Meet "Sissorbella"!

So, I got this one done during Grey's Anatomy (no Lizzy didn't get shot and she must be in the next episode according to previews). Anyway, I need to play around with some more layouts. This card is only 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" so it's small. I'm not sure I like the number of layers or placement. It is a card I cased on SCS. The friend I'm doing these for liked this one the best. It was definitely a larger card with more layers of matting.

I like the colors in the stripped paper but you don't see much of it. I'm just not very good at imagining something (I can't cook without a recipe either). Maybe I'll have to look at more cards in SCS's gallery to find a layout that would work. I would really like to use my scalloped oval punch for the quote so that I could have carried out the white dots from the ribbon on the scallops with a white pen.

Well, it's back to the drawing board (SCS). Private Practice just started so I'll be up for a while.

What's up?

Nuttin' Hunny! Well, no more than usual. I was extremely happy to talk with a good friend today. It had been a while and I was becoming concerned. That's when I discovered I didn't have their son's phone number anymore. I couldn't have followed up with him if she hadn't returned my call. Thank the good Lord all is well with them. It's time I took a trip to Seattle to visit them.

With all my re-organizing I FINALLY found my tape dispenser refills. They were with other things I use to scrapbook, but in a cupboard I hadn't looked in before. I don't know what made me feel worse, the fact that I hadn't looked in that cupboard or that I had put them there in the first place. I need to find a better place to put all my 'refills'!

This new cell phone is still causing me stress! I finally got the billing accounts fixed yesterday. When they ported my old cell phone number they had set up another account. CricKet offers $5.00 off if you have a cell phone and broadband. DUH! Finally someone understood what I wanted. She couldn't figure out what had been done either. Someone else refreshed my text messages so I finally received the code to verify my cell phone on myxer.com. Now that the phone is verified I still can't get the ringtone downloaded. Looks like I have to make another call. I won't have to go through so many buttons now that I know my birthdate. They put in 10 instead of 11. I refuse to drive 30 miles to a center just so they can change the date. "It's hard to find good help these days." I wonder who coined that phrase first.

I have spent some time working on a card for a friends beauty shop. I finally got the 'sissorbella' stamp she wanted me to use. NOW, I'm having a color issue! I found a stripped paper with the colors in her shop and coordinating cardstock but haven't figured out what colored pens to use. I had to walk away from the project since I wasn't getting anywhere fast. Will work on it later tonight if so inspired.

If you're hooked on Grey's Anatomy, I think Lizzy gets shot, well, dies tonight anyway. I really hate to see her leave the show. She's been in several movies recently, so obviously her career is moving forward. Private Practice follows so tonight's TV is all lined up. I'm trying to finish the Robin Cook book that I am currently reading. It has a lot of medical terms which makes it difficult to read during the commercials.

Surprise! Surprise!

Oh my, that reminds me of Gomer Pyle. Remember him? Maybe you're too young.

Well, my first surprise of the day was delivered by Federal Express this morning. I wasn't expecting my new (refurbished) cell phone and broadband wireless from CricKet so soon. The broadband seems to be working just fine. Actually I think it's faster for some reason than AT&T. CricKet is working on getting my cell phone number transferred from AT&T. That should be completed tomorrow morning. So much for NOT having to re-enter all my phone numbers. That's going to be a slow process! I've started but I have long nails so it's not easy. I keep pushing the wrong key. I will need to look for wallpaper and ring tones later.

Second surprise came in the mail. One of my dear friends sent me a gorgeous sleep mask. It's made out of black satin with ruffled satin trim and a rose. I'm going to take a nap tomorrow. It'll make me feel 'sexy'! I hope Jordan likes it as much as I do.

Managed to run some errands this afternoon. Jordan was low on food and treats. She's gained a pound which is not good for a little doggy. I was told Chihuahua's had weight problems. Just like her mommy. We both need to lose a few (or more).

Not having a melon around to deal with my list of things to be done, I had to pay someone to have the dinette table unbolted from the floor. I could have done it if I only had the tools. I'm so pleased it worked out the way I had hoped. Turning the table definitely gives me more work space since I can move more across the table from my work area. Picked up a couple of stacking shelves (got rid of the ones I used to have) which helps tremendously. I feel like scrapping or stamping. I can do either in between entering phone numbers.

