Normal Girl on Cloud Highway

Finally some fun...

2009-07-29T22:57:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I take off early in the morning. First stop, pay the deposit on my new carpet (for my old home, go figure.) then off to drop off my dog at the kennel (poor thing--wish we could communicate to explain I'll be back) then I'm off to San Antonio. I get to spend a day and a half with my brother and family. Then, I spend the rest of the weekend at the fort with the greatest of people. Here are some photos from the last time...

Find more photos like this on TPR

I was once a packrat!

2009-06-05T07:07:00.001-07:00

I am currently burried in stuff as I pull things out and try to make money on them in a timely fashion. Seriously, I have WAY TOO MUCH stuff, currently. I don't need or want most of it which makes it easy to get rid of. I will probably keep a little too much in the end, but I am looking forward to mainly having items I truly like around me. Thankfully, Craigslist has been helping me sell some items. So far I've sold an exercise machine for $50. And now have interested buyers in some Rosetta Stone Russian language software (THAT's something I don't need!!!) and a Guiro percussion instrument (nope! Don't need that either!)

Unfortunately, this whole process of getting rid of STUFF has been an enormous time-guzzler. I can't do much on the house painting-wise and maintenance-wise until everything gets into the garage or even more out the door! I'm having a yard sale in a few weeks too. Just trying to sell some of the pricier items through Craigslist first as well as finish cleaning out every place in the house that I can.

Well, that's that. Fair warning to any clutter-hoarding friends out there. Start clearing out your stuff now if you plan on moving in the next couple years!

Been too serious lately

2009-05-09T07:50:00.000-07:00

see more pwn and owned pictures

see more pwn and owned pictures

see more pwn and owned pictures

see more pwn and owned pictures

Dog Quote

2009-05-03T15:51:00.000-07:00

"We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare and love we can spare. And in return, dogs give us their all. It's the best deal man has ever made."

Fort McKavett!

2009-05-02T06:09:00.000-07:00

Texas Paranormal Research 101 weekend was amazing! The fort is beautiful, and very active with paranormal activity. I loved seeing my recently made friends and meeting a few more too! The weekend in photos:

The Bakery

The Dead House. Paranormal stuff REALLY happens here.

Amber, Tony, and Woody

The Bakery
Tony and the Trouble Twins

Mingling

The fun begins after dark.
Can't beat pretty.
Love this one.
Guess his name ;)
Heading back to the barracks where we slept.

Mickey and Jimmy.

Urban Anthology--Challenge 3--Go Green!

2009-04-14T16:38:00.000-07:00

I am anxiously awaiting the next challenge at Urban Anthology. Do you scrapbook the green way? This challenge was all about reusing, recycling, and reducing! My layout has a LOT of reused elements. Can you say "tear apart the old Anniversary album after getting a divorce"? haha Its great therapy. For my wedding gift to my ex-husband I made us an anniversary book. One layout for each of the next 25 years. I pulled off all the embellishments and many are reused on this page.

I also used up some paints I would have thrown out anyway...before my very likely move to DALLAS!! More on that later. :)

Funny for Monday

2009-04-06T10:29:00.000-07:00

On a more serious note, I love to listen to Hay House Radio. Lately, I've been in a 'funk", but I listen to hay house o get out of the funk...I'm working on focussing on the "other ways" I can think about the negative things in my life (the more positive ways.) Directing thoughts can make a difference. How about you? Is there anything you can think about differently? Have a happy Monday!

Fun at the Fort is only 3 weeks away!!

2009-04-05T09:55:00.000-07:00

If you are interesting in paranormal activity in any way, you should really check out The TPR Paranormal 101 Event. It is being held by Texas Paranormal Research and isat Fort McKavett--a truly awesome place. Tickets are limited and a really great value!!!

Fort McKavett from my January trip.

What I'm "Up TO"

2009-03-31T12:35:00.001-07:00

I decided I would love to be part of a scrapbook Design Team....I love to scrapbook. I love to share. I love to get inspired and be inspired. I love getting challenged to push the envelope!

Right now I am working on this submission: Looks like a great opportunity!!

