I got my "behind" kicked

Because I am such a lazy blogger. Because I haven't updated this thing in like forever. Because I haven't posted pics from Germany yet. Because I am a hopeless case when it comes to blogging!
... it's not that I don't want to share! ... it's just that I have been insanely BUSY!!! The time back home was so refreshing and sooo needed, but as soon as we got back to the US life turned all crazy again.
WHY?
* Had 2 QuicKutz make & takes within 1 week of each other
* went to a wedding shower in San Diego and to Disneyland the same day! Now how is that for driving and being a good sport?
* I started supervising and while training our new Admin Analyst I was trying to catch up on piles of work from when I was gone and updating our 5 Year forecast with my boss and coworker
* dealing with some not so fun family stuff in the US
* trying to go through my 3,000 (gasp) pics from Germany and Istanbul - as much as I love digital it's overwhelming when it comes to photo editing and trying to decide which ones to print. Still working on that one...
* and a long list of to do things (we all know about those)

On a more happy note
* got a new box filled with SEI goodies yesterday. I am sooo dang excited about the new lines and I can hardly wait to play this weekend.
* Jen my boss from Scrapsahoy came out with her own paper line and concept at MT. The concept is called Scrapbook Travellers Club. Got her first papers in my hands and they are yummy! But best of all, I probably will be able to meet her at CHA in January. ... and the girls who moved over to Scrapbook Travellers Club with Jen will have the opportunity to teach at CKU. I put in my request for Teachers Helper for a few shows and keeping my fingers crossed that I will be matched with my friend Tash!!! I think I would literally pass out!!! We have been talking on the phone forever and I soooo want to meet her in person and would love to this whole teaching at CKU with her together!!! keeping my fingers crossed :)
* Got 2 cards picked up for Cards publications (and yes they are both SEI - so double excited :) :)
* Got ROXY in the mail yesterday. I have been wanting to get that font 4-ever and when QK announced that they would bring back a retired font I was secretly praying that it was Roxy. And Roxy it was! Since we get all new releases I was jumping up and down like a little kid.

Keep me in your thoughts tomorrow. We will get some work related news about a reorganization. Tomorrow we will find out a little more and see how our division and each employee will be affected. I hope that we will not be torn apart and moved to different departments as we have such a great team, but for some reason I think we will be divided up.... so send some positive thoughts my way ;)

Happy Friday and have a great weekend,
Syb

New SEI Assignments

I did these two layouts last week! I could hardly wait to scrapbook the pictures of Lissy I took in Germany. Isn't she a doll! All new SEI Doodley-doo girl line (as seen on SEI website)



Property of SEI

We took these pictures last weekend while visiting the Pumpkin Patch! Can't wait to carve our pumpkins tonight ;)


Property of SEI

Thanks for looking! I finally scrapped 12x12 again. I am "cured" from the one photo per page layouts and really want to focus on scrappping the event with journaling from now on instead of just making pretty layouts! Don't take me wrong, I love pretty layouts, artsy layouts, but I really want to go back to the root of scrapbooking, of documenting of telling the story!
TFL and have a fabulous week everyone!
Hugs, Syb

I am back from my vacation

Just arrived back home from a wonderful and amazing vacation in Germany with my family. We had such a blast and the good bye was soooo hard! I about cried my eyes out... still trying to adjust, trying to get over the time difference, busy unpacking, ....
I will respond to emails and phone calls the next couple of days. Hang in there.
I will also do a make and take at Scrapbook Corners this coming Sunday from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. for QuicKutz and for Scrapbook Corners first anniversary. If you have time, please stop by and say hi. Fun projects and prizes to win.
Hugs, Syb
More about my trip home (Germany, Berlin, Istanbul) soon!
MOM & DAD if you read this - WE MISS YOU LIKE CRAZY!!!!!

I need to wake up

Melissa Etheridge - I Need To Wake Up



I have been looking for this music video forever. Ever since I first saw the film "An inconvenient truth". I know, a lot has been said about global warming and there are people out there who don't believe in it or who try to live their lifes not thinking about it. BUT, there is no closing our eyes that our environment is changing, that We are the ones who changing it, that if we keep going the speed we are going now, our children or grandchildren may not know the world in the same way we do. I am not only sad to hear when people are trying to downplay the facts, but somewhat aggrevated. Aggrevated in the sense that we should not take our world for granted and just because we still have resources and we are still able to live on this planet people in the future may not be able to. I hope everyone takes the time to think of what we as individuals can do, how we can cut back, how we can help. Even little steps can have a significant impact - similar to the synergy effect 1+1+3 -> If everyone does a little we can all benefit. So let's wake up and speak up before it's too late.
Most of us have seen natural disasters in the past few years... more and more, higher in intensity than ever before. Dont close your eyes, don't think it's a natural circle we are going through, try to do your part in making this world a better and safer place for our generation and for generations to come. Wake up and Speak up!

My poor little neglected blog

... to be honest, I have been thinking of taking it down. The only reason I keep it going (kinda, if you know what I mean) is that I know that my family and a few friends abroad check in and it makes it easier for me to share what's going on... So I will rethink this blog thing while I am on vacation and ponder if I will keep it or if I will take it down.
*
Quick update:
* 2 more days at work before I will be leaving on vacation. I am so stinking excited, I can hardly wait to sit in that airplane and heading home. I haven't been home in 2 1/2 years and it feels forever. I can't wait to hug my family, to spend some quality time with them and to take tons of pictures ;)
I got 4 2 GB cards yesterday at Samy's - they had a 30 year anniversary and each card sold for $30 and no sales tax. I am a happy camper.
We still need to clean the house, have our house and pet sitter over, pack and I will be interviewing on Monday and Tuesday for the position we are hiring at work... so life will be pretty crazy those last two days....
* If you believe in positive prayers, please include a friend of mine in your prayers. She got some terrible news and I just hope and prayer that everything will be ok!
* Will check in once I am back from vacation.
Hugs everyone!
Syb

Our "His/Her" office/studio - update with pics

So here we go... this is the transformed scrapbook studio/his/her office space. Jer and I both got a corner desk and it's been working awesome. I was a little scared that I would not be able to work in this area with all my sb stuff, but I just love it! The hutch is perfect and holds so much of my quick to reach items and I have finally managed to scrap and clean up afterwards. NOW that is a FIRST :)I got my laptop in reach for journaling, my sewing machine is right next to me and I got a pretty big work area, so all is good. And Jer loves it too! He is doing his term papers for school while I work on sb assignments and its been awesome to have him in the same room with me!

HIS Area:


HER Area:

White Water Rafting - Picture share

Below are two pics from our anniversary trip to Kern River - so much fun, so many great memories...



And yes, we did get soaked and we loved every min. of it ;)

Margaritas, Salsa & Fun

Nothing better than sneaking out of work with the girls on a Friday afternoon to go for Margaritas, Salsa and a bunch of fun. We left work at 3:30, went over to Elaine's place in West Hollywood and started the weekend. I am not much of a big drinker, so the few times I do have a drink I feel like I am tipsy after about 1 glass of licor :)I think I haven't laughed this hard in ages...
Got home in the pm and found our CD with the pics from our rafting trip... will upload a few in a min...
And once Jer crawls out of bed, we are going on a little road trip to beautiful Santa Barbara ;) LIFE IS GOOD!
Have a good weekend everyone!

