Permanently marked

Hubby didn't think I would do it...
I didn't think I would do it...
The proof is below
Wendy, Mary and I got our tattoos yesterday at Tattoo Asylum. I know, the stigma is that tattoos are ugly and yucky and some are, but I really like the one I got. I know, it's personal preference, so I hope I didn't shock anyone...

And Yes, MOM and Dad, in case you see this, and you ever have to identify my body (hope not but you never know, right), it's me with my new tattoo on my right foot.

Update

Two days after Christmas... wow, this year, Christmas came so fast and went by even faster! I still can not believe that it's over and that we have to wait another year for it to come again! I love Christmas, all the prepping, the atmosphere, and I usually get a little sentimental when it is over :)
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A quick recap of what we did:
Saturday, Dec. 24th: Yes, I admit (last gift wrapping). We went over to Jer's grandmothers place and met with his grandma, mom, stepdad, auncles, aunts, cousin(e)s in the evening. We had tons of food, a fabulous and fun gift exchange and it was so nice to see some family members again that I had not seen in a while. Reminds you of what it is all about... The kids have gotten so much bigger and older and 2 of them just started college while 1 is getting ready in summer. They are all GREAT kids or I probably should say TEENAGERS. They fun to be around, they are loving and sweet and they all have awesome personalities. If Jer and I ever have a child, I really hope and pray that the kid turns out the way all his cousin(e)s have turned out.
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December 25th: We had Jer's dad, stepmother, grandma and his stepmom's grandson over and made a turkey. It all turned out good. The food was awesome (although we went the simple road and ordered a meal that only needed 2 hours in the oven from Ralphs). We got Ricky a game that I used to play when I was a kid and we ended up playing and had a blast!
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December 26th: Talked to my family back home in Germany. (I had briefly spoken to each of them on the 24th and the 25th) but we had a chance to catch up in the morning. Afterwards we decided to do check out some car lots to see if we would find a good deal on a car but ended up not finding anything worth while. Jer's car is getting old, the miles are piled on and Jer's dad just got a new Jeep for a great deal, which made us think it was a good time to look. I guess we will wait for another 10 months and see if we can find something before all the models from the year are sold.
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December 27th: Back to work for me today. It was a quite day and besides getting follow up questions on Mid Year, it was quiet and slow. I will have a few days off next week...and can't wait.
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And here are the things planned for the remainder of the week:
1.) I need to get my butt into the scrapping gear and work on a few assignments
2.) I am starting physical therapy for my back on Thursday morning.
3.) I am planning on getting my Asian symbol (the symbol for happiness) tattoo with my coworker on Thursday late afternoon. Let's see if I chicken out. I saw this awesome add a while back where a woman had a cute little asian symbol on her foot. I instantly fell in love but I am a chicken, so we will see what happens. {AND I hope Wendy is not reading this, since I practically talked her and another coworker into going with me and we are ALL scheduled :)
4.) New Years is coming up... can't wait to get together with friends to ring in the New Year

And last but not least, I have some EXCITING NEWS I can't wait to share!!!!!!!!!!!Make sure to check back! Just a little longer....
Hugs!

Merry Xmas to you all

Just wanted to wish you all a Merry Xmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just finished cleaning and gift wrapping the last presents. Talked to my family in Germany who was already in the process of celebrating and surrounded by opened presents and gift wrapp everywhere! It's hard to imagine that they are already celebrating while we are still running around like crazy trying to get everything done!

I met with my dear friend Inken yesterday and we had such a lovely day. We went shopping, than scrapped at her house while watching our favorite German and American Christmas movies. In the evening we went to Starbucks and got coffee and turned the radio on listening to Xmas songs while doing a little light turn around the neighborhood. It was a blast. We were both singing, laughing, having the camera ready to capture the lights. One house in our neighborhood looks like the Northpole. The owners truely went all the way out! It's so amazing... we couldn't help just sit there and stare!

This evening we are going over to Jeremy's moms side of the family. All the uncles, aunts, cousins, grandma and friends gather and we have a big potluck and gift exchange. We are around 40 people and its always a lot of fun.

Tomorrow we have Jer's dad, his stepmom, her grandson, and grandma over to our home. We purchased a premade turkey dinner and we will be putting the birdie in tomorrow morning. The house looks xmasy, relaxing, and beautiful. Xmas music is playing and I feel so peaceful!
Just wanted to quickly take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Xmas! Enjoy, be good and spend a wonderful time with your loved ones!
Hugs from SYB

Oh NOOOO... I saw my xmas present by mistake!

I am really bad when it comes to presents. When I was younger I would try to unwrap the presents, take a peak and wrap them back up. When I got older I would ask so many questions, that by the time xmas rolled around I had a good idea what was inside the wrapped boxes.
The past 2 years I have been really good and got surprised! No more questions, just touching and feeling and most of the times I didn't know what it was. This year, dh and I agreed to only exchange something really small.
Yesterday evening I was on the PC doing some online banking when dh came in the room and tried rather unsuccessful to get me away from my PC. He finally said: "Get off the online banking... you are going to find out what I got you". My response was, "I am sure I won't - it's something small we agreed on and there are so many charges before xmas that I won't figure it out".... so I kept going! NOOOTTTT GOOOODDDD!!! All of a sudden I saw a rather expensive charge from our local photo store. "Jer, what did you buy at the photo store"? Poor guy was standing in the door way with such a disappointed face that I almost started crying. DUH!!!! He explained that he wanted to surprise me and that he had it all planned out to give me a present on Xmas Day.
OH NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. I felt so terrible! I had ruined his sweet surprise plan and I had ruined my surprise. I dont know if we both laughed more or cried more....
SO Todays ADVISE:
1.) Don't pay anything with your ATM card! Take out cash! No money trail
2.) Women - DO under NOOOOOO circumstances do your online banking BEFORE XMas! Just wait a few days and do it AFTERWARDS!!!

Quick and inexpensive xmas presents

I was thinking long and hard what Jer and I could give away as handmade presents this year. You see, Jer's family is fairly big (6 uncles and aunts, and each of them has 2 kids, plus grandparents, mom, dad, stepmom, stepdad, just to name a few). So by the time xmas rolls around we are usually so broke that our presents to each other are reduced to stocking stuffers. The year before last, we decided to start making handmade presents. A little something for the adults that is from the heart but doesn't leave us stranded. In prior years we made soaps and candles, last year we gave away tons of tile coasters and this year we decided to make frames with pictures. So here is the result. I think it took me longer to edit the photos in photoshop and print them than to put the pattern paper and the ribbon on the frames. And the best, the frames were a bargain and can be found at Michaels. So if you are still struggeling to find presents... a quick, easy, and handmade alternative.
Enjoy!!!

11 more days, can you believe it?

11 more days and it's Xmas Eve. I can't believe it how time is passing and the sad thing is that I am not at all in xmas spirit. We just barely got the tree up last week... Still need to purchase presents, finish handmade presents, the cards are on my desk but need to be written and mailed (wonder if I get them out before xmas this year LOL), and I am not sure if my back will allow me to bake what usually puts me in a complete xmas mood.
Need to call my friend Joe with whom I get together each xmas to bake. Yes, a guy and he makes the most delicious italian wedding cookies. Its the most fun day when we get together. we usually start early and sip on wine throughout the day and in the afternoon we giggle and laugh and to heck with the cookies. We are known as the italian/german team in our office and everyone is begging for cookies.
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Had a little downer today... My back is not getting better the speed I wish and although the acupuncture is helping immensly, it's putting a big old hole in our wallet right before xmas. But a girl with a bad back gotta do what a girl gotta do, right. So more needles in Friday :) Can you believe that I forgot the time for my appointment today. I called in to check what time I was supposed to be there, and expected them to put some needles in my head as well for "brain damage". LOL. Luckily they didn't. Whoever reads this and believes in positive prayer, please think of me. My best xmas present would be to stand up streight again and to be able to walk right. I am terrified that I will eventually have back surgery if things are not progressing.
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It seems like our contract at work is going to pass. I am so bummed and disappointed that people just take the easy road out. No one is willing to stand up anymore and take a stand for what they believe in. I am still talking to a few people but it seems like the boat is sinking and I feel discouraged. I sometimes wonder what was different in history and time when people did take a stand, no matter what they faced? I feel the best changes happened when people stood up and spoke out. Where would be be otherwise?
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There is something I am wishing for so badly right now that I can't seem to concentrate and get it out of my head. I guess it's wishful thinking, hoping for something that will disappear in no time like a big bubble that busts. Still hoping and praying...
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AND the COUNTDOWN IS ON.... 11 more days.... take a little time each day, sit down, listen to music, enjoy the lights, enjoy the xmas magic, and spend time with your loved ones!
Hugs to you all!