Want to be on our Design Team ?
We are looking for fun, enthusiastic, and creative paper crafters to join our Design Team. Our design team motivates, inspires, and supports our online community. We are looking for paper crafters of all skill levels, with or without design team experience. Paper Popsicles kits and store products appeal to a wide audience, so we're looking for all type of scrappers... from traditional to chic. We are accepting applicants from the U.S. & Canada. this time.Deadline for Design Team submissions will be Thursday, April 30, 2009. To apply, please send the following items to paperpopsicles@gmail.com.
Full contact information (Name, Address, Phone Number, Email Address, and message board user ID).
3 layouts (1 layout must be 2 pages with multi-photos), 1 altered project and 1 card - these can be previously published items - we just want to see your best work!. Links of your blog, online galleries, or other places where your work can be seen. Please include any user IDs necessary..
Register for our message board and get to know the members of our community and allow us to get to know you a little better..
A short resume of your paper crafting experience, including any current or prior design teams..
A short bio about yourself; including what you consider your scrapping style to be and why you want to be part of the Paper Popsicles Design Team
Design Team Requirements:
Our designers rotate between the main kit and mini-kit assignments. Main kit assignments consist of 4-6 projects using the supplied kit contents. Projects should be a variety of layouts and cards; 3-4 layouts (a multi-photo two page layout is required each month) and a card set (2 or more cards) per kit. All projects should be made with at least 90% kit contents or store product. All items to be submitted prior to the monthly deadline..
Every other month, choose a project you have recently created using store products and provide written directions and photos for an online workshop. Directions should focus on specific steps needed to recreate your project, including techniques used, measurements for cutting, and include sketches as needed. These may be published on the blog as well as the how-to forum..
Each design team member is expected to participate actively on the message board, gallery and contribute content to the Paper Popsicles blog. Activity includes starting new threads, posting questions, tips, responding to threads, and leaving gallery praise..
Every designer is assigned a week each month to post the question of the day on the board.. Participate in any online events that are held during term.. Participate in Design Team discussions.
Commitment to a 4 month contract term May 2009 - August 2009 with the possibility of an additional 2 months or until October 2009.
Design Team Compensation:
Receive a discount on purchases from Paper Popsicles.. Receive monthly Design Team kits as assigned to be used in creating monthly projects. Free shipping on orders shipped with Design Team kits. Other store merchandise as creative work is needed.
Watch the Paper Popsicles blog on May 2, 2009 for the exciting announcement of our new design team!!!

And this opportunity too! Its been great fun so far!!!

Q&A

2009-03-29T12:58:00.000-07:00

The following questions come from http://www.paperpopsicles.com/

*How long have you been scrapping? THe modern way, for 6 years or so.

* What is your fav adhesive? Scotch Quick-Dry Adhesive

* Cardstock you can't live without? I'm not picky

* Do you prefer acrylic or rubber stamps? acylic

* Pigment or dye ink? I'm a bargain hunter. I own probably 10 stamp pads at the most.

* Patterned paper preferences? I love variety. I tend to avoid thematic papers or too many pastels, but, like I said, I like variety, so those are even good from time to time.

. * Fav paper manufacturer? Tough to say. If I list one, I would have to list about 10. Although if I HAD to pick one I would probably pick all the GCD lines because they are all awesome.

* What style scrapper are you? a mix of freestyle and linear.

* How often do you craft? as much as I can, probably about 1-5 layouts a week.

* Do you make cards? honestly, only if I have to.

* Do you send the cards you make? that's why I don't make them. I send some of them.

* Snack while you scrap? I snack ALL the time.

* Do you just have to have the current releases? No

* Are addicted to scrapping? Yes

* Fav rubber stamp manufacturer? Autumn Leaves

* Do you have a stamp you always use? no

* Flowers for embellishments? yes!

* WHY do you scrapbook? I love design, photography, artistic expression, writing, color, socializing, challenges, practical things....and scrapbooking has it all.

* fav tool? my 1/4" punch from Marvy

* Least fav tool? Not sure...as far as tools go, I keep to the basics unless it is a gift (like my cricut).

Hope you are having....