Scrap'n support - I am raising funds for breast cancer - Thanks for your support

As most of you may know, I am an avid scrapbooker. Scrapbook Safari is hosting a 24-Hour Scrapbook Marathon to be held on September 9 - 10, 2006 at the Westfield Promenade Mall in Woodland Hills. In addition to my registration fee, I've committed to raising at least $500.00 for Pink-Link. Pink-Link provides an online support resource for women affected by breast cancer. The money I raise will be going towards supporting women who are being treated right now for breast cancer. You can check out their website by going to pink-link

If you would like to help me in my endeavor, you may mail me a check payable to Pink-Linke (federal tax ID # 20-2884742) or you may donate securely online by visiting my fundraising website first giving sybille

Thank you so much for your support. If you have time on September 9th, please stop by the Westfield Promenade Mall in Woodland Hills and say "hi".

THANKS so much, Sybille

"Real" Friends

I saw this post Real People on Cheryl Manz's blog a few days ago and it really made me think....

In fact I couldn’t stop thinking of the deeper meaning and truth that it spoke to me. Real people – yes, those are the people who stand by your side when the road gets rocky… real people are the friends who really care, so here goes my entry on Friendship and Real People/Friends….

"We walked together, but than our road separated – for no reason, it just divided up, and lead us in different directions. That’s alright… things are meant for a reason and sometimes you don’t know the reason right away, while other times you do. In this instance, I understand, I grasp the concept and it’s ok. Our road was only meant to be traveled together for some time. We gave and took what we needed that instance, it was balanced and good. Than one day the road divided up and we both walked in different directions. I looked forward, you looked backwards and our walking together had come to a stop."

Life is a journey and lot of things can happen. Nothing is granted… if you are fortunate enough you are blessed with some “real” friends who are part of your journey, you are also blessed with people who are part of some of your journey, and everything is for a reason. I have a very few selected people who have blessed my life in so many ways and have been part of it in one form or another for the past 15 – 2 years. You never know when you met someone who will become that ”real” friend who stands on your side, no matter what. You go through trials and errors, you learn and you move on. Or sometimes, you look back and you decided to give it another try, because something was there, something was meant to be. Friendship is a fragile thing with so many definitions. You probably can ask 100 people and get a different answer from each one. There is no universal definition and that’s why there is a big difference between friends and acquaintances. Friends who are part of your life, not only for some time but they are standing by your side and supporting you, usually have a very close definition when it comes to the word “friendship” as you have it. “Acquaintances” or people you hang out with usually have another definition, another understanding of it and sooner or later, you either accept it or you move on. I know this might sound harsh and it’s not intended to in any way. I know there are always going to be friends and acquaintances as both are needed for a balanced life…But I also know that there is a huge difference between friends and acquaintances … HUGE! How could there not be… how could you not value someone who you can rely on no matter what more than someone you can’t? See – here lies the difference. Being able to let go, being able to trust, being able to know that you securely can let yourself fall and be picked up again and that you are there to pick up if necessary. The difference is that you can call your “real” friend and they will listen, even if they have heard it before, if the have given you advise, - nevertheless, they listen again. They listen if its 6 a.m. in the morning, or if it’s midnight, and they don’t tell you “I got to go” because they can hear in your voice that it’s important, they just know! And of course, the same goes in return, because “real” friendship is like a scale – there needs to be balance on each end.
Like I said, I am blessed with a handful of these miracle friends – people I can call, people who care truly and than I have people in my life as most of us do, who don’t really want to listen, who tell you they call back because they have to go but never do. In simple actions like this lays the solution of what category they fall into, lays the answers for what they want to be in your life. It’s simple – and although you may think it’s not, just take a minute and really evaluate your life, your friends, and people who play a part/role in it. All you have to do is listen to how they react to you … are they really there when you need them or do they chicken out when it’s important. It’s an interesting process to go through and sometimes surprising. At times you already knew the answer, but secretly you are hoping you may have been wrong… than you go through the “real listening” process and dong, it might hit you by surprise that your instinct was right all along.
Anyways, the reason I am writing this long post is to put down black and white and for all times, that people who truly care are the ones you give back to, the ones you invest in, the ones that you should value above all else, and the ones that you should appreciate and value as no others. Because those are the ones who give your life TRUE meaning. The ones that I truly appreciate and value – my heart reaches out to all of you for the smiles, the laughter’s and the shoulders you have shared with me and I know that in the years to come there is much more to explore and celebrate. Those are the REAL friends!

Our 8 Year Anniversary Adventure

Jer and I had our 8 year anniversary on August 3rd! We decided not to exchange gifts, but to go river rafting instead - and to be honest, it was the BEST decision EVER!!!! We had a blast!! Since Jer had class in the evening on our actual anniversary we headed up North the day after. The rafting spot we had made reservations for is located at Kern River in Sequoia National Forest. The drive only took ~ 2 1/2 hours and we were there around 9 a.m. We had to check in at 10:30 a.m. so we took a little drive through the small town and soaked in the amazing landscape around us.
Once at the location we had to fill out disclaimer forms and than the fun began. We each got a life jacket, headed to the bus with the rafts on a trailer in the back and drove down to Kern river. The unloading part was a blast. 4 rafts, about 6 - 8 people underneath trying to shuffle the raft towards the river ;). Than we got our 20 min. introduction on what to do and what not to do. I almost chickened out... but since there were kids, I decided, heck if they can do it, so can I.
We had a total of 6 boats, 6 people plus one guide in each. Our guard was Darby and we were the last boat to leave as we had all the first aid stuff loaded on our raft. I thought for sure that I would go overboard esp. after I had applied sunscreen to the back of my legs and was told afterwards NOT to. Too late, huh? We had booked the class III trip and it was a mixture between a few blasting waters and floating silently in the river bed. We got instructions on how to hold our paddle, on how to paddle, what the commands mean and off we went. Within minutes we were soaked and laughed... at one point we stopped and we each got to experience the slippery rock - a waterslide on a rock that completely soaked you if you had managed to stay halfway dry till than.... we slid down the rock and boom, blasted in the water. Cold, refreshing, so much fun. We felt like kids... After about 3 hours we had our lunchbreak stop and our guides prepared a fabulous sandwich bar on the back of one of the rafts. 1/2 hour later we were off again for the second part of our trip. The waters were a bit faster, and in between we had the chance to jump out of the raft in the water and just float. We had purchased a waterproof throw away camera, so I can hardly wait to see the pics we took... I will upload probably next week when I get a chance to turn in the roll of film and get it back. We also purchased a CD from the company... at one point they had a guy take pics of all the rafts one after the other... I have to say that this was an experience of a lifetime. I am so ready to head back before the season is over for more... they offer a class IV trip and also an overnight experience with sleeping in a log cabin after day one of rafting and than more rafting the next day. Jer and I already decided that we want to give that a try either this season or definitely next season. The second part of the trip was about 2 hours... We were picked up at our exit point by the bus and after taking the rafts out of the water and loading them on the trailer we were all back on the bus. Our guides one after the other told us jokes, made us sing,.. I felt like I was transformed back to HS doing a fun field trip... An amazing experience, the best anniversary gift ever, tons of bonding and laughing and an unforgettable day all in all. The photo below is a download from the internet... ours will follow once I get the CD from the rafting company (probably in a week or so). Stay tuned!






And if you have never been river rafting before - DO IT!!! It's AMAZING, takes your breath away and it's a ton of fun!!!!