Still have the rest of the groceries to put away. Found a plastic storage container with straight sides to store my cleaning supplies under the sink. Remember, I live in a travel trailer so space is limited or screwed up. I'm a little 'anal' about organization. Not so much about cleaning these days however, but I did vacuum under the table.

OH ME, OH MY!

I haven't posted in several days. I've been dealing with added stress. Between my daughter's "martial" status, Jordan had to visit the vet. Every time I picked her up she would cry. I got worse as the day progressed that I was really concerned. If they could only tell you what was wrong. I asked a friend to go with me just in case it was something bad. Fortunately, it seemed to only be a strain back. This is the first vet to ask if she had any dachshund in her. I adopted her so I haven't the slightest idea. Sure doesn't look like it to me.

So what do you think? "A Deer Chihuahua". Everything seems just fine. She's back to herself seemingly no more pain. Thank you, God.

We haven't done much since I needed to watch her. The vet wanted her to stay quiet and "no jumping". She really didn't feel much like it on Saturday. I had no objection to having her sit in my lap while I read. I do lazy very well.

Accomplished a couple of things today. Well, I didn't vacuum like I need to but I didn't call CricKet to order new cell phone and broadband service. I can keep the same number I have as long as I haven't closed the account. That is soooo cool! I was dreading having to contact everyone with the new number and possibly entering all the numbers I already have stored. I've been waiting until my contract ended with AT&T so I wouldn't have to pay for closing my account early. CricKet has no contract, you do have to buy your equipment, but for a considerable less monthly fee I will have unlimited calls, long distance, text (UGH!) and caller ID. They aren't everywhere so the only problem would be roaming and I don't travel that much to worry about it.

Found out the company that manufactured my travel trailer filled Chapter 11 and the RV center where I bought it has gone out of business. All I want to do is move the dinette which is bolted down for travel purposes. I paid for an extended warranty so I'm going to have to find out about that through the management company where they are referring their customers. Certainly hope nothing major happens in the future. It's a 2008 model which won't mean anything in a couple of years. I'm not traveling all over the country with it either which hopefully helps.

It's been a beautiful day and we expect another one tomorrow. I had to turn the furnace on this morning to warm us up. However, I did have to turn on the AC this afternoon. These tin cans aren't very well insulated, well, the walls aren't very thick so can't expect much insulation.

WHAT A GREAT DAY!

Yes, I'm shouting it from the roof tops! I can't remember the last time I accomplished so much in one afternoon.

I had a 2:30 follow-up appointment with my doctor. I left early so that I could stop at Micheal's first. I finally got the plastic canvas to use as a template for piercing. They did not have liquid pearls or paper file I wanted, the canvas was reward enough. Also got the Martha Stewart "doillie" border punch. Sure wish there had been a 40% off coupon this week.

I got a phone call from a friend on my way to the doctor's office. Since she has tomorrow off we plan to get together. That's something to look forward too.

I talked the nurse out of weighing in, after all it had only been 3 weeks since she last weighed me. Do you think she thought I'd lost weight? So, my blood pressure was 118/84. The doctor was pleased so I guess I am too. We discussed the side effects I've had tapering off Paxil. Although I only have the rest of the week taking 20 mg. every other day, I could still have some side effects for a couple more weeks. I can handle it! There was protein in my urine (another google) so I had to pee in a cup again. As for the rest of my lab work, I knew the red blood corpuscles were going to be high since I hadn't been able to give blood. This was the first time I've had blood work done since I started taking Pravochol (the generic version) vs. Crestor. My HDL and LDL were slightly elevated so she is increasing the dosage. Otherwise everything else was good. I do have another appointment in 2 weeks for a physical so I'll get the results of the urinalysis then.

Left the doctor's office to see my hair dresser. It was time for some shaping. I have always had short hair (see "self portrait" to the right). Understand, I have a lot of hair. It's very thick except at the temples, where it is receding, and the crown, where I have 3 cowlicks. Hmmm, might have mentioned this before. Sorry if you've been following my blog. That's a joke, note "followers" in the right hand column.

