Total Amazement...

This is the first year Jack tried to do gifts on his own. I have to wonder if he hadn't done them before because our spending budget was so much smaller or because he didn't care to shop. At one point, though, he gave up and decided to give certain friends a gift certificate for a favorite store of theirs. What better to give a geek than a gift card to geekdom (aka as Fry's electronics). But on the night that they were going to get together he wasn't happy with his handwriting (or the fact that he mis-spelled half the message), so he tore up the gift card holders and asked me to make something. So I sat down at my desk and CASE'd this make & take from the SU rep at CKC-Seattle last month. I used different colors and styles, but this is the basic template. Quick and fast and enjoyable! Sadly, my camera died a happy death and the camera I took THIS photo with was returned to the owner, so I have no photos of the creations, but my new camera is due in on New year's eve so keep your EYES PEELED for some new camera shots!

Laundry Confessions

I'll have to admit that until a meetup earlier this year with some fellow sewing bloggers in my area, I didn't really track which blogs I liked to follow. I randomly clicked on links that sounded interesting and left comments when the mood moved me (which wasn't that often). I'm more of a blog lurker than a comment-er. I knew that what I constantly read was quite a large list. Anina was the one who specifically commented that she used google reader to follow her blogs and that sometimes she just wiped them all clean. "Now why didn't I think of that!" I thought as I sat there. I actually had blogs in my reader, but never actually followed them using the application. Now I'm faithful to my reader as I can access it easier and faster in the reader application on my Blackberry than I can when I'm browsing each blog seperately. Not to mention how much time I save typing!

At any rate, I digress. One of the blogs I follow is that of Amy Sorenson - "The English Geek" who posted today about her Laundry Confessions. Do you have down and dirty, yet to be cleaned and claimed secrets about your Laundry habits? I mention it because I had just responded to an email from Melissa regarding our significant others and their dress habits. More specifically their habits concerning the dreaded "DRESS UP CLOTHES". Sunday best, as it used to be known. She has a holiday event coming up and the closest she could get her DH to a TUX was a suit. Whether that includes a tie is left to be seen. ;) I told her that my DH was liked that. So much of a gearhead, in fact, that he'd wipe the oil dipstick from his car on the back of his jeans. (I used to cringe so badly when I saw that) His side of the closet could be easily measure with a Yardstick with room to properly space each piece of clothing with two fingers spacing between each. Nowadays he's more of a clothes horse than I am. The only reason my side of the closet is bigger is because I have articles I refuse to give/throw away. I'm sure you're familiar with them. Those clothes from days gone by that you JUST KNOW that you'll fit back into? yeah that. sooooNOThappening, but that's a tale for another day. I'm digressing again.

Her story struck familiar chords with me. I too sort by color (and sometimes weight) of the items, but I also do it when the clothes are dry! In my house, we always seem to be on the go, so laundry tends to stick to piles. I'm recently trying to rectify that, but one of the constants has been that when those piles got too high, I'd drag the baskets into the bedroom and sort. 1 basket for stuff to be hung and/or ironed. 1 for pants, another for tops. the last was for socks and underclothes. This last basket is always the first to be done. Underclothes are easy and quick to fold....yes those socks stay put until I'm in the mood. Pants come next and then maybe I'll get around to tops. DH is in charge of hanging up, but mostly because he does a crappy job of it and I keep thinking that the longer he does it the more he'll get used to doing it properly. maybe. i'm probably delusional. You'll notice that bed linens and towels aren't mentioned huh? That's because they're the first load. they're tossed into the drier as soon as the washer stops and then folded/put away immediately. easy peasy.

oh yeah...and those socks? They're waaaaay last mostly because I keep finding DH's socks in the oddest places.

What are YOUR Laundry Confessions?

2nd Day of Christmas

I bought the Tropical Christmas set from my CTMH rep specifically to make christmas cards. But that was BEFORE I decided to do the 25 days of Christmas for my parents. Here's the 2nd card I made for them. Just so you know...I made 15 of each design and my parents got the best of each lot! The inside sentiment included a picture of me and my husband. The sentiment itself talked about how much they taught me about cherishing family and closeness with those you love.

1st day of Christmas

Suffice it to say that I know for certain that my family doesn't read my blog...At least not my parents. Recently, on Ali Edwards blog, she asked what tradition we had for the holidays. I'm sad to say that after ten years of marriage, we don't have any. In fact, I shocked my husband this year by saying I just wanted to spend Christmas day at home with him. The caveat being that we had to spend it together. Watching TV, playing games...whatever. As long as we spent it together.

The neat part though, is that one commenter responded that the tradition she had is that she would mail her mother in law a card for every day in December with a small memory and/or picture. I decided to do this with my parents. It's been a hard year and I think this would be a nice thing for them to receive. This is the first card I'm sending. It's actually "batch one" of the cards I'm sending this year. I'm having fun crafting them.


Inside the card I wrote about how thankful I am to have parents as caring as they are throughout my life.