Adieu Scrapbook Room/Studio

GASP!!!!!!
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YOu probably wonder if you read right and what the heck is going on! Gasp again! It's true, I have officially given up my "alone" studio space to have it converted into a his/her office/studio area instead of being the sole owner. And NO, it's not the heat that damaged my brain cells, although I wonder how I will manage with all my "stuff". You see, dh has been in school for nearly 1 year. He has written papers on our coffee table in the living room, has moved around between living and dining room and I just feel its not fair that I occupy and entire room doing my thing while he is doing something for both of us by going back to school. He needs his area too, he deserves his area, I feel good about sharing my area with him and I dont have any regrets. The opposite, I am looking forward being in the same room working on projects while he is working on school stuff, looking over my shoulder and seeing him. To me, that's what its all about... giving up a little bit of room to share with the person I love. We got two really awesome corner desks in white, Jer repainted the room yesterday and I am so stinking excited about the transformation that will happen today. See, the room was originally purple... Three years ago I wanted to create a fun "oasis" for myself that was relaxing, but lately this color has really taken every bit of creativity out of me. I kept looking at the walls wondering what I was thinking... So now the walls are a caramel/frappuchino color, smoothing brownish with trendy white trim. Looks awesome... the desks will be white and all in all it should look pretty darn cool. I also hope that this transformation will help me in putting my stuff away, to be cleaner once I am finished with a project and to put stuff back where it belonged. So far I must have been worlds "dirtiest" scrapper :) I will post pics later today or tomorrow, once everything is moved in and ready to go. I am on a roll today and just hope that the weather is not wearing me out too quick. I want to get this done, I want to move in, I want to start creating... it's been nearly 2 weeks that I did a layout... nearly two weeks that I was motivated and truth told, I have a bunch of assignments for layouts/cards due by 8/1 and 8/14. So I better get rolling....
Keep posted for the new "HIS/HER" area... I can already picture it in my head... it's going to be AWESOME. ... and let's be honest, who is so fortunate to actually have a hubby right besides while creating :) ME!!!!!

WHAT's up???

I have been missing in action again! I know, I know... I am becoming the worlds worst blogger these days. Forgive me - but life is in full action and I just didn't have time to check in.
So what have we been up to?
* We are trying to survive the HEAT. Last weekend we had temperatures up to 122 degree (nearly 50 celsius). It literally felt like we are getting roasted on a BBQ just setting foot outside the door and well, inside, it wasn't much better. I was tempted to say "Forgo the new roof and let's get an A/C unit in here, but than my logical/analytical side took the better part and said "NO". Gotta love or HATE that logic, huh? Well, good news, after our first roofing contractor fell through we found another one who will do the roof for 3/4 of the price that we were quoted everywhere else. So I guess there is justice after all ;)
* Jer and I are planning to get away for our 8 year anniversary next weekend. We will be driving up North to go Wild Water Rafting and I can hardly wait. Something I have always wanted to do, but have never had the chance to ;)
... ok, gotta run... more tomorrow... unexpected visitor...

IT'S OFFICIAL - WE ARE GOING HOME!

We finally booked our flight to Germany today and we are sooo stinking excited! 3 WEEKS!!!! 3 WEEKSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!! YEAH! And only about 2 more months to go! The countdown is on.

LAX to Frankfurt Germany: September 20th 7:10 p.m. - September 21st 2:50 p.m.
Frankfurt to Nuernberg: September 21st 5:20 p.m. - September 21st 6:05 p.m.

Nuernberg to Frankfurt: October 11th 11:45 a.m. - October 11th 12:35 p.m.
Frankfurt to LAX: October 11th 2:00 p.m. - October 11th 4:35 p.m. (we are only travelling 2 hours ROFL + 9 hours time difference ;)

I am sooo excited!!! I haven't been home in - it seems like - forever!!!! (I think the last time was 2 1/2 years ago- shame on me!!!) THIS TRIP WAS OVERDUE!!!!!! ... and I think the only excuse we have for not going for this long period of time is that we had to deal with a 1 year kitchen remodel and water damage and than did not get off last xmas as planned. But this time everything fall into place! We got enough vacation saved up to really enjoy this trip and not having to fly there and turn around right away! Plus, September is when everyone is back in school, so the price for our tickets was not too shabby!
Can't wait for September to come!

Can someone please turn it down a little???

It's almost 5 p.m. and it's 105 degree fahrenheit (40 degree celcius). I have taken 2 showers and am ready to take number 3. The only problem is that once I get out of the shower I am refreshed for about 2 seconds before the heat wave hits me again... and the thermometer is in the only room in the house where we have our portable A/C unit! CAN SOMEONE please, please, please turn it down a little???







Right now I can hardly wait for winter to come! NO FUN AT ALL!!!

I am still alive ;)

My poor NEGLECTED blog! Sorry I haven't updated in forever! Jer and I spent an awesome long weekend together and it's just been nice to enjoy instead of having to capture everything in words and pics, KWIM?

We got a new dining room table and chairs. I am so stinking excited. On top of it from my VERY FAVORITE company Pottery Barn!!!! We looked everywhere... at Pier One, CostPlus, Identity Craft, etc., but we either didn't like the quality or something else wasn't right. We finally decided to check out Pottery Barn - to be honest with not too much hope to actually purchase something there. They do have the BEST furniture, but their prices are always outrages. So we got LUCKY! Their tables and chairs were half off and the table I have been eyeing for nearly 3 years was part of the sale! So here we go... the pictures don't really show the actual table as we got it in antique white, but PB doesn't have it in white on their site anymore... so just picture the table in white - same white as the chair in the back! We should get the table this weekend and OUT goes the Old Ikea stuff! Doing the little happy dance over here!!!!
Table (picture it in antique white):


Chairs (without arm rest - can't stand those and in the antique white in the back):


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Other than that I got my report from my physical - and it looks like I am as alive as alive can be! A few minor things here and there but nothing that indicated that my last hour is ticking! So that was GOOD. VERY GOOD, as I hate doctors and I always feel like they giving you some sort of bad news as soon as you step in their offices. I guess there really is nothing in the way of trying to have a baby NOW... No more excuses, no more pushing it off, no more anything other than some sort of fear if you know what I mean. But I am unfortunately not getting any younger, so we'll probably take the plunge and start trying ... (did you drop of the chair yet LOL)
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I also feel in love with those albums!!!


They come in all sorts of cool colors... I couldn't resist the orange and lime green :)
At the beginning I just liked them because of the pretty colors - typical woman, huh? But once I bought one, I started playing around a little and I can totally transform these in awesome cool scrapbooks. I bought 3 and one will be for our Wedding. One theme I have always been too scared to scrapbook so far but I think with this formate it's totally going to work. See, I will print the photos a little bit smaller and scrapbook and journal around and than put them in the pretty page protectors. I started one album and it looks awesome and works really well....
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I decided I am not going to CHA! I am still a little bummed but just don't feel I can justify the flight, hotel, etc. right now and besides the big wintershow will be in Anaheim so I will have to sneak away from work and budget time in January and just go!
*
We watched "The devil wears Prada" last weekend and boy oh boy!