Bloglift :) What is your Holiday Style

So I blog-lifted this from my fellow ScrapsAhoy friend Julie "Getting to know your holiday style"

Here it goes:

Hot chocolate or egg nog: --> Hot chocolate whithout a doubt :)

Does Santa wrap the presents or just set them under the tree: --> Santa Syb does LOL

Colored or white lights on the tree/house: --> White lights on the tree this year. I would love to put white lights and blue lights on the outside of the house, but DH refuses to put lights up until we have our house painted (which may take another 5 years). So no lights outside - Bummer!

Do you hang mistletoe: --> Haven't hung any mistletoes this year, but we always end up under one at Jer's aunts house.

When do you decorate: --> Haven't really had a chance to decorate this year due to my back problems and slipped disks. Jer was a sweetie and put the tree up last Thursday and waited till I got home to decorate it. I helped with all the lower ornaments while sitting down. It was sweet and fun and I at least feel like I did a little bit of decorating this season. Usually I get insanly busy right after thanksgiving and put up the tree, put up lights and deco and candles throughout hte house. This year its a bit empty, but once the tree is turned on it still feels like xmas season.

What is your favorite Holiday Dish: --> I am a sucker for cookies and chocolate... so I have to go with all my mom's xmas bakery goodies. Unfortunately, I am no longer getting a taste of them. I usually end up baking 5 - 7 different kinds myself, but for some strange reason, they never taste quite as good as moms.

Favorite holiday memory as child: I remember that my sister Sabine and I always took a bath when "Santa" came to drop of presents. How sneaky is that for parents? One year I opened the back of my xmas chocolate calendar and ate all the chocolate on the first. Pretty smart for a first grader. I knew that mom would notice if I would open the front, so I opened up the back, ate them all and glued the whole thing back together. And no, I did not get away with it. If one chocolate would have been missing, maybe, but unfortunately the entire chocolate stock was gone.

When and how did you learn the truth about Santa: I think I was still in Kindergarten. I always thought that Santa looked either like my dad or like our neighbor. I was trying to believe that there is a real Santa out there, but once I went to first grade, I knew that my instincts back than were right.

What kind of cookies do you set out for Santa on Christmas Eve --> We dont set out cookies. I did not grow up with this tradition but would love to start it once we have a child. We have Santa Nicolaus on December 6th and always put our shoes out on December 5th. The next day they would be filled with oranges, nuts, and chocolate. Later when I grew older there would be little gifts in or next to my shoes.

Snow - love it or hate it: --> I love the snow, esp. around xmas time. Makes everything so magical. I so miss the snow. It's weird to celebrate xmas when its warm outside and there is no snow. I always loved the first snow of the year. We would go out and play in the snow for hours and than get home and have hot chocolate. Once I started driving, I loved the snow, but dreaded and feared the ice.

Can you ice skate? --> Sabine and I ice skated for the very first time when I was in first grade. back than we had an ice skate ring in town pretty much year around. We got ice skates for xmas and would go 3 - 4 times/month. We got pretty good. Not good enough to do anything fancy, but good enough not to fall down. I also remember that our first time going out was not dancing or to the club, but to the ice disco when we were in High School. Oh, fond memories, - so much fun and ....

Do you remember your favorite gift? --> I think my favorite gift on year (can't remember the exact year) was a camera. Sabine and I got the camera together what was a big mistake, because we could never agree on who could use it. Other than that, I think I always enjoyed all the gifts I got each year. No matter how big or little, they all had meaning to me.
what is the most important thing about the holidays for you: --> spending time with my dh and enjoying a peaceful, rememberable time together with other family members. Putting smiles on other peoples faces. Remembering the true meaning of xmas.

What is your favorite holiday desert? --> Drinking coffee and nipping on xmas coffee. When I grew up my mom and I would sit together each afternoon and have tea and coffee in the month of december and talk and talk for hours. I miss spending time with her and I miss spending the holidays with my family and my nieces. I was hoping to go back this year, but unfortunately things didn't work out. I am really sad that I am not able to go and spend this special time of the year with them.

What is your favorite holiday tradition: --> My favorite holiday tradition in Germany was to go to midnight mass on December 24th. We would have dinner at 5 or 6 p.m and afterwards open some of the presents. Than we would all get in our coats and go to church at midnight. Usually it would start snowing outside and the cold air and the light reflecting in the snowflakes were so unforgettable. I remember coming out of church and always feeling a sense of deep satisfaction, happiness and feeling complete.

Do you prefer giving or receiving? --> This might sounds strange, but I think I really enjoy giving. There is nothing sweeter than seeing the excitement and happiness in someone else's face. Dont take me wrong, I love to receive as well and I do appreciate each and every gift. Just thinking that someone went out of their way to make something for me or to purchase something for me, makes me feel so grateful. But if I could only give or only receive, I would definitely have to say giving. There is nothing sweeter than the look of joy in a childs or someones face. I would love to volunteer one year for xmas. To give back to people who have been less fortunate than I have been. Definitely something I need to do!

What is your favorite Xmas carol? My favorite song is "Silent Night" and "white Xmas". I could listen to it over and over and over again.

Candy canes, Yuck or Yum? --> Yuck

So, what is your xmas style?
Be Merry and Peaceful and ENJOY the magical month of December.

Our Trip to Grifftith Park Holiday Light Festival

Jer and I went to see the Xmas Lights at Griffith Park yesterday evening. It was the 10th Annual Holida Light Festival and since we were married in 1998, we haven't missed one year. It's our little tradition to get coffee, to drive one night before xmas to Glendale to see the lights and to see festive holiday decorations in the neighborhood. Love listening to christmas music and looking at lights. It completely brings you in the spirit...
After a 30 min. wait I noticed that my camera battery was low. Darnit. Stuff like that always happens to me. I need to be better prepared. Nevertheless, I was lucky and the battery lasted for all the pictures I wanted to take.

Finally Done- Our Kitchen

Here you go...finally done. The pictures don't really do any justice. It looks much better in person. I am so in love with our kitchen and I can't wait to start making some xmas cookies this year! The feel and atmosphere in there is relaxing, clean, everything has it's place... just the way I like it! (Now if I could just get the rest of my house organized like this LOL) EnJOY!!

Man, there is nothing better than scraptherapy

I finally was able to scrap again after nearly 3 weeks. It felt so amazing to sit down and to let it all out. To sit and create, to chat with my friend and to enjoy life. I met with Inken yesterday and after we did a little LSS field trip we went over to her house and scrapped all day till 1:30 a.m. It was a blast. At around 8 p.m. we moved the table in the living room and watched "Maedles vom Immenhof" and "Sissy" our all time favorite German movies. There is nothing better than having a friend who speaks your native languge, who shares your customs and your little memories from growing up :) So glad that I met Inken 1 1/2 years ago. I could not imagine my life without her anymore.
I will be uploading a few layout to my gallery on Monday. I am so excited... I got some xmas stuff and projects done and 4 layouts. So stop by if you have some time.
HUGS!
I am off to go see xmas lights with Jer in the neighborhood. We have this little tradition going that we do a driving tour each December. We get coffee, and see the lights at Griffith Park and than the candy cane lane in Pasadena. It's fantastic and truely brings us in the xmas spirit. ... and OUR TREE IS UP!!! Jer put it up on Thursday on his day off. I came home and it looked so nice and festive in the living room. Just gotta love xmas...

Update...

Feeling soooo much better. The acupuncture seems to help.
On a scale from 1 to 10, I felt a 10 last week and now I am down to a 5. I am slowly getting there... trying to be as good, as careful as possible.

Wrapped up our Mid Year budget today and it feels so darn good to know that I was able to go into work and not let my team down. We have one more meeting tomorrow morning to fine tune things and to give the doc some tender loving care, but that should be it. I am proud to say that I went in the office under pain but was able to get the work load done and accomplished. Feels good :)

And I am having a little scrapping planned for Friday. I am so excited. I haven't been able to really sit and scrap for nearly 3 weeks now and I am so darn excited to finally not only look at my stack but to play around a little bit. Keeping my fingers crossed that I am up to speed on Friday and that the pain level is continuing to go down. :)

Hugs!

Thank You...

THank you all for your sweet posts and emails! I am back to work as of yesterday. I am still walking hunched over and I am still in pain but it's nothing compared to the last week and a half.
I had my third acupuncture appointment yesterday and I really think that it has helped relieve some of the pain. I am scheduled for another one tomorrow and I start up with Physical Therapy next week. Just taking it one step at a time!

Haven't really had the chance to do any xmas fun stuff yet. Usually we would have the tree up, have some of our decoration out and feel xmasy all around, but this year just will be a little different. I am hoping that Jer is putting the tree up this weekend and that we can decorate it together. Luckily I am done with all my shopping for my family back home and the package is on it's way. One thing of the plate... now we just need to find some time to go out and purchase presents for the rest of the family here. I promise, if I am not doing better I am taking advantage of the internet :)

My birthday was very different from what I expected. I definitely will need to celebrate and get out and party once I am back to normal again. Inken my sweet friend was over and gave me company, so we at least had some laughter going! But how can you celebrate when you body is not playing along?