2009-03-29T08:35:00.001-07:00

a nice, lazy Sunday. As for me, I think it is time to get moving. Its cleaning day.

LOVING LIFE

2009-03-28T15:52:00.000-07:00

I would love to change pretty much everything about my life...but I love it all the same. I figure it is the best choice I have--love it or loath it, right?

In the next year I hope to be more "romantically established", moved to a new town, less in debt (getting there!), with a total career change, in a scrapbook design team (something I have put low as a priority when I think I shouldnt have denied myself) and closer connections to other people. But I am happy that I am relatively fit, have a promising romance to be had, a fun hobby in scrapbooking, an exciting hobby in paranormal research, some new friends, some old friends, great family, loving pets, and my health.

Tombstone, Arizona

2009-03-25T16:32:00.000-07:00

I traveled to Tombstone, Arizona for the tail end of my Spring Break. The first part, I spent with one of my most favorite people in the world--TK--where he lives in Dallas.

We went to Tombstone for a ghost investigation with our group, Texas Paranormal Research Team. We did an investigation (and found evidence) at the Bird Cage Theater and Tombstone Cemetery. The Bird Cage is the oldest building still in its original form. It hosted an 8-year high stakes poker game, round-the-clock entertainment and over 20 deaths. It is chock-full of history (cieling, walls, and floors are still riddled with bullet holes) and just plain amazing.

Then we went to Bisbee, Arizona. Someday, I will go back with more time and my best camera. The shots I took are from a van. There is quite a bit of color in this border town--both literally and of the lots-of-character sense. The first thing you notice are the houses--built one on top of each other in an impossible sort of way.

It was worth all the traveling--and I mean ALL the traveling. I traveled NORTH to Temple,TX (8 hours) then NW to Dallas (2 more hours) then SOUTH back home for 1 night (13 hours) then NW to Menard,TX (7 hours) then on to Arizona (12 hours) then back all the way home (19 hours). I had great company!

Day 5

2008-01-04T11:47:00.000-08:00

Just a quick "ad" to mention that I am still using Netwinner and its affiliate sites daily and averaging $25 in earnings per month. I use the game Banko while I am on the web for other stuff...so it is like free extra money without spending extra time. The new reloadable check card allows you to use the money for anything rather than a gift card :) My referral link is here if you want to test it out: http://www.freemoneywheel.com/signupCode/skyview222

Day 2...Vision Video.

2008-01-03T08:32:00.001-08:00

aka "what I spent way too much time doing yesterday."

Today is Day One of Season 2.

2008-01-02T08:51:00.000-08:00

I decided to start Day 1 of my 100 Day Challenge right away. If you are not familiar with the 100 Day Challenge, there is a group on YouTube, where people set intentions for the next 100 days and post videos about their progress. Its a wonderfully supportive group. You can also check them out at cocreatingourreality.com

Without further ado....Here are my 5 intentions for the next 100 Days.

I have a toned and fit body.

I am abundantly energetic.

I easily recruit 30 people.

I have extra money in my bank account all the time.

When I make a decision to do something, I do it, no matter what.

I am working on my vision video and vision board today.

Day 100!

2008-01-01T11:15:00.000-08:00

I made it to Day 100 of my challenge and life has changed drastically toward my intentions. These are the intentions I set 100 days ago today and the progress I've made with each one.

