It Is What It Is

The Shame that Is My Life....plus

I kinda had a crappy, stressful week. I have A LOT going on with my job.  Not that I'm complaining, because Lord knows, I'm grateful for having a job in the pharmaceutical industry right now, as so many companies have downsized.  So, because of that, the attitude that pretty permeates all things is "Bend over and take it..." if you know what I mean.  This week was the official kick-off of the bending over part and will cumulate in a 5 day frenzy of bending over in a few weeks.  (i.e. National Sales Meeting.)

That all being said, I needed to cut loose last night.  Have some fun- and guess what I did?  I drove to two different theaters with Youngest to try to get tickets to see "New Moon."  Yes- I was one of those moms- in line with all the other moms (very few dads- I must say...)  and teenagers galore!  I will also say- there were lots of other women in my age category out with their friends minus the kids part....

Now, I don't go to many opening night premieres of movies so this was a treat to have so much audience participation.  When the trailers ended and the opening of the film was starting- the entire audience gasped and applauded.  Throughout different parts in the movie- (primarily when one of the lead male characters was on screen- especially without a shirt..) the audience would erupt in cheer, followed by "shush" because no one wanted to miss a word of the dialog. 

My opinion of the film?  I thought they did a fine job of telling the story of New Moon- but as a reader- I feel you can never the do the book the justice it truly deserves.  That being said- I do think the casting of these characters is spot on- and they bring the characters to life.

Youngest and I had a great time and it was just the stress reliever I needed to forget about my crappy week....can't ask for more than that.

Oh- and the winners of the Jewels by Jules contest-

Beth and Terese!  Congrats and thanks for your comments. 

p.s.  Management reserves the right to not photograph the official contest winner being chosen- because if you waited for that to happen you would have to wait until next Christmas to wear the winning items...(see above for explanation.) Thank you.

Jewels by Jules

If I didn't think it would sound kind of snobby- I'd probably give this post a number as one of my Graces- but stating that you have a personal jewelry designer just doesn't sound grounded.  But I do- actually- she could be your personal jewelry designer too!  My friend, Julie is a hard working, creative gal.  She started designing and making jewelry a few years ago and her little creative outlet just continues to grow- as well as her talent for creating beautiful, fun jewelry.  I've gotten a little spoiled.  If I'm looking for some accessories to go with a certain outfit, I give Julie a ring and she tells me what she has in stock or she makes something up for me. 

She is extremely busy this time of year, as she participates in quite a few craft and holiday art shows.  However, she came up with a couple of adorable holiday earrings that she is making available as a special order item. 

These "holly berries"  are made of 6mm glass round beads that dangle 1".  They sell for $9.  I think they could be worn year round with the right outfit- but are especially darling during the Christmas holidays.

How cute are these little snowmen?  These earrings are made of 6 x 8 mm glass crystal facted rondelles and dangle down to 7/8".  They also sell for $9. 

You know you have a stocking that needs stuffed with these earrings.  Or you need to wear them yourself.  These earrings would work for young girls as well.  What about that hard to buy for family member or teacher- who would not appreciate  a pair of handcrafted earrings? 

Shipping is just $3 for one pair or free if you purchase both pairs.  If you are interested in purchasing these earrings or checking out other Jewels by Jules please contact her at julieturi@aol.com, be sure to note Jewelry Order in the subject line.

Now for some fun- Leave me a comment on where you are with your holiday gift buying.  Do you have a list?  Are you organized and methodical in your holiday shopping or do you fly by the seat of your pants?  (I'm a little bit on the flighty side myself..)  I will be awarding '2" lucky readers with a pair of earrings from Jewels by Jules.  Please post your comment by Thursday, November 19 at 5:00 pm EST. 

 

"To all the Blogs I've Loved Before.."

First, I want to set the mood for your reading pleasure.  Close your eyes, and think of the Willie Nelson song, "To all the girls I've loved before.."  Can you hear it?  That's the kind of mood I'm in folks.  I'm trying not to be a hater.  Hater of myself and the procrastinating that has invaded my life.  But first before I write about that, I must go watch" Curb Your Enthusiasm"....I'll be right back, I promise.