Definitely time to change a few things around:
* Time to relax and recup
* No more cleaning - Yes, we are hiring a crew every other week. So that hopefully will help and prevent me from lifting, bending, etc.
* Need to take things slow... no more rushing, and trying to get stuff done in between
* Need to try building up my stomach muscles and back muscles to support my spine
I am sure there is a lot more to do but just a few little things for now!

I was supposed to go to a Moonlighter last Friday with Inken, but I had to cancel. So much for knowing when your body is not up to speed. When would you ever drop the opportunity to crop away all night long?? I think I have never done this so far.

On another note... we are finally having our kitchen back. I am so excited. It's been such a long time since February since the Waterheater exploded and left us without a kitchen. First all the insurance struggle, than contractors, waiting for orders, etc. And now, we are finally HOME. Jer was a sweetie and cleaned it all out and put all the dishes away. What a keeper!!! I will post pics soon. It turned out so amazing... pretty much what I had envisioned all along and what had kept us going.

So what does a girl do when she did nothing but lay down for nearly 2 weeks?? I think I have read about 4 books, have watched TV as never before and my limit in sleeping is about exceeded LOL. I am soooooooo ready to get moving again... keeping those fingers crossed that things progress and that I am back to normal in a few weeks and than keeping those fingers crossed that the next "attack" is not any time near!!!!
Thanks again for all your well wishes! A kind word can put a big smile on someones face. Pay it forward!!!!

Seeing the world from a different angle and hoping for a bday miracle

I never thought I would have had to say that seeing the world from a different angle can open your eyes to so many things.
But it has and still does...

I am currently walking in a 120% - 130% angle, meaning that my upper body is bend forward and once again I have to use my cane. It all started last week on Tuesday... I felt a slight cramp in my leg but tried to ignore it. Wednesday it continued and on Thanksgiving I already was walking bend over. On Friday my entire body was in so much pain that every move hurt. Sitting, laying, walking... nothing felt right and each move brougth tears to my eyes. My friend Inken (what a godsend) had me in for a chiropractor appointment on Friday evening after she heard me almost crying on the phone. They gave me a massage and some ice treatment which gave a little relieve for a few hours, but at nighttime I was back in excrucitaing pain. Saturday morning I went back to the chiropractor and hoped for a miracle as it was Jer's birthday. But the miracle didn't happen. I tried to drag myself around for a little bit to give a little Joy to Jer on his birthday but even though I wanted to pretend that I am ok, I was not able to and I ended up in bed in the late afternoon. Poor guy! I still feel so terrible for not being able to give him a birthday he truly deserved! The only position that felt right was to lay on my side with my legs up to my chest. But even that started to get painful after a few hours. All the pain pills didn't help and Sunday was pure terror. I called my doctor yesterday to see if I could get the epidural shots, but without much success. Although I found out that I have 2 slipped disks and not just one, he wants me to try PT one more time. I finally scheduled an appointment with an acupuncurist for this evening. My boss has been talking very highly of acupuncurist treatments and has recommended to me to see one since my last back "attack". Back than the pain was bad, but not bad enough for me to have someone put needles in me all over my body. Yesterday I felt pain that I never thought would be possible. My entire body just felt like a big cramp and each move brought tears to my eyes. I heard from a few other friends and people I know that acupuncure has really helped relieve some pain. So now I am waiting paiently to go in and to get the needle treatment. I am still freaked out about the needles but if it helps, I really dont care that much right now anymore. Just want to get better and hopefully be able to stand up on my birthday tomorrow. I can not imagine spending my 33rd birthday in bed all drugged up with pain pills. So wish me good luck this evening and pray that they dont only do a consultation but actually relieve me of some of my pain! I will post an update soon!
Anyhow, life really looks quite different from my current position. Dont ever take for granted the way you move, the easiness with which you sit in a chair or drive, the simple moves to open a cabinet or the fridge, the peaceful sleep you get each night... The only thing I am praying for at this moment is to be able to move around painfree! To feel like a person again ... and to see the miracles my body is able to perform. I know that this was given to me with some sort of purpose... things dont just happen without a reason... and although the main reason is not clear to me right now, I have learned that a nice word, a hug, being there for someone in pain can go a long way! Thanks for your kind words and for your support! You have no idea how much that helped during a period like this!
You are my angles! THank YOU!!!

Update..

I have totally neglected this blog lately and you know what....
I DON'T feel guilty one bit!
Life is crazy as it is... With the holidays coming up, I am simply having my focus on other things:
Preparing for Thanksgiving
Getting my kitchen finally done (It's done and I only need to do the clean sweep and move everything back in - photos will follow once I did the clean sweep)
Finished our kitchen yesterday (chaulking the baseboards, moldings, patching a few spots on the wall and touch up paint) - It felt so darn good to have that paint brush back in my hands... and I am finally ready to tackle the last room that needs remodeling
Preparing and enjoying the holidays
Baking xmas cookies
Sitting in front of the fireplace just sipping a cup of tea and watching xmas movies
Spending time with friends scrapbooking
And finally finding time to read again... I miss sitting down with a good book and completely loosing track of time and place...

Just wanted to popp in and wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving. I will post pics of the kitchen once I am done moving in. But I am going to take it easy, at my pace and enjoy the process.

I love my new QuicKutz

I have been having my eyes on a QuicKutz for some time now...
I really, really had my heart set on one of the new squeeze tools and when I saw the studio font and the punctuation set, I couldn't help and knew I had to have one. The only problem was the $$ part. How could I possibly right before xmas justify a purchase like that?
Last week my LSS had 20% of everything in the store... I broke down! I now longer was able to resist and I am now the new proud owner of a black squeeze tool and the studio font! I think I haven't been as excited about a scrapbook purchase as I am with this tool. I can't stop using it, I love it, and I am anxiously awaiting my punctuation set (preordered) in the mail! Take a peak... aren't these just to die for??

New contract proposal and my thoughts...

It usually takes a lot to really set me of, but today is one of those days!!!
See, two years ago my bargaining union had to vote on a proposal to go from hourly employee with overtime benefits to salary. Back than some of the roughly 170 members of our bargaining union worked a lot of overtime having to go to night meetings and having crush times during budget time which required more than 14 + hours a day. The salary part was "sold" to us that although we no longer qualify for overtime we would have the professional freedom of working our own hours as long as the work gets done, f. ex. staying late for a few weeks and than taking a few hours here and there to make up for all the extra hours. In addition our team was given a performance bonus based on how you performed throughout the year but with them emphasis on working above and beyond your job duties. Although I was against the salary status and bonus, the majority of our bargaining union voted for it.
I somehow knew that there were problems arising that not everyone had thought of when the salary part was sold to us as follows: "You only have to account for full days (absent or present), and if you come in for 2 hours, you do not have to mark it on your time sheet. Most people already knew that that was not possible, since they had to be there for customer contact, or for meeting or simply to get the regular work done. However, that was the language used to sell us the contract.
One week ago we got a new proposal. The proposal is as follows:
* Each member gets an additional two non cashable days
* The following language will be added to our contract:
So far it reads: You only have to account for FULL days of absences
Contract proposal would read: You have to account for full days of absences if you are not showing up to work and for 1/2 days if you work less than 4.5 hours.

I don't think I remember one day in my entire work history that I have worked less than 4.5 hours, not to mention that I only use the flexibility benefit if I have a doctors appointment that I can not schedule during off time or after hours. So I most likely would not directly be affected by this contract change if voted for, but and here is the BIG BUT, I am stunned and it boggles my mind that members would seriously think of all of a sudden making changes to a language that was the selling point of our contract when going from hourly to salary. I don't abuse the contract, I don't leave before working my full 9 hours day, BUT I would currently have the freedom to leave early once I have my work done and in case I had an emergency or any situation that would require me to leave work after a few hours. In addition I know that if I am required to work longer hours, I no longer get overtime or accrue off time. So it just seems fair that you have the flexibility originally promised versus putting in long hours during crunsh times.
This new proposal appears to me as if we have a status between salary and hourly but dont get the flexibility that was originally promised and no longer get overtime that hourly employees get.
Now, I am a responsible worker... as I mentioned before...
The language was proposed to us since 10 out of 170 members apparently abuse the system. Quite frankly.... sounds more like a management problem than a bargaining union issue to me. If the work doesn't get done a manager should talk to the employee and if that doesn't help lower the performance bonus, etc.
But no! Instead of going back to the 10 who cause the problem this new proposal was given to us...
The feeling at the meeting was mixed.... some for it, others against it... not sure how the contract will be voted on....
But here are a few points from the people who are for this new proposal:
* Great, I dont work overtime, and I get two additional days, really dont care what was voted on 2 years ago
* I dont understand why you dont love the proposal... how could you vote down only having to work 25 hours weekly.
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My take on it is as follows: First of all I do care what was voted on 2 years ago. It was the selling point and although I dont use it, it's what it is
Secondly, how could you possibly think that working 25 hours is going to be ok! It's not.. but this new proposal would restrict us in case of emergencies way more than the original contract.
See if I work 5 hours longer one evening due to a meeting or due to crunsh time and have a doctors appointment the next day that requires me to leave 5 hours earlier... you would think its all a wash... but with the new contract it's not any longer... with the new contract I would have to take 1/2 day vacation althought I did put in the hours required and even showed flexibility by staying longer!