You gotta see this one. It's hysterical! I couldn't stop laughing!
*
Went down to Mira Mesa on Saturday to do a Make & Take at one of the Memory Stores and ran into Maggie from the Burbank store. So fun! The store had just reopened again and is now called Paperzone/Memories. Awesome new store design and cool paper products.
*
Off to UPS to ship some stuff to QK. Gotta run. Have a great weekend everyone.
Syb

Awwww... vegging on the coach ;)

feels quite good after scrapping the entire weekend to get my projects done to ship them out on Monday. YES< I made it. They are off. THe whole stack of about 25 projects. The beginning was a blast and as time progressed my spirits stayed up high, but the last few ones dragged on and the last one was basically to get the baby done and out the door ;)
*
Exciting stuff coming up. I got tickets for the Getty Villa on Saturday night. Jer and I are going and I am so stinking excited. I have been wanting to see it since I first heard that they are remodeling the Villa on the hill across the Getty and I was lucky to get tickets from a coworker today who couldn't go. Can't hardly wait!!!
*
So apparently my thyroid is ok (so why the heck am I always tired, exhausted, feel drained and why are those pounds not coming off?) I give up - seriously! Doctors, is all I can say! I am still waiting for my full report, but got the call a few days ago and learned that my good cholesterol is too low. Now how is that for a change? I know that the bad one is not supposed to be too high but have honestly never heard about the good cholesterol being too low, so now I am curious to see what that means. More waiting... doctors... yikes! Just tells me once again that what I have known all along wasn't so wrong... that they are worth cr---!
*
Jer is working on Saturday and I will be doing a little field trip to the 7 Gypsies warehouse sale -> 70% off, can't beat that one. So I am looking forward to a little shopping spreed
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CHA - I still haven't made up my mind if I should go or not! Tasha if you read this, kick me in the butt and let's just go! As things are looking I will be in Germany when Memory Trends takes place in October and I really want to go to one show and see the booths for SEI and QuicKutz and of course all the other vendors.
*
Still surfing the web on best flights for Sept/Oct. trip to GERMANY. Yes, we are finally going. AFter not having been home in nearly 2 1/2 years, it's about "freaking" time, huh! I can't wait to see my family and my two little nieces! I will need to stock up on photo memory cards as I probably can't stop taking my camera away from my eye. ;)
*
Other than that... life is good ;)
Hugs everyone!

Update...

just a very quick one, as I am head over heals in QK deadlines for CHA stuff.
* Got an executive physical the other day. I have never done anything like that, so it was an interesting experience. Got the regular blood test, a hearing test which was really awkward (had to sit in this little bunker and press a botton each time I heard a peep over the headphone), eye test, resting ekg, breathing test and one on one for nearly an hour with the doc. I am curious to find out the results for my blood work and secretly hope that my thyroid is showing what I have been feeling for the longest time = tired, worn out and zero energy. After a long talk with the doc he said that most of my symptoms indicate that my thyroid is underactive and since I have been borderline for a long time, he is curious to see the result of the blood work too. I will keep you posted
* I am working on a tons of projects for QK for CHA. My desk is literally burried in paper, dies, glue, etc. Just taking a quick internet break to re-fresh my mojo
* The SEI website has been updated. If you haven't had the chance to take a peak - go and check it out!
* Disneyland was a blast! Jer and I met up with Kristin and her family and we had a ball. I will post some pics once all my deadline are met - I promise
* Finally talked to my friend Assi again - girlie - I missed you to pieces!!!
* And Jer got his license plates. I can't believe his "new" car is not new anymore. He doesn't want to put on the license plate and I had to grin when he responded "what, they are here already". YES HONEY, and remember the next NEW CAR is mine ;)
GOtta run, still tons of work to do
HUGS EVERYONE!!!

Guess what we are doing tomorrow???

We are going to DISNEYLAND!!!! And who ever claimed that only kids get anxious and excited??? I am literally counting the hours! I am so stinking excited. Jer and I usually go in November after they have the xmas decoration up, but last year my back completely went out and I would have not been able to walk for the entire day! I told Jer he could chauffeur me around in a wheelchair, but he didn't bit! Might have been a completely different perspective! But walking is much better, trust me!
I can't wait to sit in Pirates of the Carribean, and oh yes, Indiana Jones! Two of my all time favorites!!!!
AND POOH CORNER!!! Yes, I will get in that line with about 1 million kids and have my photo taken ever single time! Just love Pooh and Tigger to pieces. Sorry kiddos, but just gotta do it, year after year, and if I make it to 90, I will still get in that line! Might be a little akward, but what the heck, huh?
And if I am lucky and Kristin calls back tonight, we will be meeting up with her and her family!
HAVE A HAPPY FRIDAY everyone!!!!

OK, I am a complete LOOOOSER ;)

I admit, I am a complete LOOOOOSER ;)
The weekend was too nice and time flew by so quickly that before I realized it, it was Tuesday morning, I was back at work and while looking at my to do list for work, all of a sudden it dawned on me that HOT DANG, I did it again! Complete neglection of my blog, after I have been nicely kicked in my butt - upon request - and what did I do, I just completely zoomed out!
FORGIVE ME!!! FORGIVE ME!!!!
I dont even know where to start... so much has happened these past few weeks. I think I am going to go back from the latest and greatest as that is still refreshing in my deteriorating mind! Yes, that's right, deteriorating! 33, going on 34 gives you enough excuse our days to blame it on early Alzheimers.

* Jer and I went to see "An inconvenient truth" this past weekend at the ArcLight in Hollywood. This is a movie about global warming and although I had heard and known some about it, it really opened my eyes to how fragile our "world" really is and that it is up to each and every one to participate in keeping this world what it is today and ensuring by our participation that our world as we know it is still there for our children and grandchildren and generations to come. If you are interested, please check the following link An inconvenient truth. And even better, if you have the time, go and see it in your theatres, it should be coming to more theatres at the beginning of June.

* I had a little scrapathon going on Friday and Saturday. Will post some pics soon. Friday I spent the day with Inken at her place and Saturday I went over to Ang's place and scrapped with Ang and Margarita. There really is nothing better than spending time with friends and scrapping :)

* Jer and I purchased a car!!! Take a peak...







I am so dang excited. We finally can load stuff in the trunk without having to rent the rental truck at Home Depot, and no more taking 2 cars to the airport to pick up family and friends! Should all fit nice and neatly now. And best of all, the gas mileage is VERY good for a small sized SUV. And we splurged a little - leather seats, seat warmer on butt and on back (soooo nice, I'm having a hard time leaving the car), and a DVD player for the back that we really didn't care about, but that's the way it came. Another family purchased a Saturn Vue 6 for their daughter. The car we originally wanted... the car without all the gadgets, the car that was a little cheaper, but we didn't make it in time. Jer jokingly said to me to run over and to lick the car as in the commercial. I was tempted - trust me. We even took a pick of me pretending to lick the new car - gotta give hubby two thumbs up. He is well trained on what are scrap worthy events ;)

* Family, oh family, oh what can I say. While I am so very blessed with my wonderful parents, Jer kinda is haunted by his to say the least. What do you do if you so badly want to say something but you have to bit your tongue, over and over again. I am just not good at that. I am trying to be patient, trying to be very, very patient, but the patience is stretching thin! My MiLaw sent us an email. I am not going into details, because you really never know who runs into your blog and reads this, but truth be told, I really, really had a hard time to be patient and to say NADA, NOTHING, to keep quite, to just soak it in.
How do you all go about stuff like that?

*Jer and I went to see the poppies a few weeks ago - the only problem was that there were no poppies left (see below). Apparently the entire hill is covered in gold when all the poppies bloom, but for some reason we must have missed the big event and only got to see this lonely little poppy all by itself ;( Bummer



I promise to upload some new layouts soon. Just finished a really cool one about Jer and his dad and all the differences. It will be on Scrapsahoy on June 1st and than I can upload it here. So hang tight!
Hugs to all and have a great rest of the week!!!!

Hot Dang

... I have to update this blog so badly... someone please give me a loving kick :) in the behind!
I promise I will update this weekend!