I'm back...seriously, I have the worse case of procrastination EVER!  I've been able to accomplish only those things that need taken care in the most immediate of ways.  For instance, today was a beautiful day.  I didn't have any place to be- so I could in theory get caught up.  I did take care of a few things that I needed to-BUT the things that have been hanging over my head for way too long- didn't get touched.  So because of that, I'm going to tell you about all the blogs I wish I would have written in the last few weeks in hopes of actually getting them written-

1.  Desk Redo Bloggy Style- UPDATE - In this post, I show all the progress I've made on my desk- actually showing the finished product.

2.  Volleyball- A Love Story to replace A Love Story- Football

3.  A Season of Cheer- In this post I tell all about my adventures in cheerleading coaching 19 ten year old girls- (I can almost hear you laughing as you read this...)

4.  DIPS- Revisited- This is my cooking mini-tutorial where I photograph and make the dips submitted by  two of my faithful commenter's.

5.  DIPS- for Book clubs- this had to be postponed because the dip party was postponed- so I guess I'm not procrastinating on this one...

6.  Decorating for fall- Because I actually did so little it wasn't worth the effort.

7.  How to Parent an 18 Year Old- If anyone has any advice on this- I could use your help.

8.  My new favorite author- Jen Lancaster!

9.  "Twilight"- I'm behind the curve...

10.  My New fall Favorite TV Must Watches...

11.  I have a New Boss- Oh mY!

Hopefully, I've peaked your interest.  I know I've peaked mine.  Lets hope I can kick this procrastinating cloud that has been hanging over my head and get to writing!  Are you procrastinating anything?  Tell me what it is so I can feel better about myself!  Thanks for sharing!

Help A Friend Out and Have Some Fun

My friend, Karen at Strictly Simple Style, (www.strictlysimplestyle.blogspot.com)  has entered a contest over at http://paulagracedesigns.blogspot.com/2009/10/time-to-vote.html.  This blog is another beauty if you're looking for decorating panache. 

Vote for Karen's fall decorating display.  (I must say, it really was my favorite and much different than the usual fall decorating fair.)  You'll be glad for checking out Karen's beautiful site as well as the Paula Grace Designs. 

Happy Fall!

Desk-Redo Bloggy Style

A few months ago I purchased a desk at a garage sale. The idea was for the desk to go in my youngest daughter's newly moved into bedroom.  The desk itself has good bones.  It only cost my $15 dollars at the sale.  It does however need some work.  My initial thought was to just paint it white and maybe stick on some new hardware and call it a day. 

However, my friend, Karen over at Strictly Simple Style (www.strictlysimplestyle.blogspot.com) offered to help me out.  She's all about making things look great while not breaking the bank.  I've sent her a few photos of the desk and am awaiting her suggestions.  I'll be updating my progress on the desk, right here.  For the record, let me state, I'm not Martha Stewart.  I've got great ideas/visualization (at least in my humble opinion,)  however something is usually lost in the translation/actual work in progress.  This should be fun and I'm looking forward to working with Karen on this little project.  Be sure to check out her blog- you'll be glad you did.  It's chock full of great tips, how to's and ideas on how to make the most of your home. 

Here's the BEFORE:

 

Up Close-

 

 P.S.  Yes- our garage is really that messy and No- I couldn't be bothered to move things in order to get a clear shot.  Just wanted to clear that help....
 

Should I Stay or Should I Go?....

Recently I heard a news story on Good Morning America talking about 5 of the most overused phrases being used today.

This information came from an on-line blog on writing where readers were asked to nominate phrases that they thought were overused. 

The top 5 vote getter's were:

1. Very

2. Kind of

3. It is What it Is  (GASP!!)

4. Think outside the box

5.  Just sayin'

When I heard that the title of my Blog was considered overused, it kind of upset me and made me think that perhaps I need to think outside the box and come up with a very different title, just sayin'...