The deal is, I have to account with 1/2 day vacation if I leave before having worked 4.5 hours. HOWEVER, I do not get 1/2 day back if I stay 4.5 hours longer or work in the evenings or on th weekends.
So how come people are only concerned about what best benefits them.... why don't they worry about some of the people who are required to work long hours or work on the weekend... why are they not worried about giving parts of a contract back that was the major selling point 2 years ago... because all of a sudden they get 2 additional days.... boggles my mind.
And YES, I WILL VOTE NOOOOOOOO on this proposal... not that I think it will help, but just because I strongly think that after we got sold the professional salary part with flexibility and only having to account for full days (although I dont really use it), it's the principle that after 2 years they want to take back what was the selling item. So what is next... going back to hourly but not getting overtime?
I am curious to see how this turns out... but for some reason I am having a real bad feeling!
And yes, some of you may roll their eyes since they do not have contracts or such, but just imagine you did have the privilege, wouldn't you want to keep what was originally promised? I don't abuse it, I put in my hours and more, and therefore I do not feel bad for saying this new proposal really stinks

One word

Got this email from my dear friend Tasha a week ago... you should give it a try... it's really funny what kind of responses you get back and goes down like butter for one's ego :)

One Word
Describe me in one word - just one. Send it to me (only me), then forward this email to your friends and see how many strange things people think about you.

So these are a few of the responses I got:
Loyal (from Inken)
Lucky (from Simone)
Sincere (from Alissa)
Amazing (from Jen)
Passionate (from Assi)
Strong (from Jer)
Sweet (from Tasha)
Artistic (from Mona)
Vivacious (from John) had to check that one in the dictionnary ;)
Creative (from Jane)
And the strange response was from my co worker Bob:
Red (LOL) Still laughing... so all he thinks of is apparently my hair color when describing me in one word!

Special Elections

... yeap, we are having a special election in California today and I am NOT allowed to vote!!! What a bummer! I am not a political fanatic (trust me), but I wish I could put in a vote as well to make my "little" voice heard. Not that one vote really matters, but still, gives you the feeling you at least participated, although I am not sure how much one vote really matters.

You probably wonder, why I am not allowed to vote: well, it's pretty simple... I am not an American citizen. I was born and raised in Germany and when I got married in August 1998 to my dh, we went through the entire visa process, embassy doctors, etc. to get a permanent resident card. The card was good for two years. After those two years we had to get in line at the INS and reapply for a more permanent status that I obtained back than. Although I am allowed to work, pay taxes, and am legal liable, I have no say in the political direction this country is taking. I am not upset and have no hard feelings that I am not allowed to vote, and completely understand the fact that this "privilege" is only for American citizens. However, I am saddened to hear that only about 25% voted so far. Projections were an estimated 40%, but the polls are still open till 8 p.m., so the percentage might go up as time passes.

A lot of people are not interested in politics... understandable... pretty boring and a lot of bs to listen too. However, this is everyone's chance to participate, to voice their opinions ... And it saddens me to hear that people are taking it so easily and giving up their voice because they are not interested in politics, don't want to bother, and are too busy to go to the poll or fill out an absenty ballot.

I am not going into what party I believe in and whom I would have voted for... it's not really that simple. First of all I believe that both sides LIE... and secontly you are basically voting for someone you feel you agree on more points with, not necessarily on the entire philosphy, if that makes any sense.

NEWSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

So this is how we have been housing the past months (since May) - Truly NO FUN!!!



And this is what happened today! We finally got the countertop! Still missing the backsplash and sinks, but we are getting there! So darn excited!!!



And yes, I can't wait to finally move in there and start having a "real" life again :)

You know you are living in 2005 when...

I got this forwarded at work a few weeks ago and had to laugh.... so true!

YOU KNOW YOU ARE LIVING IN 2005 when...

1. You accidentally enter your password on the microwave.

2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.

3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of 3.

4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.

5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have e-mail addresses.

6. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home to help you carry in the groceries.

7. Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen.

8. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it.

10. You get up in the morning and go on line before getting your coffee.

11. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. : )

12. You're reading this and nodding and laughing.

13. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message.

14. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list.

15. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this list.

AND NOW U R LAUGHING at yourself.

GOOD, laugh at yourself, that's what I did and it feels darn good!!!!

Maine ROCKS...

The new destination is up... we are travelling to Maine this month at Scrapsahoy and the gallery is rocking. Go check it out...
Crew Gallery
My layouts
TFL, Syb

Fall backwards

and enjoy an extra hour today!!!! Just gotta love fall for that. Snuggled in bed this morning with nice warm blankets around me and had fun looking at the alarm clock knowing that I got an extra hour!!!!!
*
The kitchen is still a work in progress... but
we ORDERED the granite and hopefully will have it installed sometime next week. Moving along.... rather slow ... If I learned something out of this experience it's patience and gosh, I am truly not the most patient person! But I am getting better (lol), - not much of a choice, huh? I will post updated photos shortly.
*
Monday is Halloween, and I so feel like sneaking a little kid from somewhere to take her/him trick or treating. Times like this I wish my nieces were living closer. I would love to dress them up and wander from house to house and take pics in between (and NO, I will not sneak a kid, just wishing I had one to enjoy the fun of trick or treating with).
*
Enjoy the rest of the weekend and have fun trick or treating!

There is a first for everything...

I got my Scrapsahoy assignments done before the last day of the month. Gasping for air, LOL! Usually I am procrastinating until the last minute, but this month I finally planned ahead. Go check out the new destination and uploads on the FIRST of November!!!! I can't wait to see all the eyecandy everyone has created!!! ... I will share my layouts here or post a link once they are revealed. Be on the look out ;)

Guess what I am looking at...

Yes, I have had my eyes on an ipod for almost a year now. Originally I "hearted" the ipod photo but than apple just came out with the new ipod video 30 gb. And dh surprised me with it last weekend {what a KEEPER}. And yes, Assi, the picture on the bottom really shows what I am seeing on my ipod right now!!!! BONO {just had to download "it's a beautiful day" video by U2} and you can betcha that little baby is playing non stop ;)
After the initial problems, I finally figured out how to get my music on there. Now I just need to figure out a way to get some videos (other than music videos) on this little baby.
It's so slim and light... just loving everything about it. Luckily I read a lot of reviews on the apple site before taking it out of the box... was warned that it scretches really easily, so I left the clear sticker on and have it in a little case for protection.
And yes, it serves as external hard drive too... so I can purchase a photo adapter and have my photos transfered on the ipod when travelling. No more spending $$$ on extra disks. I am in heaven with my little baby. And best of all... after lurking at it for nearly a year, I am feeling as much joy as a kid in a candy store. Now I just need to get a few more songs on there... my little baby only shows about 70 songs... Shhhhh....

I am back

... here I am again! It's been a while! I have been in a funky mood lately and my back is bothering me really bad that I just didn't feel I had anything to say other than blabla, blabla....
I have real problems writing down how I feel sometimes. Not the fun stuff, that comes easily, but the ugly truth, feelings, being bumped about something and just sharing what we all experience every so often! Right now I think I am in a funk because

1.)it's getting closer to the holidays and Jer and I had planned on going back home to Germany to spend xmas and New Years with my mom/dad and my sister and her family. Well things didn't work out. We are not going, and I am just sad, homesick, and feel this big empty feeling inside me!

2.) I did a layout about my little niece a few weeks ago and while I was working on it, the title suddenly read "It's been 2 years"... What the heck! It's so weird to put it in writing! I think for the first time I realized how long it's been that I have seen them and I am afraid they grow up and I am missing the whole thing. I know it's my fault, that I am not there, but here... I choose to relocated to be with Jer and although there were times we were thinking of moving back to Germany we ended up deciding that it was best to stay here. After we purchased our home 2 1/2 years ago it is pretty clear that we will be living here. Nevertheless, this doesn't make things easier. I have huge, huge feelings of guilt to the point that I feel that they might think I abandonned them. I am afraid that they don't know me, their aunt, and that one day I will have major regrets that I missed out on so many firsts for them.

3.) I am feeling like my body is falling apart. My back is bothering me so much and I am literally afraid to lift the lightest thing. Our home is pretty much a mess, as I don't want to do a powerclean and than be on the floor for another week. I can't wait for the "haunted" kitchen to finally be done, so we can start getting a cleaning service in here every two weeks. Jer and I agreed that we just need to stick to our budget and make this work. It's important, as he is working full time, is going back to school full time, I am working full time and my back is more important to heal than to continuously getting aggrevated again by bending, and moving things. So definitely looking forward to starting this once the kitchen is finally done. Sounds like such a pure heaven to me right now, and I am so willing to save on other stuff to make this happen.