Recuping from NSD :)

I took today off to have a little time for myself to just play and scrap. The past weekend was a ton of fun but also exhausting. I have been on the road for Quickutz, starting with a Make & Take Friday evening in Torrance. It was a blast!!!! I had 2 - 3 stations going and was busy for 1 1/2 hours. We got fun prices from QK to raffle off and the atmosphere was great! Fun store, nice store owner and all in all a great experience.

On Saturday morning I had my first session from 10 - 11 a.m. The store was cute. The owner had tons of balloons up, handed out cookies and everyone was excited. I was busy with Make & Takes for 1 hour before raffling of the prices! Again an all in all super fun experience.

While on the road to my next store, I chatted with Celia who is a QK DT member and lives up in San Francisco. It was hilarious! We both got really pumped up and shared our stories.

My session from 12 - 1:30 was fabulous! The store owner was such a doll, amazing sunshine display, and I was going 160 miles an hour. The make & take area was huge, so I ended up having between 8 - 15 willing women all at once for rotating times. They were fabulous, sharing the Squeeze tools (as I was only prepared for about 4 people at any given time) and just enjoying the experience. The raffle was fabulous, everyone was pumped up and screeming and cheering! So much fun, a little exhausted afterwards, but what a great experience.

My last even was scheduled from 2:30 - 4 p.m. I kept driving wrong, hadn't had lunch only 2 granola bars but misteriously made it to the store by 2:20 p.m. When I got in the store I was told that there was a change of plans and that they are all waiting at the Sheraton for me! While getting the directions and shortly before heading out, I was told that about 100 women are all excited and waiting for me! OMG! I wish I could have capture my face on film...I seriously wondered if my smile froze or if I was able to hid my initial shock! I managed to find the hotel and saw a entire conference room filled with scrappers! Scrappers who had been going since 10 a.m. and who were scheduled until 10 p.m. I kept thinking how fun that must be to just hang out and have an entire day filled with friends and scrapping... good old memories! There were 3 other make and takes outside the conference room and I set up and was BUSY!!! Did I mention it was CRAZY??? A lot of first time users, but an enthusiastic crowd!!! This whole experience was great until shortly before the end. I was supposed to wrap up by 4 and raffle of the prices, but the lines kept forming until I said that I would have 2 more rounds before I needed to leave. That's when it went slightly bad... for some reason the store owner must have forgotten to communicate to the gals that I was only there for some time and that my station was on a first come first serve basis while all the other make & takes were called by table so everyone had a chance to do them. So needless to say I had a bunch of disappointed, slightly mad women who kept saying that they didn't have the chance doing the project and that they were not entered into the drawing! I kept explaining that I already stayed 45 min longer than what was agreed upon and that there must have been some misinformation from the store! Around 5 p.m. I loaded up, two big bags on one shoulder, an artbin and purse on the other and left the hotel. I think I honestly was "running" towards my car almost afraid that I would be chased down in order to stay till 10 p.m. I took a deep breath and literally speeded out of the parking lot!

Collector Die


I was supposed to go over to Margaritas house for an all night crop... By the time I got home I was in high spirits and ready for cropping! I took a shower, packed and literally just felt all energy leave my body. I went over to her house, dragged my XXL into her scraproom and literally laid on the coach until I left - while having a big old drink :)

Looking back today the weekend was a blast! I would do it again in a heartbeat, but I feel lucky and blessed that I took today off to just unwind, recup and do some scrapping for myself!

Below is the cute project we did - a 6x6 layout using the QK stamps and the new limited edition sunshine kit! I have to say that that kit must be one of my very favorite items from QK yet! I love, love the font and the shapes are just too stinking cute!!!!!
Make & Take



I also received my first box from SEI with contract and goodies! I took about 1/2 hour on Friday after getting back home to soak it all in and to really understand how lucky I am! I am working for two manufacturers whos products I adore! I am part of ScrapsAhoy who has been so good to me! I will never forget that Jen was the first one to give me a chance, who had faith in me! Counting my blessing!!!!!
SEI package


SEI Goodies


Happy Monday everyone!!! HUGS Syb

Letting the cat out of the bag!

I am so excited!!!!! I was asked to join the SEI Design Team! What I am most excited about is that my sweet friend Tasha is on the team and that I will be working with her!! YEAH!!! She is sooo dang talented but above all she is the sweetest, funniest girl and one of my dearest friends!!!! I can't wait to get those beautiful papers, embellishments and other goodies and start creating!!! SEI ROCKS!!!*
And sorry Assi, No little Jer or Syb is on it's way! Not yet at least! I hope I didn't crush your world ;) LOL! <<<-- heheh, you know what I mean sweet jelly bean!!!

I got a secret

... and I am dying to spill it but hang on tide... just waiting for more details!!!

Disclaimer!!!

ROFL - DISCLAIMER - Celia, that is NOT my new boyfriend LOL, although he looks kinda cute in some ways, huh?

Not afraid to post some goofy photos :)

Yeap, that is me on Easter Sunday. We went over to Jer's dad's place in Whittier and before dinner we went to Llama land where the lama was so in "love" with me that he came up to me and wanted to "kiss" me. Well... and as you see, Jer pressed that shutter release just in time to catch my goofy reaction and face... I can see a layout coming with title... a picture speaks a thousand words!
*
Sorry I haven't updated this blog in forever. I actually wrote a long post on Friday but once I clicked "publish post" the entire thing was gone and by than I was not in the mood to write everything again... hence I stepped away from the PC and waited a few days....
*
Just wanted to let you know that they new Sunshine Kit is available at the Quickutz site. Love the intro... it's so fun and too stinking cute! If you have time to browse, go and check it out...The blue card that appears is mine and I am so stinking excited to see it in the intro :)
*
Other than that... Lamas are nothing to be scared off, even though that photo might give you the impression. We had a blast and I took a ton of great family photos.
Thanks for stopping by! Have a great week everyone!

Want to come with me to Scotland

The new destination is uploaded at Scrapsahoy. Check out all the amazing stuff the crew has created! This months destination was Scotland and the technique was plaid!
Here is a sneak peak of one of my layouts. I took the photo at the QK DT retreat in Utah just 2 weeks ago. When I had it on my pc screen, I was literally "drooling" over all the pink and black squeeze tools and couldn't wait to create a layout with it!
*
Other than that... got two requests from ST for two layouts for the Embellish It book! So excited, as one of them is of my dh! I am going to have a photo of my "baby" in print! :)

What's up?

Sorry, I have been soooo busy the past two weeks that I haven't updated my blog at all.
* work - a lot has happened, can't really go into details, but the unexpected has happened and one of my co-workers was laid off. Now, for a city job, that is NOT common...
* sb stuff - have been working my tail off with QK projects and will need to do some assignments for the new SA destination today
* Meeting with Inken - my girl today. We will be scrapping YEAH!!! It's so nice to scrap in company again.. the past week I wasn't able to as I had to work on projects with not released QK goodies
* Heading over to Scrapbook Oasis tomorrow for 2 classes with Elsie. Totally looking forward to meeting her and seeing the class projects! Her pages are all so fun and colorful!
* My studio has transformed once again in a big old mess. Why, oh why can't I keep it clean? I so envy scrappers who can scrap and have a neat, clean room. When I create everything flies left and right... YIKES. Definitely need to work on that.
Other than that, not too much has happened in my little world... I survived my first "Scrapping Mid Life" crisis - you know when you feel like you never, ever want to touch anything scrapbook related again. Well, it only took one good night of sleep to get me out of that funk ~ smile!
Have a great weekend everyone! HUGS!!!