Dad's mom is the oldest person in my family that I can remember as a child. I know that Mom's grandma was alive, but with Dad being in the Army, I've only seen pictures. Dad's mom was known by many names. Born Dora Kawahinepo'aimoku Kahilihiwa in Kalapana during 1925, and when I knew her? She was vivacious and had a strong thirst for life. Enough so that between her first two husbands, she had a total of 13 children. Most people would think that's alot, but she was one of TWENTY FIVE! That Duggar family on the TLC Channel have nothing on MY family! She was known to others as Dora, Auntie Po'ai, Gramma, Ma, Tutu Dora, but to me she was always just Tutu.

Her Hawaiian name, Kawahinepo'aimoku means "The woman who travels". Between her three husbands, and all her kids she travelled quite a bit. Unlike many native Hawaiians, she was all over the place! She'd braved the cold hills of Alaska, marched in Washington DC, and caught some rays in California. I remember once, she joined my parents and sisters and I on a coastal trip that took us from Va Beach all the way up to Boston and back. This same trip she taught my siblings and I how to play blackjack. How many people can say they learned blackjack at the age of 6? My baby sister, Ivory can. We played for pennies and in one hand she declared "I want to bet it all!". Now as adults, we'd laugh and titter over how cute that is, but she hit blackjack!

If you asked me what the strongest memory I had of her was, there isn't just one. It's a look though. She'd look up at you (or over) and her head would be all the way back with the barest hint of a smile on her face. It was most likely because she needed to see through her bifocal to see you, but I like to think it's because she never had anything to hide. She was straight forward, LOVED to joke around, but never had much of a memory. One of the biggest jokes in the family was that she'd call out to you.... But she'd name everyone else first! Secret, Ivory, Skippy, ahhh Donna, Joyce, Samuel, Nena! gahh fannit you! You wouldn't correct her, despite knowing who she was talking to because it was funny. You'd stand their laughing while she ran the gamut of names and she'd be laughing right there with you!

"Take da F" was one of her more popular phrases. Most people wouldn't understand what that meant. To this day, my husband Jack doesn't. But to family? Stay home! Don't go to work (or school as applicable) and stay home and enjoy life. Tutu Dora was definitely one who liked to enjoy life.

Parent Talk Today

I found this fascinating quote today:

When you're addressing your holiday cards this year, send one (or more!) to a recovering American soldier at Walter Reed Army Hospital.Parent Talk Today, Nov 2008

You should read the whole article.

My Nephew has too many brains....

pickchaz 035
Originally uploaded by shexcpoolgawdess

I'm beginning to think that my sister should look into private school scholarships. Makana comes home every quarter with one of these Academic Excellence awards. His rewards from Uncle Jack & Auntie Ana will start getting expensive soon....either that or his school is too lax.... I'm willing to bet that he's just to SMART for his own good. Last year we promised him that every quarter he gets one of these, to tell us and we'd get him a surprise. Last time we gave him a PS2 game. Now I gotta go figure out what we're going to do for this one because he's got report cards coming up as well as his birthday AND christmas. Talk about raking it in!

The other week when we took him to the pumpkin patch, Jack explained negative number math to him and he caught on REAL fast even though he wasn't learning it in school and we weren't showing him on paper.

Happy Halloween y'all!

Got any plans for the weekend? it's up in the air for us. tonight is planned out, but the end destination is unknown as of yet. We may end up on this cruise thingy that a radio station is putting on, but who knows. Tomorrow is homebody type day. I have some friends whose dryer has gone out, so they're coming over to do laundry.

I found this video and thought it hilarious enough to add. Enjoy!

The Perpetual Student

When I started college, I didn't have a focus. I went because I thought I should. I think many kids are like that. Like sheep, they apply for and go because they feel they have to. Everyone else is so why not? What do I want to be? *shrug* dk. I think back and wonder how life would be if things were different. How would life be if I had begun college with a clear plan in mind. If I hadn't gotten pregnant while losing my virginity. (yup...no lie!) If I didn't feel a constant need for acceptance growing up. Would my path be different in life?

Recently, I was reading a blog. Stacy Julian's All Together Too Happy. Let me preface this by saying that I *love* her. Her philosophy and speech makes everything sound so simple and clear. I first came across her when I started scrapbooking. I found this book on Amazon that I have since passed to my sister whom is a new scrapbooker herself. But I digress. Stacy was recently in Missoula at a benefit scrap event and her newest post did it again. Reminded me of what's important. What you do is important. Read it. it's inspirational.

As such I decided to take my first scrap class. Jessica Sprague is offering a free online class. You should join me.

Pumpkin Fun Day

Originally uploaded by shexcpoolgawdess

We took my nephew Makana to the Pumpkin Patch this weekend for the annual fun day. It's probably the ONLY yearly tradition DH and I have. Since we started, i've always taken a picture of the two of them with the wheelbarrow because nephew was small enough to carry in it at the time. I think though, at almost 9 years of age, he's getting a little big for it. Guess we'll REALLY see next year. Here's a hint though. Don't go to a plant nursery and expect the same thing.