4.) Getting a little stressed out about the upcoming holidays. It's a season that I love the most of the year, but with it comes the stress of getting everything done. Getting gifts, mailing them off, making cards, putting up decoration, etc. I think I just need to step back this year and enjoy the process... instead of rushing to getting it all done, I need to relax and take a step a day and if things don't get done, I just need to breath and let it go. Not sure what happened... in prior years I always loved the rush, the craziness, the prepping... to be honest I was in my best element when under stress, but lately I am not. I am dreading it. I am dreading stress, I am enjoying calmness, relaxation, spending quality time with family and friends and all the other stuff seems to be just stuff that needs to be done... and bottom line just stuff...

5.) I am sick to my stomach when I look at all the scrapping stuff I have accumulated over the years. I finally made a decision last week when I got together with some friends... to purchase less and to use more. Here we are ... 2 of my friends and I sleeping all our inventory over to each other houses to scrap, most of the stuff never even touched that evening but nevertheless it all had to come, while one of my friends came with this one ArtBin and one little bag. My idol, I swear. Thats the way I want to pack, the way I think is much more efficient. All the things are just draining... and it seems like a never ending story. You want something, you get it and than you file it away and you need something else. I have stamps and stickers and paper that I have only touched once - to move it from the bag they were in after I purchased them into my crop'n style furniture. Some things are still in packages... Why, oh why am I so addicted to purchase new stuff when the old is just as good? So my resolution is to use what I have rather than to accumulate even more. I am allowed to purchase adhesive, but will need to stick with all the other stuff I have at home. I think I could scrapbook for a few years to come without ever having to buy another piece of cardstock, pattern paper or embellishment. [How insane and sick is that??]

OK, feeling much better to finally have put in words what has bothered me those last few days/weeks. Now that I have it in black/white, I can start to work towards finding solutions and getting myself out of this funk. I think I will start a gratitude list... a list of things that I am grateful for each day, something that shows me that my little black moments are nothing compared to what other people are struggling with and going through.

So for today:
***** I am grateful to have a loving and supportive husband and friends who are loyal and whom I can count on - I feel truly blessed for these people in my life who make me smile, who are there for me to lean on when I need to, who have an open ear, and who are giving me strenght and support, no matter what. THANK YOU - you know who you are and I just wanted to say that you bring color and happiness in my life! Love you!!!! ******************

New layouts

.... wow, now this is a first LOL! I actually uploaded layouts to my gallery that I just recently did! I am so bad with uploading stuff.... usually I just make it to upload my destination layouts but lag behind in between months... so take a peak
My layouts

Sorry no updates...

With all the rain lately I am "really" lazy! I just rather snuggle up in front of the TV with a blanket and be a coach potatoe!!! I had to force myself to go to photoclass yesterday evening! Much rather would have driven home and enjoyed the rain from inside the house! Sorry, updates to follow once I am getting out of this "rainy" weather funk ;)

Finally Friday!!

Finally, finally Friday!!!!!!!!!! I have been looking forward to this days two weeks now. How pathetic, huh? To live from one Friday off to the next... counting days in 2 week increments! Yes, that's me! To be honest I couldn't even imagine working 5 day work weeks every day. The short weekends that I have ever other week don't even seem like "real" weekends anymore! Only the 3 day weekends! Yes, I know I am spoiled!!! That's why we are working 9 hour days every day to have that extra day off and between you and me, I would go for 10 hour days to have every Friday off! ... even better... I would like to have every day off, but don't see that happening anytime soon {or ever}.
*
Today is a day to celebrate:
INKEN is finally coming back from vacation!!!! While she is probably in the airplane dreading the end of her vacation, I am sitting here excited to finally having her back! I missed you girlie!!!! You have no idea how many withdrawals I went through LOL!
*
Getting together with some of my friends to do "girlie stuff" - probably shopping, scrapping, dinner,...
*
Off to play... have a great Friday and a happy weekend!!!

Talk about getting slapped...

OK, so I survived the dermatologist! Now I clearly remember why I didn't go for 2 1/2 years!!! I can imagine a million things that sound more thrilling than standing half naked in front of a doctor who examines your skin inch for inch! YIKES!!!... and of course, first question of his mouth was
Doc:"So are we wearing sunscrean every day?" You know you are in the high category of developing skin cancer... just look at that red hair and those green eyes! Fair complexion...
Me:....hustle, hustle, hmmmm, not really, sometimes, but not every day!!!!
Doc:Well I suggest you slap that sunscrean on every day my dear!
Me:thinking to myself "didn't know I was his dear, but whatever"
*************************************
Definitely major embarrassment.... and as I thought..they always find something to cut out. What is it with dentist and dermatologists??? I never seem to leave their office without having some sort of "work" done!
Anyways, he removed a mole the size of a pencil eraser from the back of my leg. He said it's probably nothing... {just wondering why it had to go than??}
...and now I am basically waiting for a nice little postcard telling me in 10 days that it's nothing. If I get a call from their office it's back for more cutting!!!! So the way to go is definitely getting that postcard!!!

.... and being a "responsible" redhead, got my 50 sunscrean from the pharmacy to slap it on baby!!!! {{so much for getting into the fall spirit, huh}}

Off to see the dermatologist

YEAP, I officially scheduled an appointment and I took today off to go see him to have all my moles and freakles checked... the full nine yards so to say. The appointment is in the middle of the day, so I figured it was better to take a vacation day than wait another month until I get another appointment. I have let this one go for way too long.. Being a redhead with tons of freakles just puts me in the top class for possible skin cancer down the road... After my boss just got diagnosed with melagnoma, I knew I had to go and take care of something I had been pushing away for 2 1 /2 years now. I hope everything is fine {not worried at this time, but than again, you never know and its important to get checked out every so often}. Not thrilled of having my body examined, but what can you do, huh? I hope they don't have to take something out. Just not good with needles and all that stuff.
*
Thinking back...
My mom has always been really good with protecting her little redheaded daughter with SPF 50 sunscrean. I didn't launch in the sun as other people did in the 80, simple because I knew I would look like a fried chicken at the end of the day and my skin would turn dark red rather than the desired effect of brown. Looking back, I am grateful that I was careful in those earlier days, although I still had my fair share of excruciating painful sunburns. I fell asleep on the beach one day back in the 90 and the pain I felt when I woke up was about the worst I have ever felt in my life. My back felt like it had major burn marks and ever move and skin stretching brought tears to my eyes. I remember I barely was able to sit for 2 weeks... Lesson learned!
Nowadays I avoid the sun as much as I can. However, there are still plenty of times when you can't hid from it! So that's why I am going to get checked out! As a precaution, to make sure that my milk like complection is not damaged in a harmful way. I also noticed a mole/freakle that is darker than all the other ones right over my eye. It's hard to see and to be honest I have no idea how long it has been there. You can only see when I close that eye! YEAH, that's my problem! Not knowing what the heck is a freakle and what is a mole! Wish me luck!!!

Pumpkin Patch

After we were stuck in the house all day waiting for our appliances to be delivered, Jer and I were in desperate need to get out for a little bit. We decided to go to the pumpkin patch near Pierce College. It was a blast! Unfortunately, it was after 7 and right after we got there, it started getting really dark... yikes! So much for taking pics! Nevertheless, got this cute shoot of dh!!! Played a little bit in photoshop elements and tried to take the colors out but leave the color of the pumpkins...Not really happy yet, ... need to play a little more, but wanted to upload it anyways.

I love fall... it's one of my favorite seasons (although it's still dang hot here in California). Below is a little list of why I love fall:
* love that it finally gets a little bit colder (gradually, but we will get there :)
* love to get out the sweaters - just thinking of it give me a feeling of relaxation
* love to cuddle underneath a blanket and watch a good movie
* love the smell of candles - not sure why I don't get in the mood to burn candles during the summer, but can't get enought during fall and winter
* love sipping a good cup of tea in the evening
* anticipating Thanksgiving and Christmas!

I think my favorite months of the year are November and December. I love the holidays.
* getting together with friends, family... for the holidays
* working on handmade xmas cards
* all the wonderful smells from the kitchen
* baking homemade cookies
* cider and hot cocoa
* taking a tour to look at xmas lights
* listening to xmas music
* gift wrapping presents
* rain

Things I don't care that much for during that season:
* packed department stores
* the rush to purchase presents
* my workload at works starts picking up at the beginning of November and stays crazy until April
* and last but definitely NOT LEAST... I am getting insanely homesick during these two months! I miss my family so much, miss the xmas atmosphere in Germany and all the little traditions and odds and ends... I am trying to recreate as much as I can, but it's still not the same.