QuicKutz Retreat

I got back home yesterday evening from my QuicKutz retreat and all I can say is WOW, WOW, WOW! What a fabulous company, what a fabulous group of designers and people, and what a fabulous retreat. I have had the time of my life!








We all arrived on Thursday between 3 - 4 p.m. in Salt Lake City! We were picked up by Andrea (our DT Coordinator), Michelle (Marketing), and Heather (Product Design). We drove from Salt Lake to Orem and after briefly checking into the Hotel had dinner and a chance to get to know one another! The next morning we toured the plant - It's so impressive to see the steps behind the finished products and the amount of work that is involved in getting them out to customers. And trust me... there is a ton of work involved that none of us was aware of! Very impressive! Afterwards we went to the warehouse - OMG! I felt like a kid in a candy store. Just looking at a cart of pink and black squeeze tools, at shelves full of dies and seeing the people behind the scene who work to make it all happen!
Once we were back at the QuicKutz headquarter we started with our classes. Each of us had to teach a class and had prepared 25 kits for a 6x6 double spread layout, so we all ended up with an album about each other! A wonderful treasure to remember this amazing trip by. My theme was sewing on layouts. The classes all were fun and it felt good to sit down and work aside each other. During the entire day of classes, the QK girls handed out scrapbook goodies from various companies. We were told to bring an extra suitcase. I should have listened ;) We got so much sb goodies that most of us had to purchase an extra suitcase to bring all the treasures back home. I am still in awwwwweee!!!!! We also got our headshots taken by the FABULOUS KELLI NOTO! Let me just tell you that she is AMAZING!!! I hope that one day in my life I will be able to operate my camera like her but trust me, I have a long road ahead of me! She is simply amazing! I can't wait to see all the fabulous headshots she took!
In the evening we went out for dinner with QK employees and the team and the founder Natasha and her husband! It was such a blast! I think I haven't laughed this hard in forever! Afterwards we got together to sign each others books (the albums we had created).
The next day we had focus groups in the morning and we got sneak peaks of all the goodies that are coming out for the remainder of the year! YOU WILL LOOOOVVEEE all the stuff that is coming out! We all were literally drooling over it!
We had a make and take before lunchtime and than went for a little shopping! I think most of us felt bad to even think of spending money after all the free goodies we received. We stopped at Pebbles right after lunch and than had to go to Walmart for luggage ;)Afterwards we went up the mountains a little and took some pics and went to dinner for sushi! I am not a fish eater at all but boy, that chicken terijake was the best thing I have ever had! YUMMY!!!
In the evening we got together at the conference room that we had at the hotel and just chatted, laughed and had a blast. The next morning we went to see the Tabernacle choir in Salt Lake and had a wonderful breakfast buffet afterwards. Our flights left between 11:30 - 5:00. We got dropped off at different times, and I ended up spending a few fun hours with Linda, Celia, Sam and Jamie at the airport. I nearly peed my pants from laughing so hard! We were goofing around until we all had to split up for our flights!
Truly an unforgettable 4 days with amazing people! I feel like I have made so many new friends and have had the chance to meet so many amazing designers, people and the QK family!
Thank YOU all who made this retreat so fabulous!
Linda - you are such a doll - I so enjoyed chatting, hanging out and laughing with your. You are amazing and I love you girlie!!
Jamie - my fabulous roommate! You are such a sweetie and a doll! Thanks for everything! A big hugs and squeeze to you
Kelli - you are amazing! Send some photo mojo my way - pretty please ;)and did I say that you are amazing!
Celia - omg, you crack me up! I am still laughing just thinking of all the conversations we had! You are one fun girl to hang out with!!!
Angela - you are way cool! Best of luck with your sb store - I know it will be a big success! ...and keep those gorgous layouts and cards coming! YOu are amazing
Shanna - I am not going to out you, but YOU have made me CRY from LAUGHING so hard! You are hilarious and so much fun to hang out with!!
Leslie - our room is 438 - come on over any time LOL ;)))
Sam - give a big hug and squeeze to Assi!!! ;) was so great to finally meet! You are a doll
Shannon - if you ever need a babysitter, call me! Your little guy just made me fall head over heals in love! He is such a cutie and you are an amazing mom!!!!
Angela - You are a sweetie! So glad we were able to hang out and laugh together!
Kristin - you just amaze me with your sb business. YOU GO GIRL!!!! So good to meet you, you are a true sweetie
Holle - just gotta love, love, love that accent girl!!!! Glad we had a chance to meet although we missed you the last day! Hope that being away from Hayden wasn't too hard and glad that you got back home safe to him!
Yoriko - that girl is a sb celebrity in Japan... we saw books and books and books of her work! Wow!
THANK YOU GIRLS! YOU ARE ALL AMAZING!!!
To Andrea, Heather and Michelle - YOU are the BEST! Thank you all for this wonderful weekend, for your constant support and for your amazing work for QuicKutz! I am so grateful to be part of it! THANK YOU!!

The countdown is on

... ONLY 3 1/2 more days and I will be leaving for Utah for our QuicKutz retreat. I finally finished all my 24 class kits today :) The are all nice and neatly on the floor. (I should take a photo, huh?). I am getting excited to meet the design team and the QuicKutz employees. We all will be flying in on Thursday between 4 - 5 p.m. and staying until Sunday late afternoon. I haven't seen the final program yet, but from what we heard about last year it's going to be a lot of fun. We will be touring the plant, meeting everyone, have focus groups and each of us teaches a class. My roomie is Jamie and I am excited to meet her and the rest of the group. Alhtough I have been going back and forth the last few weeks between excitement and nervousness, I am finally at the point where I am just looking forward to this! 4 days of fun! 4 days to meet and hang out! Days filled with creating, meetings, idea brainstorming sessions, shoppings and photoshots. Dang, I am one lucky gal!!!!! I have never been to Utah, so I am really looking forward to it! And I really can use this little get away ;)
I will report back with photos next week and maybe give a little sneak peak of the class kit later this week ;)
Hugs everyone! Have a great weekend and be good!

Friday nights with my friends...

are the BEST!!!! I am getting ready to head over to Ang's house tonight to meet with her and Margarita to scrapbook and precelebrate Ang's birthday! Wooohooooo I can't wait!!!! My XXL is packed, I am pretty much ready to go and I decided I will CREATE something just for myself tonight ;) We'll be ordering in some food and not sure what else we are all up too, but I tell you, we are known for late night field trips ~ grin!! .... let the Party BEGIN!!!
*
Thank you all for your comments and emails!!! My dad is doing a little better from what my mom emailed me! Still in pain and on the road to recovery but a little better each day!!! Thinking of you and sending you hugs dad!!!

Prayers needed!

If you believe in positive and healing prayers, please include my dad in your prayers. He had a total knee replacement operation this morning and is still in intensive care. My thoughts are with him... I wish I could be there right now in person to give him support and hope for a speedy recovery, but since I am here, I am calling on everyone who believes in healting prayers. Please, please include him - to a speedy and full recovery Dad! Love you and you are in my thoughts, prayers and in my mind - all the time!
Hugs, Syb

My new pride & joy

Wanna see my new pride and joy? Lookie, lookie below:



I still can not believe it, but we changed our cellphone plans and I got this new little baby! HOT Techno stuff, let me tell you!
* Phone (ok, nothing new here)
* PDA (yeah... not more looking for my calendar, forgetting birthdays and all that good stuff... sends me reminders ufz!!)
* INTERNET connection (yes, flipping awesome, huh! I can check my email at lunch time and don't have to fret jumping on that corporate internet :) Definitely A BIG PLUS!!!)
* Email (I can read and respond and I have a fold out keyboard - ok, maybe not as good as the real stuff, but for on the road - FABULOUS. Totally digging it.)
* Games, movies, music options... still learning how to use half of it! But I am getting there.