We've traditionally taken him to Spooner Farms in Orting. Lots of fun. I was actually more worried that they'd still be there given the trend of farmers selling out the past few years. But I had emails from this nursery in Puyallup that was going to do a festival type thing so I thought we'd go there. BIG mistake. Nephew not only told me how lame the place was in terms of Kid Fun-ness, but he told me I sucked as he ran away laughing. We realized the folly of our ways, grabbed a hot dog from the rotary people and went back to tradition.

Spooner farms was rather crowded this year. But regardless, the weather was nice (enough that people were there in SHORTS!). We all had fun and at the end, Jack helped Makana carve the first pumpkin. In the end, he was sad to see us go.

It's not worth running from anymore

I get bored at work and tend to read all my blogs there and then catch up on the rest when I get home, but I found this meme on one before I left and thought it was PERFECT for filling in dead time at my desk...


1. What time did you get up this morning? The alarm on my cell phone is set for 515am PST, but I went right back to bed until 540ish.

2. Diamonds or pearls? Pearls. Diamonds send me into a panic because I want to dress up...

3. Last movie you saw at a cinema?Tropic Thunder with DH and his BFF.

4. What is your favorite TV show? Right now is Heroes. I love the twists and turns they've put in the story. Oh! and Supernatural.

5. What do you usually have for breakfast? err breakfast? I've forced myself to remember to always have mini croissants on hand. I tried doing the yogurt thing but kept forgetting to take it with me and if I remembered, I'd forget to eat it!

6. What is your middle name? Are you ready? Tounge loose? Waimakaokalani It's hawaiian for Water from the eyes of heaven. prononuced Why-mahkuh-oak-uh-lani

7. What food do you dislike? not much. that I can think of. But I'm sure if you put it in front of me, I'll tell you straight out!

8. What is your favorite CD at the moment? a hawaiian artist named Raiatea Helm and her newest CD. Very Bluesy.

9. What kind of car do you drive? just got my brand spanking new first driver's license. I'm looking to own a CR-V though.

10. Favorite sandwich? BLT with shredded lettuce. Or a toasted Chicken Salad Sandwich

11. What characteristic do you despise? People who flaunt their money/possessions/fabulously-expensive-new-boots etc. Amy I'd agree with you, but there's so much of it where I live, I just started letting it go. What I despise the most are two faced people.

12. Favorite item of clothing? DH's sweatpants and a hoodie. He doesn't realize that I snagged them from the wash again.

13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? a cruise. warm places with lots of history, but not necesarrily the carribean or mexico. Just places steeped in history.

14. Are you an organized person? I try but don't always succeed. There is definitely a method to my madness though.

15. Where would you retire to? I like where I'm at.

16. What was your most recent memorable birthday? hmmmm don't know that I have any...

17. What are you going to do when you finish this? twiddle my thumbs some more as I wait for the phone to ring here at work. Browse some more crafty message boards and get my customer list ready to call tonight for my Partylite Open House.

18. Farthest place you are sending this? The internet has far reaching tendrils. ;) I have a friend in Iraq right now just itching for something to do though....

19. Person you expect to send it back first? aime definitely...

20. When is your birthday? Sept 16th

21 . Morning person or a night person? Both.

22. What is your shoe size? 8

23. Pets? I used to have fishies, but DH killed them when we moved into my new place a year ago. now we only have bungie the blue betta. Aptly named bc he jumped out of his tank one day and it was a full half hour before I noticed and found him.

24. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? I have customers! I'm a partylite consultant selling high quality candles (no joke) and I recently took a hiatus. I wasn't sure I was able to get back into the swing of things once I got back in but there you go!

plus? I bought an Expedit bookcase/desk and *heart* it very much!

25. What did you want to be when you were little? an astronaut, a gymnast, a teacher and rich.


26. How are you today? tired and bored. I suspect I'm tired BECAUSE I'm bored.

27. What is your favorite flower? Stargazer Lily's

28. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? Every single Thursday. I am always grateful for Thursdays. I like thursdays too, but I look forward to Wednesdays now bc it's my new scrapbooking get together with a new friend.

29. What are you listening to right now? Boys to men - "It's so hard"

30. What was the last thing you ate? yogurt I forgot to eat this Am when I got to work...not the best thing to eat with Mtn Dew.

32. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Orange. it's so bright and shiny!

33. How is the weather right now? cold, but sunny

34. Last person you spoke to on the phone? customer.

35. Favorite soft drink? Fresca.

36. Favorite restaurant? It really depends on my mood. usually Sushiland though

37. Hair color? black-brown like my desk.

38. What was your favorite toy as a child? barbie!

39. Summer or Winter? Summer hands down.

41. Chocolate or Vanilla? both.

42. Coffee or tea? tea.

43. Do you want your friends to email you back? Absolutely, even though I sometimes flake on emailing them back.

44. When was the last time you cried? lst night. parts of a book I read were real tear jerkers.

45. What is under your bed? dust, 3 pairs of house slippers, 4 pairs of shoes (at end of bed), a surge protector, foot massager and probably 9 pairs of DH's socks.