Jer and I had originally planned on going HOME to Germany for xmas. Things are not looking good at this time... Mostly because Jer did not get off work during xmas and even if someone who has more senority than he does changes his mind at this point, we probably won't get a flight anymore or it's way too expensive.

A little time to play

... while waiting for the appliances we are stranded at home.. time to play with some of my scrapbooking goodies :)
* 2 Thank you cards
* playing with my Rusty Pickle papers
* 1 layout with Scenic Route papers and 1 with my new KI papers
... will post more later!

Catching up...

Haven't posted since Tuesday. This week has been flying by without me even noticing:
* Physical Therapy on Wednesday. My very first group session. Weird, to have 5 - 7 people in the same room and doing exercises, but hey, if it helps, I really don't mind. The therapist was hilarious! He kept telling us one joke after another and made us laught and not focus on our pain! What a true jewel!
* Had a wonderful laugh therapy that evening while chatting with my friend Tasha! So love these weekly phone calls girlie! Love ya!!!... and you know I am cheering for the D2X LOL!!!!
* Photoclass on Thursday evening! Our teacher is the proud new owner of the 5D - wowzer. The display area in the back is huge compared to the 20D and the good thing has 12 megapixels. He had us all hold and play with the camera for a little bit!
* Date night with dh yesterday. We haven't been to the movies in ages it seems, so we decided to go yesterday evening. I so wanted to see "In your shoes" and although I knew it was a girlie flick, dh agreed to watch it. The first 30 min. were bad and I felt horrible for slepping him in that movie. But after the first 30 min. the story got really interesting and at the end half of the theatre started clapping. I think I sniffed and had tears running down my cheeks a few times in between! A great story about family, relationships and what can go wrong and what it takes to get it right. Very touching!!!
* Waiting for our appliances to be delivered... yeap, today is the day! All we are waiting for after that is the granite countertop and the installation of sinks and faucets. So close... yet so far away :)

MRI update

... I know it's been a while since I had my MRI done - to be exact a little over a month. ... but I did not get the results until today:
Per MRI I have a SLIPPED DISK! To be honest, I am still in shock. I know the pain was bad, but I never thought it was that serious! ... so continuing to do physical therapy.. and hoping that I won't do the wrong body movement and hurt myself. Based on what the doctor told me, I don't have to have surgery for now, unless the pain comes back and stays persistently. So keeping my fingers crossed that I NEVER have to go through that! I have heard so much bad stuff about back surgery that I will do my hardest to prevent that... off to doing a little research and trying to find out what else I can do to prevent future pain and making wrong movements! If anyone has any suggestions, please leave me a post or send me an email.
Thanks so much in advance for any recommendations!!!

I am doing the Happy Dance :)

YES I AM!!!!! You probably wonder what the "heck" has happened to me... to be honest NOTHING LOL!!! But I am still so excited and so proud of my dh Jer! He got a call today from the University of Phoenix where he recently started his 3 year adventure to obtain a bachelor's degree in IT. Well, his guidance counselor called him today and told him that he got so many transfer credits (due to work experience, army, etc.) that his 3 years will be cut in HALF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, in H*A*L*F!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am soooooooo flipping excited that I nearly jumped up to the ceiling!
How cool is it to know that my dh is going to have a bachelor's degree in 1 1/2 years. And since there will be some VA money left NOW since he is only drawing for 1 1/2 instead of 3 years he is thinking of doing the masters program right afterwards!
{and what am I thinking?? LOL, cranking out babies and staying home LOL}. YEAP, ME!!! Well, let's rephrase this a little, - don't want to go overboard... I think baby in singular is totally and completely fine for now. We will see what life will hold in stock for us, but for now I am just too excited and happy for my HUBBY! Knowing that he can get that diploma in 1 1/2 years sounds so sweet and he was so excited when he told me on the phone!!!! So congrats darling! So PROUD of you!!!! ... you are going to hold the paper in your hands before you know it, but until than I am right here to support you every step of it!!!!

RAK from Rusty Pickle and Margo

Oh my words... I am still so VERY TOUCHED!!!!I got a really sweet, special, and unexpected surprise today. I opened our front door and found a stack of papers and goodies from Rusty Pickle. At first, I thought there was some sort of error that these ended up on my doorstep, but my name was clearly identified on the package. Hmmmm, picking my brain... I hadn't ordered anything and hadn't participated in any contests that could warrant these supplies, and the company that sent the goodies was clearly marked as Rusty Pickle. I emailed Jen to see if this was Scraps Ahoy related, but learned that that was not the case. I finally eamiled Margo who is on the Rusty Pickle Design Team and asked her if she knew if there was some sort of error or if she knew what these goodies were for. ... AND I learned that Rusty Pickle had just started a RAK program and that Margo had picked me as her first recipient. Margo darling - THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH!!!! I feel so honored and I am completely in love with all the goodies!!!! A GIGANTIC THANK YOU TO YOU my dear and to Tasha and Lance from Rusty Pickle. YOU SO MADE MY DAY!!!!! I can't wait to start playing and I will be uploading my creations to Scraps Ahoy soon.
THANK YOU SOOO MUCH AGAIN... I "heart" YOU!!!!

SA October - MEXICO

This month we headed to Mexico with Scrapsahoy
Below are my destination layouts. Check out the site to view all the amazing layouts from the rest of the crew! Truly amazing and rocking the "ship".











Thanks for looking!

Quick update

Fires in San Fernando Valley: ...the last few days have been crazy!!! We had brush fires in Chatsworth, Calabasas, Burbank and in the San Fernando Valley. I left the house this morning to get a cup of coffee at Starbucks and the air just smells like smoke. There are smoke particles and dust on the streets and sidewalks ...
Our house was not in danger but the homes of so many others. One of them was my girlfriends home. The had left for a vacation on Monday and I received their phonecall on Thursday morning that they would come back home as their home was evacuated. I called the guards at their community and throughout the day the evacuation was lifted, just to be put back on one hour later. Luckily this morning it was lifted again and it looks like their community will be fine. What a scare... I can only imagine how they must have felt to get this news on their trips... being away in another country and not knowing what is going on must be nerve wracking to say the least.
I haven't heard any news on the other fires, but I hope and pray that they as well have died down and that everyone can return to their homes. What a scare!!!!

Photofield Trip: We took our first official field trip yesterday evening with the photo class I am taking. It was a bit crazy as we were heading to Brand Library. Brand Library is located on the hillside and while driving there another brush fire started and we were literally heading towards that direction instead of the other way. Since the area was not evacuated, we walked around the library archades and shot pictures of the beautiful architecture, landscape, etc. I still have to take a peak at what I ended up with, but I think I got a few great shoots out of it. We did a Firmware update in class afterwards. I was so glad that our teachers assisted us as I read the instructions online and nearly started to panick.

Today I am off!!! YEAH! So relieved that this week is over... it has been everything but relaxing and calm. I will need to work on some assignments for tomorrows upload and hopefully meet with Margarita later. Ang and Inken are out of town, so our bi-weekly Friday sessions are out of sync :)

Happy Friday everyone!

Goooooo Dodgers

We (Ang, Scott, Daniel, Jer and I) went spontaneously to a Dodger's game yesterday evening. Jer and I used to go quite often about 2 - 3 years ago, but when we moved into our fixer/upper we spent most weekends working on the house and haven't been to a game in a long (TOO long) time. Love being in the stadium... love to people watch, love to bit in a dodgerdog, love to watch the game, just love everything about it! Too bad we started going right at the end of the season! ... but there is always a next year!

Kitchen Update

These are the latest photos of our kitchen. The cabinets are all installed, the moldings are finished. We are waiting for someone to come out and measure the countertop area, waiting for the appliances to be delivered and installed. The final touch will be the baseboards. Looking good - can't wait to start cooking in our new kitchen. And who knows, maybe, but just maybe I will transform into a domestic goddess after all (don't count on it though :)

Our new appliances

Below are the appliances we purchased on Friday evening at Lowe's. All stainless steel. Should take about 10 business days until they are in :)





THANKS MOM & DAD for your more than GENEROUS contribution!!!! We love you!!!!