So definitely a reason I haven't updated my blog LOL. Been too busy figuring this little baby out! ... and still working on assignments. Just shipped off another load to QuicKutz and working on more goodies. Also finished 2 projects for Scrapsahoy - tomorrow is the reveal of our new destination and I betcha, all the projects will be eye candy - not necessarily mine as I just cranked them out tonight. Last minute, I know, I know. I am such a procastinator lately! I used to be so good, organized, ahead of schedule, but for some reason that has changed... Well, maybe with the help of my new little friend and friendly reminder beeps I will get back into the swing of things and have everything nicely planned and organized.
WE SHALL SEE :)

* Also had my 5 years service award today. After 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 years (you get the picture) employees are presented with a service award and a gift while being praised by their boss in front of all these people. Yes, I got the praises too and it went down like butter, but (and she had warned me), she had to embarrise me too and tell a joke about our little language barrier at the beginning (in month 1). I survived (as you can see), probably turned bright red (not sure, but wouldn't be surprised) and got a nice little silver braclet with a charm that has the City logo on it. ... and just if you wonder and start adding up those years. Yes, I have been there over 6 years :)

Thats all for now... need to spend some tender loving care with my baby - and if I say baby, I mean my new cellphone wonder as hubby is at school :)
Hugs, Syb

Almost Friday....

... almost there...
just soaked in the tub for the past hour... was so nice. For some reason I felt a little blue today and needed to pamper myself to get out of this funky mood. I swear, there is nothing more healing than soaking up in hot water, reading a good book, closing your eyes for a few minutes and just refocusing...

Friday is just around the corner:
I love Fridays - see, I am working 9/80 meaning I am off every other Friday and the Fridays I have to work, I get paid, so what is there not to love??? Well the only thing I can think of is getting that paycheck and heading out the door - sounds awefully good :)
Plans for this weekend:

Saturday: Appointment with our tax dude. I am keeping my fingers crossed for a big refund. Who knows, maybe this will be our first summer in this house we no longer have to walk around half naked with the spray bottle around our neck in order to survive the California summer... yes, thinking of finally adding that long overdue A/C!!! How the heck did the build homes without A/C anyways....
Than on the other hand, Jer's car is pretty much running on it's last leg or tire LOL, so we might have to suffer through another summer,- we shall see. I am sure we will have no problems getting that refund on the man. I am thinking there is also always that sb room that is in dire need for some nice furniture! One can dream right!

The next few weekends are pretty much booked up:
Jer is heading to Chicago for a conference the first weekend in March and I will be going to Utah for my QK retreat in the middle of March...
We had originally planned on going to Germany in April but my dad is having an operation at the beginning of March and about 1 1/2 months of physical therapy afterwards... I think we might have to reschedule that trip a little later in the year. I am getting antsy to be honest. I haven't been home in over 2 years. We have rather unsucessfully scheduled and rescheduled our trip several times and it just wasn't meant to be. I dont know how things will be turning out, but I know that I WILL be going home this year!!! Not sure when, but its going to happen!!!

Looking forward to next Friday. I am signed up for a full day of scrapping with a few friends at my LSS. From morning till 2 a.m. Awwwwwwwwwww, I am counting the days....
Have a good weekend everyone!!!

Random thoughts...

* kinda been lost in my scrapbook studio these past few days/evenings- trying to get all my QK assignments done and out of the door :)
* got a lovely package from my mom (gotta love those pampering care packages): It had a whole bunch of photos from my childhood and teenager years (what a blast to the past) in it and a few cool presents that made me feel the LOVE!
* got this hilarious video clip from my dear friend Natasha Roe yesterday. Girl, you so made my day. I think I haven't laughed this hard in ages... and I nearly dropped of the chair. I wish I could somehow attach it to my blog, but I am just too dang techno incompetent :) So if you want me to forward it you, please email me (calnbg@sbcglobal.net). It's from Berlitz and basically about language barriers. I forwarded it to my boss and told her if we ever have a language barrier like that not to be too harsh on me... she nearly cried from laughing!!
* will be helping a friend out at the SB Expo in OC tomorrow afternoon with Ang, Margarita and Inken. We decided to leave early and take a little peak in the morning and do some serious or not so serious damage... I am still cured from my major decluttering last weekend... I couldn't believe all the stuff I had accumulated over the years.. almost felt like I had a cadillac parked in my sb room.. and just looking at the paper stacks... as if I ever could use ever single sheet... wont happen.. so hopefully that will be a reminder to think again before buying!
* feeling satisfied to look at the projects that are all lined up on the floor next to me... I have been creating my heart out and I love the peace I feel when I am all away in my little sb world
* Jer and I spent a nice, quite Valentinsday... I got beautiful flowers with a balloon (gotta love this man) and we went out for a nice dinner - I am one lucky gal to have this guy on my side! I can be MYSELF and he loves me just for that!!! He is my best friend and soul mate! Sometimes I dont even have to put in words how I feel and tell him what I need.. he is right there! HUGS my dear!!!! I love you from the bottom of my heart!
* OK gotta go back to finishing up those piles of laundry and some sb assignments.
Have a fabulous weekends!!!! And don't do anything I wouldn't do ;)

...

OK, the UPS man never made it :(
BUT Ang and I did a nightly trip to Scrapbook Oasis (they were open till 2 a.m. for a crop, and it's much easier to drive to OC at night than during the day due to the crazy traffic in Cali).They got new Fontwerks, Technique Tuesday stamps and American Craft paper in. Happy campers at 11 p.m. :)
LIFE IS GOOD AFTER ALL

PLEDGE

Dear UPS man:
* please, please, please DO NOT attempt to miss our house today
* do stop, open that door, get out of your truck and ring my door bell
* it's really important that I DO get this delivery TODAY!!!!! (to be honest I was hoping you would give me a visit already yesterday)
* SO please, do not let me down!!
* I will promise, you will be greated with a happy, smiling face
* ... and if its the package I have been waiting for so desperately to start working on my next assignments, I might just make your day by telling you how much I appreciate you stopping by, and how much you saved my day.
* I have not yet given up hope on you (but hey, it's 4:11 p.m. already) - I am sure you want to get done with your day too, so hit that gas peddle!
* Trust me, if the cops know important this one is, he will not give you a ticket.
------------------------->>>> So please, please, please, listen to my prayers!!!!

Life is GOOD...

Life has been really good this year so far! Although work has kept me busy the past few weeks, I have also been busy creating and really soaking life in!

Today was wonderful. Ang and I left for the Memories Store in Tustin at 9 a.m. Since traffic is usually pretty heavy on the 5, we decided to leave early and rather sneak a little coffee break in once we get there than to run late. We got there at around 10:45 a.m. The QuicKutz make and take that I was suppost to give was not scheduled until Noon, so we decided to stop at Old Navy and get a cup of coffee.
Before the QK make and take, Phil did a KI make and take and at Noon Ang and I took over the Make & Take area. The Memories/Paperzone store has this really cool set up in the front of the store - a permanent area for demos and make and takes with two work stations.
Below is the make and take sample of the valentins card I created with the Love Theme Kit from QuicKutz:


Our two stations were busy for the 2 hours we were there. It was fun to show people how to use the tool (for beginners) and to show experts the new Love Theme kit and it's possibilities and it was nice getting to know new scrappers! The Love Theme Kit definitely was the hot selling item of the day :)
At 2 p.m. we started wrapping up our make and take and Tricia from L'il Davis and Phil took over the station for the next two hours.
After a little shopping at the store, Ang and I went to lunch at California Pizza Kitchen and headed on to Scrapbook Oasis afterwards. We were able to use our gift voucher from the garage sale to get some of the new SEI & American Craft papers and stickers. Afterwards we drove to Strictly Scrapbooking and headed for Coldstone before driving back up to LA.
Definitely a DAY WORTH REMEMBERING and CHERISHING!
My partner in crime


*
Got a new haircut on Thursday evening. I really need to see if I can get a photo of Ricardo my hair stylist and do a little layout about this dude :) He is amazing with those siccors. Hair is flying left and right ... and that speed... almost makes you dang nervous, but the result is always amazing!!!!


