My life in words and pictures

Dylan Jeremy Moen is here :)

2007-07-02T11:54:00.000-07:00

Dylan Jeremy Moen was born on Thursday, June 28th, 2007 at 7:52 a.m. at Verdugo Hills hospital.

Weight: 7 lbs 1 oz

Length: 18.5 inches

Mom, Dad and baby Dylan are doing fine and are settling in at home.

Is this thing still on???

2007-05-01T20:45:00.000-07:00

OK, I admit, I am worlds worst blogger!!!! I can't even remember when I updated this thing the last time! Oophs!

A lot has happened in between... but to be honest the lack of updating can be contributed 99% to ME = TIRED and being exhausted!!!

I barely can remember the last time I scrapped

I barely can remember the last time I cleaned the house

I barely can remember doing anything productive...

But I can remember tons of naps :)

Tons of baby movements

Tons of giggles and smiles.

And I leave you with this...

After nearly 25 min. the 3 D U/S tech finally got him! He was hiding behind his arms and legs and we already thought that we didn't get a glimpse of our little guy! First he was frowning, than sleepy and yawning and than for one split second I saw this and it warmed my heart!!!! A little smile! So cute!

It's a ...

2007-03-02T07:41:00.000-08:00

BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and we couldn't be happier!!!!

So excited and can't wait to hold this little guy! Hope he gets his daddy's dimples and dark hair. We got him his first little outfit 2 days ago.... check it out:

Boy or Girl??

2007-02-11T10:03:00.000-08:00

Give a guess.... we have to wait 2 1/2 more weeks (2/27 to be exact) until we hopefully find out what this little peanut is... Let's play a little game... Leave me a comment with your guess....
Boy or Girl????

Update

2007-01-15T15:24:00.000-08:00

Thanks everyone for your emails and for checking on me! I am great and alive:) ! Life has been really busy and blogging was the last thing on my priority list! Sometimes it's just a great feeling to just soak it all in instead of having to put everything down on paper. The holidays and past months were wonderful! So many great memories, and times!

Lots of exciting news:

As most of you probably know by now, I am pregnant! I am 15 weeks and a few days. I created a babyblog this morning to track and share information. I sent out invites to only a few selected people and family as I want to keep this blog private and not open to the "public". If you did not get an invite and want to check in, please email me and I will determine access rights. Thanks for understanding... I just want to keep a few things to myself and only share with certain folks. I didn't spill the beans earlier, as I didn't share the news at work until about 2 weeks ago (with my boss) and about 1/2 weeks ago with my co-workers. I didn't want someone to run by accident into my blog and blurr out the news.

It's been a fabulous relaxing day today. I am off and enjoying every second off it. I haven't really been productive, although my goal was to at least crank out 5 cards for QK but I have been creating the baby blog, have uploaded some pics, have done some laundry, went to get some coffee... and before I know it, its 3:30 p.m. Dang! And all I can show for is one card and good memories of an afternoon well spent :) Good enough for me! Sometimes it's not the outcome that matters but the road travelled and the road travelled today was relaxing, rejuvenating and just what I needed.

The next couple of weeks will be busy as I will be co-ordinating our departments budget. We are currently going through a reorganization so this will be challenging as a lot of things are still pending and will need to be adjusted as we go along.

Went to Disneyland with Jer, Sandy and Sarah on Saturday and we had a blast! I always love going with them because we have the best time! Lots of laughers, lots of fun!!!! It was so dang cold though that entire Disneyland was sold out on gloves (who would have ever thought??). Temperatures hit in the low 30's and I don't think I have ever seen the degree sign for celsius come close to almost ZERO! Yes, it can get cold and miserable even in "sunny" California!

My favorite TV show has started yesterday! 24! I am soooo hocked to this show since it started a few years ago. The 2 hour opening was yesterday night and 2 more hours of special treat this evening! YEAH! Life is good ;)

Gotta go!
Hugs, Syb

I got my "behind" kicked

2006-11-02T18:25:00.000-08:00

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

2006-10-22T09:57:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-12T11:24:00.000-07:00

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

2006-09-16T22:10:00.000-07:00

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

2006-09-16T09:52:00.000-07:00

... 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

2006-08-13T10:01:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-12T08:11:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-12T07:57:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-06T19:04:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-06T18:59:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-05T20:43:00.000-07:00

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

2006-07-29T08:09:00.000-07:00

GASP!!!!!!
*
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???

2006-07-25T21:35:00.000-07:00

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!

2006-07-15T09:19:00.000-07:00

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???

2006-07-09T16:51:00.000-07:00

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 ;)

2006-07-07T08:21:00.000-07:00

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):

*
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)
*
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....
*
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 ;)

2006-06-22T17:12:00.000-07:00

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
*
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...