Decided to stop at Bi-Mart on the way out of Tigard. It's not out of the way and there is a drive thru Starbuck's (used to be Taco Time) in the parking lot. Since I didn't get Red Vines at Target the other day I got them at Bi-Mart. Of course I drove thru Starbuck's. Starbuck's needs to publish a dictionary.

It was only as I was leaving that it started to pour buckets. Not bad, not bad at all! It was also 4:30 so I figured traffic was going to be at a crawl. Not the case either. Did I mention WHAT A GREAT DAY I had?

Soggy Easter Bunny!

How does the Easter Bunny get inside to hide the eggs when it rains? I never thought about it until just now. Santa comes down the chimney, what about the bunny? My kids never asked. Looks like this grandma has to another search for google.

Is this 'little chick' just the cutest? Pink Petticoat has the most adorable downloads. Liz is a very talented artist in the UK. I have a number of her digital stamps. Check out her link in the right hand column.

This is going to be just another lazy day for me unless I decide to vacuum. I have no plans to see my daughter and family today. Unfortunately they are having problems it's best I stay out of the way for now. She knows where I live if she needs me. I haven't spoken to my sister (younger) in 2 years. Pretty sad. She doesn't approve of my lifestyle.

So we all have to live our own lives the way we choose. As long as it makes you happy and doesn't hurt anyone else, I say 'go for it'!

Too much time spent!

This card took me way too long. I started to color the lattebella stamp last night. In my efforts to save money I bought a set of 48 BIC Markit pens. I had noticed other people mentioned using them. Since I knew to stamping I really didn't know what to expect. I really got a good price on the set but there is only one tip to the pen and I couldn't use the colors I wanted of the BIC pens.

I also have the pastel set of 12 by le plume II. Now, they have 2 tips. One end is very fine and the other end is like a brush. I like them much better but the colors I have are limited. GOOGLE time! I found le plume II also has sets of 12 in the primary colors and Victorian colors. I found them at JoAnne's for $19.99. Using the online coupons I bought one set for 40% ($8.00) less and the second set with free shipping.

Sure, I got a good deal, but I had vowed NO MORE SHOPPING!

Since I decided to go ahead with this card I wish I had at least changed the printed paper. The idea of stamping was to use up the scraps I have accumulated from scrapbooking. I've never been able to visualize the finished product even when I was sewing. I don't think this paper was a very good choice. I case'd the card layout from someone on SCS. There are so many talented women (men) but I need help. Guess that's why I'm blogging here and not on SCS. I just spy when I visit. Shame on me!

Ta Dah! A new day dawns.

Amazing how good I feel today. When I finally got back up around 9:00 am this morning I was so happy. Three bad days in a row would have been such a bummer! The one good thing I have noticed since I started to quit Paxil is that my good days are really good. I'm motivated to do things, just the simple little every day things I let slide. The light at the end of the tunnel is very bright!

When I retired (6/30/07) I moved into my motor home and took off for the coast. I was a Workamper at an RV Park in Seaside, OR, for awhile. When that didn't work out (a story in itself) I drove back to the Portland area where my daughter and her family live. I stopped along the way to visit friends who live in Lincoln City (also on the beautiful Oregon coast).

Just as I was about to give up on workamping, I was offered a job at a park in Gold Beach. Well, I unhooked the motor home and hooked up the car and headed south. I had never been that far south along the coast. The view driving along highway 101 was breath taking. I felt like I was home. At the end of my 6 month contract it was time to move on (another story). Anyway, I unhooked and hooked once again leaving new friends behind.

Gold Beach is really not the place to be on a limited income. There are no doctors in town taking new patients let alone new medicare patients (I turned 65 in 2008). In a real emergency you would need to be flown to a hospital. Just made me very uncomfortable to think about all the possibilities.

That was a year ago. I have planted myself in Aurora, OR. I traded the RV in for a newer, bigger travel trailer. I have no intention of ever moving. If for some unknown reason I have to move I will have to hire someone to tow the trailer. I'm perfectly happy in my space. I've never had or wanted a large home and all that goes with the responsibility.

