in a few...but I will post pics as soon as I finish 'em!

I am going to visit my best friend Bethany....not Beth J...and different one...Beth S....not this weekend but next...She goes to the University of Minnesota Duluth! I havn't seen her in a while so I am super pumped! And I have 4 other friends that go there to...so it will be way cool!

I am going to Delano this weekend...My friends and I are going to Lake Rebecca Park to have a fall BBQ and play football...I cant wait! My friends are so cool! I am hoping to get some good photos!

It has been cold here! I don't want it to get cold yet! It actually snowed today!! I came out of class and there was snow on my car! WHY!?! Can't it just wait?!? Wait til I am ready! But Minnesota....what can you do?

I don't know what else to tell you about...I am ganna try to be better about blogging! And I have been sort of a stranger at Cropper's Cottage...my design team. I have been busy...but I am going to make time!