Seriously, it did make me think that maybe I should change the name of my blog.  Should the title be more reflective of me as a person and my identity?  I chose this name a few years ago (I was saying it is what it is long before it became overused)....and quite honestly, I rarely use it in my writing. 

So- I'm asking you faithful readers, should I change my title and if so, please offer a suggestion.  All comments will be considered.  (And even if you're reading my blog for the first time- feel free to offer something up- I'd love to hear from you too!) 

Yearbook Yourself

I go in phases with this whole Facebook thing.  Lately, I have found a plethora of "friends" from high school.  It's so fun to catch up with these folks.  Seeing what they look like now- (27 years later!!)  Oh my goodness.  Mostly everyone looks the same.  I still see their sweet, young faces from high school.  I've never been able to attend a high school reunion- so this is the next best thing.  The really cool thing is that one friend leads to another and so on.  Truth be told, I don't have a very good memory for these names- I need to dig out my yearbook and do some matching up! 

So for fun- I thought I'd share some dated photos of myself-

 

Me- circa 1964

 

Circa 1980.

 

1982- my high school graduation year.

 

Finally,me, 1992.

Go on over to www.yearbookself.com and have some fun!

It's Not too Late....

Alright now, I know that I have more readers than the one's who graciously leave me comments.  I'm having a contest people- you could win a free book!  So- comment already- tell me what you're reading and you will be entered into a drawing to win the to be released novel, Easy on the Eyes by Jane Porter.  Even if you don't read- send me a comment and tell me what you do in your free time in lieu of reading....

In the meantime, since I can sometimes be a sick and twisted individual, I highly recommend the website- Funny or Die.  (www.funnyordie.com)  This site is the brainchild of Will Ferrell.  It's filled with spoof videos.  There are videos made by celebrities that make fun of themselves.  The one that is especially amusing to me of late is this spoof on Jon and Kate Gosselin.  I haven't said anything about my disgust of Jon and Kate Plus 8- so let me go on record now and say- they disgust me....these spoof videos of them are showing their new match.com  videos now that they are both "single" again.... it's very funny.  Check it out if you're so inclined.  I will also mention that there are some very raunchy videos on this site- so if you are sensitive to this - beware- but the Jon and Kate videos are pretty benign- funny but not dirty. 

Oh- and send your comments by Sunday evening at 5:00 pm EST.  Winner will be announced shortly thereafter...

African Thunderstorm

I was first sent the link below in e-mail.  I must have watched it three times in a row.   I now have it saved for whenever I need to chill out and relax or just feel good. 

 Turn your volume up louder at the beginning so you'll be able to hear the "start of the storm."  I have seen part of this technique used during a retreat.  It's extremely powerful. 

 Enjoy.  (Just click on the link below.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05ip-N0H1Ig

Happy 100 Posts and 4th of July!

 

This is my 100th post.  I guess that's sort of monumental.  I started this little blog back in August of 2007.  I sputtered out quickly, by that November I had stopped posting.  It took a year for me to pick it back up and since then I have tried to remain strong in regular posting.  (Not as regular as I would like-but I'm working on it.) 

So, thanks to all of you who come by to visit regularly- and thanks to those who pop in whenever they get a chance.  I didn't start this whole thing to garner fans- mainly, it was started as a creative outlet for my meandering  mind.  Then it remained as a challenge to myself to keep writing and to learn how to use all of the technology required to do things I wanted to on this site. 

I'm still learning- it's a process.  I have discovered I have a love of photography.  I have much to learn and I'm up for the challenge.   I have learned that I love telling stories with words and photos. 

I love hearing from you, dear readers.  I love your comments.  Keep 'em coming.  I'll keep on keepin' on this thing I'm doing here, stop by when you can.

Enjoy your Independence Day!  Enjoy your cookouts, fireworks and time spent with family and friends.  Remembering how lucky we are to live in this great nation,regardless of how things might be right now, I'd rather call the United States my home than any other place on Earth.