46. What did you do last night? finished a good book, cooked dinner, surfed the web, moderated a message board, made a card box for cards I have yet to make, moved some junk around in office, browsed some mag's and slept.

47. What are you afraid of? lots. What my credit report says about me, marital things, money issues....suxors to be a grown up sometimes!

48. Salty or sweet? depends on mood.

49. How many keys on your key ring? I had to look at the key ring. Three...

50. How many years at your current job? Technically just over two years, however I only became an employee at end of Jan. I was a contractor until then.

51. Favorite day of the week? Running out of questions? Wed and Thursday.

52. Do you make friends easily? No. I wish I did, though.

53. How many people will you send this to? Whomever reads my blog.

54. How many people will reply? Not sure.

55. Do you like finding out all this stuff about your friends? I love finding out things about ppl. even stangers.

Just that simple

Getting back to the basics...

Normally, my morning routine includes checking blogs in the am. But I awoke this first day of October a little beat. I hit that snooze button and discovered that I had not only turned it off, but DH had not set his alarm. We didn't oversleep TOO far, but far enough that I didn't do any blog reading until early afternoon. Imagine my dismay that I missed a chance at some cool blogcandy from Stacy Julian! Auwe! She's one of my scrap-idols. plus, I love the way she talks (She does guest appearances on a TV show called Scrapbook Memories).

But as the day progressed, I discovered a few other people who I follow presenting similar challenges! I'm excited! PLUS ~ I'm doing Ali Edwards Week in the Life project, so I have TONS of photos to use!

Even though I should still be riding that birthday high, we've had so many high stress things going on that it's nice to focus on some happiness. (That's another reason I love Stacy's blog...she's All Together Too Happy! ;)

Now if I could just get the Expedit to fit together correctly! Tomorrow is another afternoon rush~I have pool league, so I have to rush from work to run & meet my pool buddies for carpool AND still stop by Ikea to figure out why my dowels are too small and too long. *sigh* I was hoping to have it together already and to be busy VACUMING underneath it! ah well. Hopefully, it will be finished by this weekend. (Jack's suggestion of shaving the dowels down the the appropriate size was immediately VETOED as I don't think alterations should be necessary. I didn't spend $300 on this for nothing!)


BTW, photo credit goes to Tia Bennett.

Birthday goodness

let me begin this by saying DH is one of those do or die shoppers when it comes to gifts. Either it will be REALLY REALLY awesome, or he gets you nothing at all. For my birthday this year, we weren't able to get home in time to get into the manager's office to pick up packages. They were there, he was there, but it was after hours so they wouldn't let him in.


But I got home yesterday, we picked up the package and then went to the apt. I went to change and while I was in the bedroom he layed it out for me so I'd see it when I came back into the main room. DECALS!

with one for my phone. He thought this design rather artsy-fartsy and since I've been so inclined lately, he thought I'd like it. (My first thought was of Colette ). Even cooler was that the phone decal comes with a code for a wallpaper so that it is one "complete" design.

Once I got done cooing over it, he showed me this one too


I got a spare set! and I got to choose which goes on first. so I've put the 2nd one on my phone and I'm saving the laptop decals until we decide how everything here is going to layout. space wise (we've been doing some massive moving around)

Angela Lansbury move over.

DH really has to learn to be more sneaky. My birthday is on Tuesday and he IM'd me yesterday asking "Hey which model BB Curve do you have 8830? 8810?"

Not the typical type of question from him so I told him I have the only one Tmobile sells - the 8820. This also happens to be the only non-GPS model.

A short time later he IM's again... which Dell Laptop do you have?


Today right as we're getting home, he mentions... HEY I have a box coming in. Under noooo circumstances, are you to open it!

Doesn't this just reek of giftage?

dolla dolla bills baby!

So one afternoon, I was awaiting DH in front of my jobsite. We carpool, partly to save gas and partly because I don't have a drivers license yet. (more on that later). One of our HR reps walked by and told me I should look into the commute program the company has. I kinda wrote it off, but she remembered and called my desk the next day to remind me. So I go and sign up and discover the city ALSO has one! Since DH also worked within city limits, I signed him also.

Fast forward a few months and I get mail at my desk! I never get mail at my desk. It's from the city & contains the $50 gift card for being a commuter. Sweeeeeeeeeet! Off I run to spend it at my LSS. (Local Scrapbook Store for my non scrapping visitors). Fast forward a few more months and the city revamps the program and relaunches the program. The sucky part of that $50 award is that it was once per person and DH left that job between the time that we qualified for the award and getting HIS $50 gc. That and it was a one time award. BUUUUUUUUT, with the revamp happening, I could get a NEW award!