1) I connect deeply with my need to create. I have been more artistic lately. I started an art journal, I got back into journal writing...I'm not crazy about my recent creations, but I have been indulging that need to create on a regular basis.
2)I feel incredibly healthy. I made small gains in this one. I do not feel incredibly healthy...but I am closer to it than I was 100 days ago. I feel much, much happier and I cannot discount that as part of my health. I have gotten a little more exercise and have wavered on eating more healthfully.
3) I lead a significantly-sized team that does $5K in premium (or more), 10 recruits (or more), 7 $mart applications (or more) and help 10 families (or more) each month. This one has what I would call inertia working for it. I got the ball rolling and I am starting to see its fruitions just a tiny bit. I was reflecting on this intention and I did not state it very specifically so that will change for next time.
4) I feel strong connections with like-minded people. I definitely made headway on this one and will continue to do so.
5) I increase my networth by $10K. This happened. Yay! In 100 days. My dear ex-husband's $25,000 car loan is not my problem anymore. lol. Also, my Teacher Loan Forgiveness seems to be going through 2 years earlier than I thought it would. That's a big manifestation if I say so myself. (The story behind that is with Teach For America I got an Americorps stipend for my first 2 years. The government gives a Teacher Loan Forgiveness of $17,500 for teaching 5 years in Title I school in a hard-to-staff position. That's me. I read somewhere that my first two years wouldn't count and I would have to teach 7 years, but everyone I talk to at the loan place doesn't know anything about that. Who am I to convince them otherwise? :))
6) I have a strong partnership with my husband. This happened. Definitely. Since deciding to get divorced, we are able to support each other's ambitions a whole lot more. I had no idea he wouldn't be my husband at the end of the 100 days, but it is working out for the better--for both of us.
7) I have physical and mental clarity, organization, and peace. Check this one off as well. Mentally, I know what I want. I don't have all the answers, but don't feel like I need them right now. I know what steps I need to take and that is enough. Physically, my house is still not where I want it to be, but I've made huge gains and it seems easier to keep it organized.
8) I express myself with bold fashion. Well, hmmmm. I am still in need of a wardrobe overhaul that I wish I could afford...but I got a new haircut and am working with the clothes I have. Maybe I should have intended for the What Not to Wear crew to hand me a $5,000 VISA. :)
9) I function smoothly at work and meet deadlines with ease. Getting better. though I consider work to be my least fave place in my world right now. Maybe 2008 will change all that.

Well, this post is a bit long. I'm working on my intentions for Challenge 2 which begins tomorrow!!
Myspace Graphics at WishAFriend.com

Monterrey, Mexico

2007-12-31T13:26:00.000-08:00

I was blessed with a visit from my college pal, Erica. We hadn't seen each other in over 2 years so it was fun to catch up and go on little adventures. 2 1/2 hours south of me is Monterrey, Mexico (Mexico's 3rd largest city). Because of the fear of driving my car in Mexico, I had never been there--even though it is the closest city to me. We took a bus day tour and had a great time. Here are just a few of the million photos we took.

View of the city. The Sierra Madre mountains are in the background. Your history lesson for the day: The Sierra Madres connect to the Rockies on the North and the Andes to the South.
Another view of the city. The orange tower emits a laser beam at night.

The Palace in the Grand Plaza.

Close-up of the statue on the tippy-top of the palace building.Statues around the palace.

Inside the Palace

Outside the Palace

Snapped while driving around.

Erica outside a Brewery and the Mex. Baseball Hall of Fame.

Our last stop was to catch this gorgeous view.

The building here was all the way at the top of the hill.

Us, after a long but fantastic day. (Although getting stopped at the U.S. Border for a 1+ hour bus inspection was still ahead.)

just leaving a quote

2007-12-22T04:53:00.000-08:00

"The truly creative mind in any field is no more than this:
A human creature born abnormally, inhumanly sensitive.

To him...

a touch is a blow,
a sound is a noise,
a misfortune is a tragedy,
a joy is an ecstasy,
a friend is a lover,
a lover is a god,
and failure is death.

Add to this cruelly delicate organism the overpowering necessity to create, create, create —— so that without the creating of music or poetry or books or buildings or something of meaning, his very breath is cut off from him. He must create, must pour out creation. By some strange, unknown, inward urgency he is not really alive unless he is creating."

—Pearl S. Buck

Art Journals...

2007-12-09T06:06:00.000-08:00

Cool youtube channel:

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=suziblutube

Here's the first video in the series:

and her first tutorial video:

2007-12-04T04:37:00.001-08:00

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Whatcha reading?

2007-11-28T06:15:00.000-08:00

I've found some great books deals lately, including some books from Goodwill. I think I got 5 brand new/hardcover/or popular titles for $2.00. I also had a Borders Gift card from my brother and SIL and treated myself to Eat, Pray, Love another book called Journalution about journaling and a new blank journal.

From the Goodwill titles I started reading Feel the Fear...and do it Anyway by Susan Jeffers.