Syb

I will be going back next Thursday evening to get strawberry blond highlights! Will post more photos than.
*
Have a fabulous weekend boys and girls~!~~

Make & Take in Tustin

Please stop by if you have some time. I am doing a make and take for Quickutz at the Memories Store in Tustin this Saturday (2/4/06) from Noon - 2 p.m.
They are located at:
2927 El Camino Real
Tustin, CA 92782-8909
The make and take will be a really cute Valentin's card (just in time for the big day 10 days later).
HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!!!
Syb

Disaster area :)

... ok, guess what I am referring to? Well, if you are a scrappers, it's not hard to guess the correct answer! Yes, my scrapping room or should I say my DISASTER area!! I should probably post a sign outside with a warning not to open the door! It seriously looks like a hurrican has hit home - stuff literally everywhere. I admit, I am NOT a clean scrapper. If I want to be creative, stuff has to fly left and right while working on projects. I try to clean up afterwards, but if I have too meet some deadline and I am tired, I may just close the door and leave the disaster till my next visit.
Well, it's gone out of hand - truly! Trust me! Hubby and I have agreed to rent a dumpster (NO WORRIES!!!, I am not going to go crazy and throw everything away) next weekend and get to work. I am trying to be good and make a pile for donation, a pile for a possible yard sale with my friends Ang and Margarita (something we decided on last week while doing the scrapping swapp at SB Oasis), a pile to be re-organized and a pile for the dumpster! I AM SERIOUS!!! I need to clean so bad. I am dreaming of an organized sb room, clean, uncluttered. I still know pretty much where I have what (which is a surprise in itself), but I just want it too look pretty too.
Like food - they eye eats too, right!
And NO, I will not post a photo of what it looks like right now (not sure if my camera lense would survive the disaster area), but I might just post a photo once I am done - Before and After so to say. Wish me luck!!!! ... and if you wonder about the timing LOL, just in time to make room for the new stuff! <---- Addictive scrapper talking :)
Have a good week everyone! To my friends at CHA - ENJOY!!!! (I so wish I could be there too, but hopefully next time), and while you are showing pretty new goodies, I am wading through my stuff that warrants a truly addicted sb personality :)

Trading in old for new...

Went to Scrapbook Oasis with Ang and Margarita yesterday to participate in a scrapbook supplies sale. The owners of the store rented out tables in the back where everone who "reserved" a table was able to sell any scrapbook or stamping supplies to customers. For all your sold items you got store credit. Our table (although way too small for all the stuff we had (I think we all should have reserved our own table as we had so much stuff)) made out like bandits LOL. I think combined we sold stuff worth a few hundred dollars. After dinner we went back and shopped in the store and were able to use our store credit = so basically trading old for new stuff!!! It was such a blast and it felt so good to get rid of some items that I just knew I wouldn't use anymore. ... and best of all I ended up with some fun new stuff I can hardly wait to play with!!!!

Busy, busy, busy....

January and February are the busiest times of the year for me at work!!! = Operating budget time. The budget drags on until the beginning of summer until Council adopts it and than changes are made based on decisions taken. Once we submit our budget proposal the work load slows down and we just made edits to our proposal ... but right now it's insanely busy at work.

To be honest, I am bummed that this is the busiest time of the year. I would have loved to go to CHA in Legas, but there is just NO way I am getting off work with a due date on 1/29, 1/31 and 2/9!!! So I am a little sad, but I have been talking to my friend Natasha/tasha and we are planning on going to Chicago in the summer! Can't wait, - something to look forward too :)Chin up - let's get this budget done and turned in ~smile!!!

Celebration, celebration :)

It's celebration time baby :) I am finished with all my QK projects and they are on their way :) YEAH!!!!!

Besides that, busy, busy, busy at work! Our first budget due date is next Friday, followed by Tuesday afterwards (1/31) and than the final due date for enhancements is 2/9! After that we will be getting questions, revisions are due, etc. Did I mention that I can't wait for Mid February to be here :)

I have been tagged

I have been tagged by Nas and by
Megan

Four movies you would watch over and over again (in no real order):
Pretty in pink
The Notebook
Born Identity
Sissy

Four places you have lived:
Stuttgart - Germany (born and raised)
Nuernberg - Germany
France (Paris and Tours)
USA (San Diego as Exchange Student and Los Angeles)

Four T.V. shows you love to watch:
The shield
House
Alias
24

Four places you have been on vacation:
London
Spain
Italy
Ibiza

Four web-sites I visit daily:
Scrapsahoy.com
Several blogs
Yahoo Groups
My inbox :)

Four of my favorite foods:
Mexican burritos
Chicken noodle soup
Coldstone icecream
Turkey & ham sandwich

Four places I’d rather be right now:
in my scrapping room :)
Hawai
In Germany with my family
in front of the fireplace with a good book or magazine

Bloggers I'm tagging:
Martha, Tonya

Quickly checking in

... sorry no update and no photos....
I am working on projects for QuicKutz for CHA. I got my HUGE box on Monday and I am still in QK heaven! So cool! .... just cranking out the projects each evening... still way to go and I need to get them back out next week! Besides... budget time has just started at work... so double busy...
More updates on Tuesday, once I have been to the post office :)
Hugs, Syb

A little time off :)

Jer and I took a few days off this week to go down to San Diego and to spend some quality time together! FINALLY! It has been way too long that we were able to get away together and we really, really enjoyed spending time together and it felt like such a refresher to our marriage! We left LA on Tuesday morning and drove to San Diego. We went to Horton Plaza, spend a few hours shopping and took a stroll through the Gaslamp district. Afterwards we drove around San Diego and enjoyed the beautiful surrounding, beach, etc.
Today we went to Sea World. Lots of shows, lots of photos, and lots of fun. And best of all - My back held up ok. I am sooooooo thankful and happy. I was really worried that I would not be able to walk all day, but knock on wood. I think all the acupuncture, the physical therapy and me starting to slowly working out again is helping. I promised myself to do anything possible (do my back exercises, continue acupuncture, and start slowly to work out again) to prevent back surgery. So now I am just hoping and praying that my body is responding and that those two slipped disks are good and stopping to bug me :)
Thanks everyone for your continuing support, prayers and thoughts!!! Photos from our trip will follow soon.
And tomorrow (Friday), I have an entire day to scrap with my friend Inken. We signed up at our LSS for the Moonlighter but we are going in for the entire day. Can't wait!!!

I can spill Finally spill the beans....

So dang excited and thrilled and I can finally spill the beans and share ...
Lookie here
:) :) :) :) :) :)

Happy New YEAR

Just wanted to wish everyone a VERY Happy, HEALTHY, Successful and AMAZING 2006!!!!!!!!
Hugs, Syb