Jordan is my companion. She is a little 'deer' Chihuahua. I adopted her after I left Seaside. I had a Shi Tuz before I retired. He had to be put to sleep. If you've ever had to put a pet down you know how terrible it can be. I really didn't think I would get another dog but she is just the right size I'm so grateful to have her. She is such a comfort and joy.

With all this motivation today, I need to get busy so I can get to my crafts . . . . later.

What a day, what a night!

It's 3:30 am and here I sit in front of my computer. I've had a couple of 'smurfy' days. I'm due for a good day today. The ups and downs from going off Paxil is worse than how I was feeling before I started this process. I didn't have the headaches or flu like symptoms. I know it will be worth it once I'm off the drug for a while. Ten years is a long time! But I needed it at the time.

I finally had my lab work done today (I guess that would be yesterday). I don't know how accurate it will be since I hadn't eaten in 17 hours. The lab tech said the electrolytes might be a little high but they would let the doctor know. I had to pee in a cup for the first time in a VERY long time. It used to be common practice MANY years ago. I don't know why they stopped doing them and I don't know why she requested one NOW. Maybe since I turned 66 like all the other ugly tests you have to go through the older you get. Well, I see my doctor on Tuesday so I will get the results of my lab work then.

We had three beautiful sunny days in a row. The temperatures reached into the low 70's. It was so nice to finally be able to just sit outside. It's back to the rain. Looks like the Easter Bunny is going to get his tail wet. I don't know what my daughter has planned for the kids but I would imagine it's an indoor egg hunt this year.

Guess I'll try to get a couple of winks in before day breaks, maybe.

What a beautiful day in the neighborhood

What a difference a day with Sunshine can have on a person. Lots of people working outside in their gardens. The garden centers must have been very busy. For all my good intentions I didn't go shopping again today. The cupboards are looking bare! No peanut butter and English muffins, tortillas and grated cheese. I'll pop a bag of popcorn in the microwave after my shower and go shopping tomorrow.

Yesterday I got hooked on the 14 hour series on the Hallmark channel. The first one was "Love Comes Softly". The actress who plays the roll of Lizzy on Grey's Anatomy was one of the leads. It seemed like a bad time to spend inside with the sun shining outside. I felt really great yesterday. I'm 2 weeks weening off the Paxil. I've had a couple of bad days with headaches, aching all over, fatigue. Plan to call my doctor tomorrow to ask if I can take extra Aleve (which I take for minor arthritis already).

Of course I have played around on the computer some just to see what I can do on my blog. I've added a counter, a place to sign in to follow my 'daily diary', a calendar (just because I could) and a place to keep track of all the books I've read, currently reading and those I plan to read. Also found a website I'm going to follow. I love her work. She uses such bright colors and lots of detail on her work. You can find her blog at stampininspirations.blogspot.com. Look her up you'll be delighted as I was.

Should get into the shower since it will take forever for my hair to dry. Why am I growing my hair out? Because I want to have long hair one more time. Anyone reading this blog, pleasant dreams

Something new

Well, that certainly was easy (downloaing). This is the first stamp I have used. I love the Sistah's! I only bought 4 of them to begin my collection. It was really difficult to control myself. I might need to increase my personal property insurance. This was supposed to be a way of using up my scraps from scrapbooking. Ya sure!

I made this card for my oldest granddaughter when she got her grades after her first quarter at the Community College. She took some time off after HS graduation. I'm so proud of her.

Since I am just crossing over into stamping I didn't feel I could afford the expensive markers. I got a VERY good price ($20 + shipping) on eBay for a set of 48 BIC Mark It pens. I also have Le Plumme II set of 12 which have softer colors.

I don't have a book to read tonight so maybe I'll finally get busy using some of my other stamps. I can't just sit and watch TV. April Fools! =)

No fool like an old fool!

Joey had a great time playing April Fool's jokes on Martha Stewart today. I don't know if they were planned or not. She seemed a little upset at one point. The only joke around here has been from Mother Nature. We have not reached 50 degrees today and the wind is blowing at 20 mph.. I say 'Enough is enough already!'