2006-06-14T21:29:00.000-07:00

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???

2006-06-08T19:19:00.000-07:00

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 ;)

2006-05-30T20:46:00.000-07:00

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

2006-05-24T21:31:00.000-07:00

... 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 :)

2006-05-08T08:11:00.000-07:00

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!

2006-04-28T07:58:00.000-07:00

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

2006-04-26T17:34:00.000-07:00

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

Disclaimer!!!

2006-04-20T17:12:00.000-07:00

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 :)

2006-04-18T19:08:00.000-07:00

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

2006-04-03T19:26:00.000-07:00

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?

2006-03-31T08:22:00.000-08:00

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

2006-03-20T12:29:00.000-08:00

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

2006-03-12T18:27:00.000-08:00

... 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...

2006-03-10T15:52:00.000-08:00

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!

2006-03-07T20:43:00.000-08:00

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

2006-02-28T21:28:00.000-08:00

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....

2006-02-23T20:24:00.000-08:00

... 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...

2006-02-17T08:21:00.000-08:00

* 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 ;)

...

2006-02-12T09:19:00.000-08:00

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

2006-02-11T16:08:00.000-08:00

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...

2006-02-04T21:24:00.000-08:00

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

2006-01-31T17:58:00.000-08:00

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 :)

2006-01-26T19:43:00.000-08:00

... 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...

2006-01-22T10:11:00.000-08:00

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....

2006-01-19T19:34:00.000-08:00

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 :)

2006-01-17T17:45:00.000-08:00

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

2006-01-14T10:27:00.000-08:00

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

2006-01-12T21:29:00.000-08:00

... 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 :)

2006-01-05T21:57:00.000-08:00

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....

2006-01-03T16:35:00.000-08:00

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

Happy New YEAR

2006-01-01T21:28:00.000-08:00

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

Permanently marked

2005-12-30T16:13:00.000-08:00

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

2005-12-27T17:54:00.000-08:00

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 :)
*
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.
*
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!
*
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.
*
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.
*
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

2005-12-24T13:21:00.000-08:00

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!

2005-12-23T10:21:00.000-08:00

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

2005-12-19T20:24:00.000-08:00

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?

2005-12-13T18:52:00.000-08:00

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.
*
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.
*
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?
*
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...
*
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

2005-12-12T20:41:00.000-08:00

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

2005-12-11T11:09:00.003-08:00

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

2005-12-11T11:09:00.002-08:00

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

2005-12-10T17:01:00.000-08:00

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...

2005-12-07T19:58:00.000-08:00

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...

2005-12-06T18:15:00.000-08:00

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

2005-11-29T15:34:00.000-08:00

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..

2005-11-20T19:13:00.000-08:00

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

2005-11-15T17:48:00.000-08:00

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...

2005-11-15T17:15:00.000-08:00

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.
*
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

2005-11-14T17:14:00.000-08:00

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

2005-11-08T17:47:00.000-08:00

... 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

2005-11-02T20:13:00.000-08:00

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...

2005-11-01T18:36:00.000-08:00

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...

2005-11-01T18:07:00.000-08:00

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

2005-10-30T11:24:00.000-08:00

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...

2005-10-30T11:19:00.000-08:00

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...

2005-10-30T11:09:00.000-08:00

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

2005-10-26T16:59:00.000-07:00

... 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

2005-10-18T19:02:00.000-07:00

.... 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...

2005-10-18T17:38:00.000-07:00

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!!

2005-10-14T09:31:00.000-07:00

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...

2005-10-11T13:06:00.000-07:00

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

2005-10-11T09:23:00.000-07:00

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

2005-10-08T21:46:00.000-07:00

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

2005-10-08T09:11:00.000-07:00

... 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...

2005-10-08T09:01:00.000-07:00

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

2005-10-04T16:42:00.000-07:00

... 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 :)

2005-10-03T16:49:00.000-07:00

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

2005-10-01T18:26:00.000-07:00

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

2005-10-01T08:34:00.000-07:00

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

2005-09-30T09:44:00.000-07:00

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

2005-09-25T12:34:00.000-07:00

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

2005-09-25T12:24:00.000-07:00

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

2005-09-25T11:56:00.002-07:00

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

2005-09-23T21:34:00.000-07:00

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

2005-09-23T15:59:00.000-07:00

... 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

2005-09-21T14:47:00.000-07:00

.... 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

2005-09-21T08:17:00.000-07:00

... 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

2005-09-21T08:08:00.001-07:00

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

2005-09-20T08:28:00.000-07:00

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.