Today I get an email stating that I qualified and here's my amazon gift code#. How cool is that? Off I go to spend it. LOL. and yes, I did it on the clock I was so giddy for the free moola. My shopping expedition sent me straight to my saved items. I spend lots of time building a wish list and adding/saving stuff to my cart. Eventually I get around to getting the stuff, I just don't like to forget.

You're probably getting bored at my rambling at this point and wondering what I got huh? Well I picked up a desk lamp. Recently on the Cricut Message Board someone extolled the virtues of a cheapy lamp they found at Walmart that worked just as good as an OTT-Lite. My problem with that is that DH and I decided to no longer shop there. So far I've done good. Almost a full year! But I found a lamp on Amazon that worked just as well!

This is Norm. He cost me a whole whopping $17.08 before tax. Compared to the Ott-Lite of the same size?
Hmmm... the immediate differences I see is that the Ott-Lite swivels and I can see the cord in Norm's Amazon image. I also picked up Charmed, S2 & a Mahjongg game for my DS. Both things I'll enjoy, but I'm not as excited about either as much!

Where in the world is Carmen San Diego?

I remember being in school and playing this game. This one and The Oregon Trail. Exercises in using our Noggins to reason things out most likely. (This is waaaaaaaaay before the Carmen San Diego kids game show on TV...) I bring this up because I was recently in Half-Price Books with my MIL. It's so not hard to get her to go in. You just mention it and point the car and she's all for it.

While we were in there I overhear a conversation about the game. It's one reason I love shopping. People watching and eavesdropping on random conversations. Sorta Pygmalion if you will without the need to count the different accents and such. Anyways. A mother was asking if they had this game and the young girl at the counter had never heard of it and suggested where it might be if they had it. It's more evidence that I'm just getting older.... bah! lol.


But today I was blog-surfing through things and I came across Shutter Sisters equipment list subpage. Each of the contributors listed what they had in their camera bags. down to the sand and used kleenex. It made me wonder. What's in the bottom of your purse? Most of us carry them and we all know how things can get lost at the bottom. A book I'm currently reading even mentioned it. The heroine dumps an "armful" of stuff onto her companion and when he dryly commented "anything else?" she responded by telling him that the keys "always sink to the bottom." So I wonder...What's in YOUR purse.... or coat pocket as the case may be.


Mine?
I have empty gum wrappers, a needle to inflate my volleyball(purchased a year ago and the ball is still waiting), a paperclip, a airline lock key (you know...the one that also fits your diary?), various folded up post-its, the business card with my eye appt for tomorrow, my wallet, two pens, a screwdriver (don't ask I dunno either), mascara that should be dumped, two things of travel kleenex, 2 Partylite Sponsoring CD's , 2 checkbooks (well one is only deposit slips...), my wallet, sunglasses, eyeglass case, eyedrops, keys and two Partylite tealights.


and don't ask me why there's a mayonaise packet beneath it all...I dunno about that either. I'm sure I had a good reason to stick that OR the shoyu packet in there... (oh yeah...and that's not my purse up there. Mine is NEVER that neat....)

Miss Aloha strikes again.

This past Saturday was Kainoa's birthday party. I was originally going to make excuses to not come, but decided to go anyways. Auntie Donna held it at 56th Street Community Pool which is super neat bc it's got water slides and a lazy river and all sorts of fun stuff for kids. I unfortunately don't have tons of pictures. I think subliminally my mind is telling me that my camera sucks. After the pool closed though, we gathered for a "BBQ" bday feast out front. I hate that I have absolutely no pictures of it, but he's seven and I'm sure I'll get more as he gets older.

What I did get though, was pictures of Chelsea walking off with my purse! She grabbed it, slung it over her shoulder and waved bye. Total hilarity because she even said bye-bye! How did she know my purse would be the one with all the money?!?! I'm telling you... Mikey's in a world of trouble when this girl gets old enough to shop!

Go the Distance with Partylite

so it's been an awesome week in St Louis with my Partylite friends. even got to Busch Stadium (the third) and take a tour. I now want to tour baseball stadiums ALL OVER!

This is me in the Cardinals dugout. How cool is THAT? i MAY just have to start watching baseball!

Chickens like their heads....

We've all heard the phrase "running around like chicken's with their heads cut off".... or at least most of us have. I guess as time goes by, phrases like this become more and more obsolete. (does that mean I'm getting old? o.O



The last few months have been so crazy for me that I barely have time to do my favorite crafts, much less come on and blog. (in fact, I'm ignoring work to take a sanity check with you guys! ;))

This last month in particular has been even harder. I had to deal with the passing of my 3 year old nephew and then as I started to come out of the doldrums THAT brought on, my aunt passed away of complications of breast cancer. Both passings are bad enough on their own, but each incident could have been prevented. I've come on here to blog a few times, but then put it aside because I could not adequately put into words what I wanted to say.

My last post talked about a few projects I was going to do. Mainly the note-taker found at Pink Chalk Studios. Even though I *said* I'd whip up a few of the projects I already owned before purchasing it, I couldn't resist. I bought the supplies I would need to make this....