Ordering completed

Argh, I hate to purchases in masses! Worst, going to the cash register and seeing a lot of zeros behind the purchase.
We just got back from Lowe's and spent a small fortune, but we are the proud owners of
* a new stainless steel Fridge
* a new stove
* a new microwave
* and a new dishwasher
All the appliances are ordered and should be here within the next 10 business days. And we made arrangements to have someone come out to measure our countertops for the granite. I think we spent nearly 2 hours at Lowe's. I am exhausted, tired and at the end leaned towards being grumpy. I hate to spend this much time in a store (unless of course it's shopping for something fun, like scrapping supplies, music, books, cloths). But APPLIANCES, dah!!! Still excited as it's going to look so nice thought but just not the patient kind when it comes to waiting and getting technical information. All done and taken care off - UFZ!!!!! ... ready to move on to the fun things in life :)

Fridays are the best

... it's either payday or I am off!!! So every Friday is a good day :)

I met with my parents in law today for lunch. Paul has his radiation sessions around the corner from where I work, so we all decided to meet up for lunch: Paul, Deborah and I. It was so good to see them and I have to say that he is looking fabulous. I am so darn proud of him, proud because he is working so hard on keeping his body in shape and exercising while going through radiation therapy. He is working so hard on staying strong to fight the cancer. He has more sessions through November and I am praying that the cancer is gone by than and that he is given a clean bill of health. We went to Mrs. Winston and had a wonderful time sitting outside, eating, chatting and just enjoying each others company. Unfortunately we all have so much going on in our lives that we don't get to spend too much time together, but after today, I decided that I miss them way too much and that we just have to get together more often and squeeze it in our busy lifes. We decided to meet up again soon and are trying to do weekly lunches together. Love you guys!!!! Hugs and kisses!!! And I am having serious withdrawals already, so let's meet again soon, ok!

No updated kitchen photos yet (sorry guys!) I will upload more pictures tomorrow after they guy has been here and finished the last moldings. He wasn't able to wrap it up on Wednesday so we all decided that it was best for him to come back tomorrow and to wrap it up!

Jer and I are off to Lowe's tonight to set up an appointment for measuring for the countertop and to finally order the appliances. The garage has been so full with all the cabinets that we aren't even able to park our cars inside.. but since the cabinets are finally in the house and installed we have space to order the appliances and have them ready once the countertop is in. So we are off to some shopping and spending some $$ there tonight.

Had my last appointment for physical therapy yesterday. I can't believe how much better I am feeling... I am back to walking without a can, YEAH, and I am only experiencing slight lower back pain, but the pain no longer goes down my leg. I am waiting to hear from my doctor in re: to the results from the MRI, but he is out till Tuesday. I will need to do a few exercise classes to strenghten my belly muscles (non existing at this time) and to build up some back muscles to prevent or trying to prevent too much pain in the future. So in addition to being out of the house on MOnday and Thursday nights for photo classes, I will have back exercise classes on Wednesday evening starting next week for a few weeks. I am a little exhausted, and feel like I have been running around like crazy lately trying to squeeze everything in my schedule, but I guess sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and get it all done...

Our photoclass was fun. We talked about lighting and were in the studio. Next week we have our first fiedl trip to Brand Park and I am looking forward to it. I am more and more at ease with the camera and althought there is still so much to learn I am feeling like I have gained a lot of knowledge in a little time period. I wish we could rent the studio one night to shot, to do make up and clothing and just have a shot... will need to look into it!
We got some fun pictures from one of the guys at class ... he was paparazzing us last week :) So here we go... ENJOY!







HUGS and PEACE everyone!!!

Amazing, amazing

.... this guy is amazing!!! Installation Day #3. The cabinets are in and our installer is working on the moldings... It looks sooooooooooo cool and this guy is working so hard!!! I am major, major impressed! To be honest, I feel a little bad for this guy. He is all by himself and each time I peak in there he has this smile on his face and sweating and working, working, working! Wow! I don't think I would be nearly in such a good mood if I had been working this hard for the 3rd day in a row... so all I can say is "Hats up" ... This guy deserves a major pad on the back!!! Pictures of cabinets with moldings to follow tomorrow!

Thanks Tasha

... for brightening my evening with your phonecall!!! Soooo good to chat with you. I missed you girlie!!!! Can't wait to start our Wednesday evening route again! Hugs my friend! Syb

Kitchen Installation - Day 2

Yesterday was our Kitchen Installation Day #2. We only have one guy working and he is literally working his butt off! The kitchen already has transformed so much.... Love the look of the amaretto glazed cabinets and the warm feel to the kitchen. Today he has to install a few more cabinets and doors and do the moldings. I hope that he brings a helper today so they can finish it up today as Jer already took 1 day off and I am on my 2nd vacation day. Since I have physical therapy tomorrow afternoon I can not take another day off, so hopefully they can finish it up today. It's going to look so cool once the appliances, sinks and the granite countertop is in.. I can hardly wait!
* No more having an extra shelve unit in our kitchen for our pots and pans since the cabinets are from the 1950's and simply disgusting to put stuff in.
* No more not wanting to use the kitchen

* Can't wait to unpack all our supplies and appliances and start cooking in this room
* Can't wait to have friends come over and actually prepare food together in here...

What a transformation from 1950's style to today! Amazing. More updated photos tomorrow.. it should be looking completely different with the moldings and all installed cabinets, but still a little naked since the countertops are missing. It's getting so hard to be patient... I just want to see it all done NOW!!! LOL.

Update

KITCHEN: 2nd day of installation. The kitchen looks like it's half dressed :) It's taking form though and I love it! I can't wait to see the final stage and am so flipping excited that things are finally moving. Being without a kitchen for nearly 7 months has not been easy, but looking at it now, it's so worth it... Unfortunately it started raining today. Of all the days, it had to rain today {and we don't have too much rain in September in California}... yes, the kitchen is haunted, but we will get there... I will post photos tomorrow when all the cabinets are in. On Saturday we have to go back to Lowe's to order appliances and to order our granite countertop. Someone will have to come out and measure the countertop dimensions so the granite can be cut to size. Should take about 2 weeks (that's at least what we have been told). I think we might look at a finished kitchen by the middle of October.
PHOTOCLASS: really love the class I am taking right now. I feel like I have already learned a ton and it's only the beginning. Well, not hard to teach a "point-and-shot girl something" as there are so many possibilities out there. Our 2nd assignment is Panning. You move the camera with your moving subject and press the shutter while moving the camera with the subject. This should give you a clear image of your subject but blurr the background and show movement/speed. Ang, Margarita and I are thinking of meeting on Saturday and trying the panning with someone on a swing set. If someone reads this (not that actually someone reads my rambling) and you have other ideas, please leave me a comment.

Trip to the Park

Went to the park today for our first photo assignment. "Taking pictures of ourdoor animals". Too bad our cats are strictly indoor... they would have made such great models...





The ducks really were not my favorite subject, but I didn't want to go to the zoo just to shot animals... esp. not without Jeremy and he had to finish a bunch of homework, mow the lawn and paint the window moldings. Poor guy! Tomorrow is the day.. I can't wait to get home and see the first set of cabinets installed. On Tuesday I took off to be at home for the second part of the installation. Next weekend we will have to order the countertop and the appliances... So excited.

Yesterday...

Margarita, Inken and Ang


The girls


Our creative mess! - who scrapbooks tidy??

Just a few shots from yesterday! We had a blast! Unfortunately the day went by way too quick! I hate that... you are waiting literally 2 weeks for something and than it passes so quickly that you feel like all you did was spent a few hours together when in fact you spend the entire day together! Must be the great company... spending time with these girls never gets boring!

Getting ready for an exciting day with the girls

... I am so excited... feeling like a kid in the candy store. I sooo love these every other Fridays off that I get to spend with my friends. A whole day... starting in the morning at around 10 a.m. and we usually hang out till late at night. Chatting, shopping, scrapping, laughing, just plain old fun! The best therapy :) I feel so refresh, rejuvenated after an entire day with these girls (Inken, Ang and Margarita) that I am counting from one Friday to the next Friday off... but TODAY is one of the Fridays off and I am just waiting for Inken to get here... than we are off to a little scrapbook shopping and getting creative in the afternoon! Can't wait! It's simple the BEST!!!

... nothing new.. just rambling

* played with my camera and I am just amazed... amazed what this machine can do... amazed at how much you actually can do with it if you take the time to figure it out and play instead of using the "dummy bottom" as our photo teacher calls it. I guess I have been in the dark for too long and now I feel like I am seeing a little light and can't wait for it to shine brighter and brighter with each day of playing and experiencing. Just somehow wondering why it has taken me so long to look deeper into something that I have done all my life... taking photos. Why has it taken 32 years to wanting to do more than just press that bottom and capture the moment. Why haven't I wanted to capture the moment more with the creativity a camera can give me---> I guess beating myself up at this point will not change the fact that it has taken me this long... so I am just looking ahead and I am so grateful that I am finally having an eye opening and finally wanting to put my heart and soul into these pictures I take instead of just snapping them... KWIM? It's just so amazing and I know I am repeating myself but I am so geeked with the artistic and creative freedom and all that is out there...
* I so need to get a car wash... I am putting it in black and white and hope that makes me stop and rush this dirty thing with four wheels through a complete makeover = car wash! The day just always seems so short and I never seem to be able to squeeze everything in it... wish we had 48 hours instead of 24, but not even sure I would get everything done than.
* Another photo class tomorrow night! Yeah! Can't wait!
* One more day at work and than a full day off to play, relax and have fun!
* Back is acting up again... when will this finally stop?? I am so tired of it! I wish I could just order a new "back"!
* I want to go on a vacation... anywhere! I really dont care at this time where exactly we would go, I just feel the need to get away for a few days, to spend time with Jeremy. Thinking of planning a little weekend getaway.
* Still hoping for that trip to Germany this winter... For some reason I am having serious doubts that it's going to happen. Jeremy can not get off during xmas and that's really the time I would want to go to spend with my family. Just thinking of going home for the holidays makes me emotional - seeing my nieces under that xmas tree opening up presents, hugging mom and dad, spending time together on xmas eve and day, going to xmas markets and maybe smelling and seeing snow... awwww... and the xmas smells in the city. Closing my eyes and I can picture it right in front of me... Gluehwein, cinnamon stars, xmas cookies, - a cold winter season - something to actually put me in the mood for xmas. As much as I love California, I am always getting homesick around xmas. There is nothing like xmas at home. How could you possibly get into the xmas flair while wearing a skirt and a t-shirt?
* a little roughie toughie day at work... nothing serious! Just one of those days when you feel beat when you get home!
* grateful for all we have! Counting my blessings!!!