I bought the crayons and the paper happily anticipating a fun bright yellow pad with the elmo print I had purchased for Kekoa. It was going to be another one of those "Just because Auntie Loves You" gifts.... one that he could use at his other aunt's home while his mother went to work. But circumstances changed and she wasn't caring for him any longer and then suddenly he was gone. Now the project sits undone bc everytime I look at those crayons I cry.

I WAS productive though. I got more active in my scrapbooking as DH allowed me to buy a CRICUT.



Boy the die cutting fun I had! I made scrapbook pages....
This one looks like a book! -->



Nugget tins...

I made some cards that I have no pictures of and also picked up stamping and the use of a cuttlebug to make EVERYTHING extra pretty.

I also did a couple real quick table cloths and cloth napkins. One set for my aunt because she liked this placemat/napkin set I made for a swap and her sewing machine was broken.
I really need to go back for more of that brown palm print.... I don't have those pictures with me though. camera's at home so I'll post those tomorrow....or something. The 2nd set was mine bc I got tired of the ugly green "formal" tablecloth I had hiding my "dining table". So I bought a nice sturdy floral print and whipped up a quick cloth for myself. sorta....still have to do those edges, but it was either leave the fugly one on or leave the foldup/scratched up 6ft folding table bare. I like the illusion so I choose to cover it.


oh yeah...and those kleenex holders? Everytime I make that floral one, it "disappears". huh. so I've got to make ANOTHER one bc I'm in the middle of allergy city here. *sneeze* 'scuse me!


that's me in a nutshell (austin!) Hopefully you should see more posting here again in the near future. Lots of crazy variety in my crafting made me feel like that chicken, but thankfully I'm almost totally caught up. Except for the Fling ACS Auction table....still go to get those monkeys going!

I confess

I have a bad habit. I blame my mother for it. I'm sure you're probably guilty of it also and are either hanging your head in shame or rolling on the floor now in laughter. What is it you ask?


Buying patterns that then sit and collect dust.


Not willing to admit to it yet? I only bring it up because I want to make these:




I'm trying to be good though, and abide by DH's wish to pare down our ownings. So I've made the decision.... I can't buy the pattern until I have finished at least THREE of the shoebox full that I already own. Which include the pants that I'd dearly love to wear.

don't run away!

so a few weeks ago, rather desperate for some last minute baby shower gifts I made some cute little chapstick holders and kleenex pretties for the guests. We were low on $$ and I had lots of fabric. Sadly not a lot of time. :/

They were great in the bags though and with some added candies, no one knew different. lol. My bigger issue though, was that I realized (just recently) that I never made one for me! Auwe, how could I do that! I go through more Kleenex than any THREE people I know! seriously. I do! for reals! This past weekend, I was clearing off my desk for Andrew & Jack's Karazhan run when I discovered some left over fabrics. quick as a wink I sewed myself up the prettiest kleenex pretty of them all! The kicker? Last minute all the plans changed and Jack decided to do something ELSE sending Andrew over to Pauls and me home alone for the rest of the day. :( I dunno when the last time I felt so abandoned was! Needless to say, my sewing machine was there to comfort me! ;)

SWAPITY SWAP

I participated in my first swap this month on craftster.com and learned quite a few things. Swap details? This is the Easy Peasy Swap - it's just that! Easy Peasy!
You are required to make ONE MEDIUM SIZED CRAFT and that is it. No more, no less. Just a medium.

What is a medium? For this swap please plan to spend 2-4 hours of crafting time. Crafting time is actual time that you are spending physically crafting. time to dry does not count. shopping for the crafting does not count. physically crafting is the time that counts

easy peasy! love anything that has that phrase attached. I sooo didn't love this swap though :( I think mostly because of the time of year...tax time. I had procrastinated on getting my expenses for my Partylite business detailed down so I could do my taxes and so spent zero hour online at taxact.com finishing up. but THAT'S a whole nother story.... I drew Disneybelle as my swap partner and learned quite a few things about her. The obvious being her love of disney stuff. ;) I also learned that she's graduating from Perdue and moving to Florida soon. She was hoping to get stuff to decorate her new home with utilizing her favorite colors of Black, Brown and "martha stewart blue". I had no idea what MS blue was, but she explained that it's that light almost tealish blue found on her website. I had so many ideas running through my head that time ran away from me before I realized it. I had to hurry to finish up so it's not as pretty as I would *like* it to be, but she still loved it!

Did I mention I still haven't finished my quilt a long blocks? I've got to meet a hostess tonight in Southcenter so I think I'll finally stop by Joann's and get a self healing mat big enough for my sewing projects. The small 8x11 one for my scrapbooking just isn't cutting it. pun intended ;)

Dirty Snot...

So I was doing my morning blog-surfing today. It's so nice to be able to start my day by peeking into other peoples worlds. *sigh* I guess it also helps because I see such happy cheerful posts that either make me smile or laugh... This morning I came across a blog I'd never happened across before. Two Lime Leaves. In her blog she did a little meme for 7 things.

5. I have never eaten, nor will I EVER eat an oyster. Why would anyone want to eat something that looks like infected dirty snot?

Ever read something that gave you an automatic visual? This one did. I was very rofl with it. Mainly because Oysters are one of my FAVORITE foods.....as long as I don't havre to be the one cooking it. lol.

There's nothing like a new baby to make people feel all gooey inside. I've said it before and I'll say it again. I can't WAIT until it's me...but at the same time, I know I'm not ready yet. *sigh* Easter Sunday wasn't spent with a bunny...or in church for that matter. I woke to a text message from my sister announcing that Aiden Ikaika was born at 753am. yay! a big 7lb 15 oz baby measuring 19 3/4 inches long! wowsers! The plan had originally been to have my cousin Kaleo and his mom come over because Monday was his 18th birthday and do a surprise party for him. After a few phone calls, we shifted it to Tacoma so we could all go visit baby. He was definitely surprised and we had fun. Mom was still a party pooper in her attitude, but we've learned to deal with that. at least I have.

I spent a nice hour and half talking to her the other day. well...listening. She called to see if I could check around for a hd enclosure and I tried to get her to come up again. Of course, the weather lately had her freaking out. she definitely ain't coming by any time soon...that's kinda frustrating too. I'm always having to drag Jack down to Tacoma just so I can spend time with them, but they're not willing to come this way. It's something I've learned to deal with over the last few months since I moved up here. It's definitely one of the hardest lessons to learn~putting myself before others and not getting hurt when they're selfish. Don't they realize I gotta pay for gas too?

Makana was student of the month last month for academic achievement and no one even thought to tell me. how depressing. None the less, Jack and I are talking about doing something special for him. Probably a weekend with us, or maybe a new ps2 game. we'll think of something.

Mom's bday is in 11days and my sisters seemed to have bagged out yet again. too bad. Maybe we can do it next month and make it for Dad's birthday..... I think I'm just going to get Raiatea tickets for my mom and dad for her bday. She'll like that.

sHHHHHHH!

So there are some birthday's coming up in the next few weeks and idle conversations have turned into plotting with me. ROFL. My cousin kaleo turns 18 on Monday and I'm thinking that we could turn his "come over and hang out" day on Sunday into a mini bday party. also I'm wanting to do pictures of me, my sisters and all the keiki's then with Tanya. It occured to me as I was emailing back and forth with Tanya ~ someone is ALWAYS pregnant when I try and do pictures of the kids..... WTH is up with THAT?! LOL. Both events should be fun if I can pull them off. We'll have to see though...

Epiphany

Yesterday I had an epiphany. We'd gotten home and J was in the mood to sit down and read after work lately. I'm not sure if it's the lifestyle change he's been making or that he just got really tied into the book he's reading. Either way, he's made a habit to sit down and read the past week when he gets home. It's a nice way to escape after work and last night I decided to join him. Only after I'd sat and joined him, after a couple of pages I realized I could get some laundry done at the same time. I needed to run the finished loads through the dryer again to get the bulk of the wrinkles out and fold/put them away. So I went into the bedroom and seperated them - whites, hang up stuff and everything else and did that. I got through all the hang up stuff and also ironed the pieces that still required it and all the whites. By the time I put the rest of the stuff in the dryer, it was time to get dinner started and I never got back to it. I got a lot done though and am proud of that. I'm also glad I'm not the only one whose laundry room looks like a war zone.



I've also discovered that I'm not the only one in a gift making frenzy. This past weekend, I made a passel of these, a bunch of tissue holders, a sling and started two quilts. I also went on a search to find these. The plan is to use the kiddy fabric I've got TONS of, and make one or two to go with the store bought ones my mom gave her as well as make a few for me. ;) The PROBLEM though is finding the time. Time seems to always be a problem. Esp when I'm NEED to make some booking calls, but don't have the will or fortitude to do them. It's easy to get discouraged and want to quit. It's finding the energy to power through that and stick with it I'm having problems with. *sigh* anyone wanna buy some Partylite?

For those that wanted to know, the photos below are from my friend Tanya's new business venture. She's opened, complete with business license, her own photography business. She's awesome and also the one to take the latest pictures J and I have had done.



It's funny bc I thought she was being over critical when she said the photos she was posting on blogger came out too pixelated. I didn't see them as such until yesterday's post. As such, she's got a new blog here. Go check it out, she's pretty awesome.

Babies on the brain...

It's been non stop talk about babies lately that has me wishing we were more ready to have one of our own. I know, though, that we're not. (doesn't stop me from wanting!) On Saturday afternoon, Jack and I went to Puamohala's shower. It's crazy to think that she's even PG, but at looking at Tanya's photoshoot with her, she's just GLOWING.