Never thought this day would come...

BUT it's finally happening -------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------> our kitchen will be installed on 9/19 and 9/20!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am still in shock! Finally light at the end of the tunnel, and trust me the tunnel has been long, to be exact 7 months long! Since our hot water heater exploded in February we have literally not been able to use our kitchen. First we had all sorts of environmental companies at our house to do the "clean up" work, but the water was just not going anywhere and the kitchen was soaked too long in order to "rescue" anything. So we took the opportunity and decided instead of ripping out the floor and replacing it and having the cabinets replaced that were damaged to take the big step and do the complete remodel. This was not planned for 1 or 2 more years, so it was a little intimidating and scary to think of the associated cost and the planning. Once the floor was ripped out we were not able to longer go in the kitchen at all... Than we started to get bids for the remodel... what a process... and than one nice day in May the work began... and as always dragged on. I think they told us 2 weeks to prepp the kitchen.... but it took much longer.
Once the kitchen was prepped we had Lowe's over to measure the kitchen and we ordered the cabinets. But of course, nothing ever goes according to plan, right. So we had 3 damaged cabinets in our first delivery and had to wait for another 4 weeks total for delivery, and inspection. A long and rocky road! And now we will have our cabinets installed in 1 1/2 weeks. I am so excited, thrilled, in complete shock to say the least. For some reason I am almost scared... scared to have my hopes up and than get them crushed again, KWIM? Once the cabinets are installed we can get our washer and dryer in and ADIOS to the laundry mate! (even though I only went 3 times... DH was my HERO and took the trip every Sunday by himself while I talked to my family in Germany). What a guy!!!!! Just gotta love this man!
Once the cabinets are in, we will have to go back to Lowes and set up a measuring date for the granite countertops... and once they are measured the ordering should take 1 - 2 weeks. OK, let's say WORST case scenario... we will have a kitchen in 4 - 5 weeks! No more eating out, no more running to Starbucks for every single cup of coffee, no more wondering... ok what are you in the mood to eat today! AND I am everything but a homemaker, so definitely everything but a cook! BUT I am craving the simple things... the soups, mac and cheese, heating up water and having a dishwasher again and finally having our fridge back in the house and no longer outside on the patio! Our poor neighbors must have thought their little part when we were jumping out on the patio in our PJ's to grab a coke in the evening... LOL! Finally back to normal life! I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!! Pictures on the kitchen in progress will follow....

3 more days :) and camera update

Yeap, I knew this was going to happen... no scrapping fever on the weekend but as soon as Monday rolls around I am dreaming in scrapbook supplies... Can't wait for Friday when the girls (Inken, Ang, Margarita and I) will get together to scrapbook, take some pictures and just have fun. I am so craving this day to be here... I am in desperate need of some "girl/fun" therapy. I love having every other Friday off and getting together with my friends to shop, scrapbook, take pics. It's simply the best. --->Keeps me *SANE*

I had my first Monday photo class. I think taking the two classes combined (Monday and Thursday evenings from 6 - 9 p.m.) will really open my eyes to the photo world. We got our first shoting assignment and I can't wait to get out to the park and take some pictures. I had a blast playing around with my new lense (28 - 135 mm) this past weekend and now that I am actually learning how to use all the settings on my camera I am sure a whole new world will be opening up! It's exciting... I finally feel like I am no longer reading chinese when I look at my manual or my photo books but start to understand and grasp the concept. Now I think its practise, practise, practise, that will hopefully one day bring the perfection! Looking forward to the Thursday class... love that it's perfect timing since I am off every other Friday, so I don't have to worry about getting home late and than having to get up at 5 a.m. in order to start work at 6 a.m. It feels so much better to know that I can enjoy the class and sleep in the following day :)

Not in the scrapping mood????

What's wrong with me? Am I sick? Today is a day to veg and relax and I thought I could throw a little scrapping time in. Oh how I hate it when I have time and absolutely NO desire to scrapbook. I just know that as soon as I am at work tomorrow I am hoping to be home and have unlimited time to dig through my supplies and photos. So why can I not use my time right now? Why am I in this funky mood of moving from the coach to the PC, in between picking up a book and trying to read. Multitasking? Trying to squeeze all these things I want to do during the week into one day I actually have the time to do it? ... and than feeling guilty for wasting my time instead of cleaning the house, or doing something productive! ... so many things on my mind... so many things on my to do list... My mind is racing... from one thing to the next. I feel like as soon as I started something I feel guilty and move on to the next thing just to know that I don't want to do that either! Yikes, how I hate to not be able to make up my mind when I have a few hours to myself. Completely and totally SUCKS!!!!!

iPod Nano

Oh my word... just when I thought I had made up my mind about what iPod I wanted, Apple came out with something else. GREAT! I really thought I had it all figured out besides the money part, they came out with this little cutie:




The iPod Nano that stores 1,000 songs and is light as a feather. So darn cute! Now if I only knew if the iPod photo is really that great for storing my photos and for storing my music?? Why can decisions never be easy?? Back to reading reviews and figuring this thing out...

Advantages for the iPod photo:
* I can store my photos and if my 1 GB card is full I can download them and keep shooting
* It's cheaper to purchase the iPod photo versus buying an iPod and one or two more 1GB cards

Disadvantage:
* I will always need to take the iPod with me

Big question mark at this time:
* How good is the storage capacity on the iPod photo really???? ... back to reading more about it and trying to figure this out....

Model Cat

When I see our Tigger like this, my heart mealts away... all of a sudden I forget the times when he is driving Jer and I crazy. See, Tigger always needs to be the center of attention. If he is not in the same room as we are (and the doors are closed between us) he will use his little paws and "knock" on the door. First slow.. than faster and finally he will meow and the door starts shacking. If that doesn't help he will go to the extreme of running towards the door and throwing his whole body against the door. The first time we heard the load "BANG" we couldn't believe it. But than we saw him in full action...
But how can you resist this little guy... just got this shoot of him, isn't he too darn cute???

LA County Fair

Jer and I went to the LA County Fair today. It's our yearly tradition... since 1999 we have gone almost every year {I think we missed one year since we went to Germany in 2002}. We had such a blast. The first thing we did was check out the garden/flower exhibit. That's always one of my favorites! Below are a few pics...







Afterwards we went to pretty much all the exhibits. Each year we are almost sucked into buying this awesome blender that makes icecream and warm soups... This year again we were spending about 30 min. in front of the stand and trying all the little samples. If that darn thing wasn't so expensive!
We had lunch and went through some of the art exhibits. By that time our feet were hurting. Although we usually check out the cattle and sometimes the horseraces, we were too tired and left at around 4:30 p.m. Next time I need to remember to wear sneakers instead of sandals...

Getting to know my baby

Yeap, it's true. I have been the proud owner of the Canon 20D for a few months. Figuring the expense associated with the camera, it's time to get a little more familiar with my baby:


BloggerBot

So thankfully, with Ang kicking me in the butt, I am signed up for a photo class. The class is every Thursday and we are thinking about taking the Monday class as well. So hopefully, my baby and I will bond a little more and I am going to be able to fully understand most of the features this camera has to offer. As low as my excitement was at the beginning (what, every Thursday evening from 6 - 9 p.m.?), the more I am excited minute by minute.
Yesterday was interesting although I felt a bit overwhelmed, but I am sure I can figure it all out. I started digging out "The manual of Photography" by John Hedgecoe and read during lunchtime. So much to learn, interesting, intimidating, exciting, and overwhelming... all at once. Some of it sounds like a foreign language to me, with other stuff I am familiar and I feel pretty comfortable... Can't wait to learn, to grow and to finally use this baby's full potential. {or should I say - use MY full capabilities, since it really is me not being able to use all the features}.
Isn't there a saying.. the most expensive camera still doesn't take good pictures unless you know how to use it.
I know it will take time, but I vow to learn the in's and out's and to finally feel comfortable using manual feature!!!