In typical filipino style, there was tons of food that i haven't had in ages - loved it to the point it hurt. lol. i was good though and made up for it by not eating that many desserts. it was pretty chaotic at the halau. I guess her family came in to do set up without her and did it differently than was normally done for halau "feeds". She had lots of guests (and presents) and the event was pretty chaotic (i said that already didn't I?). It was great to be able to see and catch up with some of the girls. I can't wait until I'll have time to start going....and transportation.

Sunday though was Secret's final baby shower. It sucks that I had to be the one to make all the arrangements (long distance) and that I had so little help with it. It was even crazier that Ivory was so secretive about her being PG again...esp since most everyone knew. The fun part about the shower is that the common phrase was "I made that!" lol. Chelsea made her an awesome looking fleece blanket. The neat part is that Tony helped out by picking the fabric print. It had cute wittle teddy bears and sports stuff on it. When Secret opened it, Chelsea had exclaimed in a voice of disbelief ~ I made that! which prompted us all to say it. How funny that she got so much homemade stuff!

Auntie Charlene sent up a small baby quilt for her and I made her a ring sling. I'd almost given up on it because the original intention was to give her one using the elmo fabric that I had bought years ago on ebay, but the flannel turned out to be too thick. (One day I'll make time to take it apart) But Friday night I was doing the chapstick holders and prepping the last of the kleenex holders when the fabric called to me. I was looking through the box for island prints so I could do a few in those and SAW it. I don't recall where I had gotten the fabric now, but I do know that the original intent was a shirt...or something... hey maybe I got it at Joann's!. Anyways, it turned into a nice little sling for Aiden. I hope she really likes it.

No I'm not lazy

I've just been crazy busy at work. I never realized how draining talking on the phone can be at the end of the day! lol. and no you're not crazy, I left the christmas tree up ON PURPOSE. What better way to celebrate the greatest time of year?


So I never got the Jelly Roll into a firm shape. It came in, I tore it apart and the original plan kinda disinegrated in front of me. the roll told me it didn't like it and now it sits and stares at me from a tray (actually an empty sobe box/tray) mocking me. I'm not sure what I'll do with it yet, but in the mean time, I bought a few charm squares! :teehee



Both have definite plans, so keep watching as they take shape. I hope to have one done by the time I leave for St Louis in July. Those crazy Bobers will get a huge kick out of it. here's a sample of that one! don't you love that cute little bootie! rofl

I did also make my first batch of tissue holders this past weekend. I was neglectful and forgot to get shower gifts for my sister's baby shower so I made a dozen of these, and stuffed the bag with candy she had. Boy was she thankful to get rid of all that candy!

In other worlds, I met a girl last night who is new to my Partylite team who lives close by! how exciting! We talked briefly about carpooling. We'll see how that pans out!

Rub across my belly

I'm excited. I made the purchase of my first Jelly Roll. It's due to arrive any day now and I can't wait to get started! I bought it with the specific purpose of getting doradora's quilt done. I made her a quillow, but decided i liked the fabric too much and she can't have it. It's the perfect contrast to my Ipu heke one that I bought from Bernie a few years ago. So many of the blogs that I enjoy to read about their stitching habits are on fabric diets from over buying crazes and I marvel at their ingenuity. I can't manage to buy fabric like them. partly bc I haven't had the $$ to do so until recently and also bc I tend to buy fabric with a specific purpose in mind. What are YOUR buying habits like?

Scissors

new year all! I had a nice quiet one that was planned to be spent in front of my sewing machine, but that darn cleaning bug got in the way and it didn't get done. I don't see how that's a bad thing though! LOL

I was rather suprised that I managed to enjoy myself so thoroughly despite the fact that I was pretty much non communicado with everyone. Apparently, I'm not that high up on the list with my friends who live within driving distance. With the exception of Ryan and Erin who didn't know I was alone. They felt kinda bad and would have invited me over had they known. That's ok though, that's definitely taught me that I need to make better friends. and definitely some that are more local. I digress though!

I spent the day cleaning and did a little failed baking and watched the CSI marathon. Oh yeah, and got weirdly fascinated by a new show called Jon and Kate plus 8. EIGHT kids under six! 1 set of twins and 1 set of sextuplets! wow! (can I tell you how weird her tummy looked with six in there?) Oddly enough it cured the I want sex bug, but doesn't cure the yearning to become a mother myself. Other girls my age are worried more about bills and the kids they already have or if their BF will EVER propose. Me? I worry about those same bills, but I yearn to be pregnant with a child of my own. I fill my time with being suzy homemaker ~baking crafting cleaning with a little fun and work thrown in and I wonder when it will be my turn. I hold out hope though as I've known MANY women older than me have children.

there I go with digression again. The whole point of this post was scissors. Ha ha ha. how far we've come off track! I was cleaning and discovered that I have SEVEN pairs of sewing scissors. That's SEVEN pairs of full size scissors. not including the little itty bitty folding ones, swiss army knife scissors, kiddy scissors, safety scissors, kitchen shears and craft scissors I have in the house. SEVEN pairs of scissors that now reside on the bulletin board above my desk.

Have you ever counted yours?