WOW!!! You MUST read this one. (even if you don't like self improvement-type books.) Here is her website if you want to have a "taste".

http://www.susanjeffers.com

Its Day 67 of my challenge. I missed the Day 60 mark, but have decided the next 20 days will be dedicated to the following 3 intentions....

1) Create a peaceful environment: Get rid of all clutter!! I mean, lots of it. Set a date for my yard sale. Fix several maintenance issues on my house. All this is necessary since I am selling my house and want it to be in tip-top shape.

2) Recruit 10 people and have 10 appointments. That's one appointment and one recruit every other day so I better get rocking!!

3) Have fun. It is the holidays after all. I am foccussing on being lighthearted.

Getting back on the blog bandwagon.

2007-11-18T18:01:00.001-08:00

I am going to post on here every day or every other day. :)

What's up with me lately:

I haven't scrapped in a good long while. (2 weeks).

I am decluttering my house because a)I am trying to discern what is mine and what is B's so it is easier to go through it and get rid of stuff b)I'm selling my house c) mom is coming and the guest room has quite a bit of clutter--or had--that was my project for today. :) d) I have been reading up on the whole Feng Shui thing and do really think clutter zaps your energy.

My mom is coming in 2 days!! :) :) I can't wait!! I have a long list of things to show her (i.e. scrapbook layouts, fave restaurants; my house (well she'll see that one); three of my four pets she has never met) and things for us to possibly do (road trip to Gruen Texas, use gift card to Starbucks on a yummy dessert) but mostly I am just plain excited to SEE her and spend time with her. I AM on a mission ot convince her that she should get a DVR player for her house. They so need that or Tivo!

Its a two-day work week. Thank heavens! Monday is an end-of-term test. Tuesday I'm going to keep them so busy they can't get in much trouble and get a bunch of grades for the next term because it goes so quickly with Christmas craziness and all!

My business is gaining momentum.

Anyways tomorrow will be a real entry with some substance. This is just to catch up on the goings-on.

another good quote on Day 41

2007-11-02T17:18:00.000-07:00

This one comes from my good pal, Erica.
"Anytime you learn something new about yourself, or about life, you have progressed. Don't do anything that takes away from your self-respect. Feeling GOOD about yourself is essential to feeling GOOD about life. Don't ever forget how to laugh or be too proud to cry. It is by doing both that we live life to the FULLEST..." - Nancye Sims

Okay...so Day 41 is here. I have chosen the next 3 intentions to concentrate on for the next 20 days.

1. I am easily and effortlessly building a big team for my business.
The month of November: recruit and begin to train 6 new people. To recruit this many people in November, I must prospect and follow-up with about 75 people. That is about 3 prospects/day. So that is my daily goal: 3 new people a day. This week, I am going to recruit 1 person.

2. I feel incredibly healthy....focus on exercising 20 min a day for the next 20 days.

3. I have an incredibly neat and clutter-free living space.
This weekend eBay has 33% off listing fees. I am SO taking advantage of that. In 20 days, (November 22) my home will be ready for the real estate agent so I can sell it.

Okay, so on with the show. ;)

Today started bad and ended good. The bad: I got in my car, went to work, stepped out in the parking lot of the middle school where I work and only then realized I had a huge gapping hole from front of crotch to tail bone in the back!!! Thank GOD no one saw me (I hope!!). I had to call the school office from my cell phone and ask them to send someone to my classroom to watch my students so I could rush home and change pants!!! How did I not notice this?! Did any neighbors see me? ! I think my dog Josie chewed them.

Next thing: (the good). There were two stray dogs and B and I got in touch with the no-kill shelter and we met him so he could pick up the dogs. They are real sweet so they will get adopted very quickly. He said one of the dogs was anemic so I am glad we called...unlike this women we talked to who said they were scruffy and gross. Stupid lady--she was kind of scruffy and gross too.

Part of intention #3 came to fruition today because I got rid of 5 bags of free pet food (acquired with coupons) and a few other pet stuff I donated to the no-kill place.

Have a good Friday.

2007-10-31T21:42:00.001-07:00

A young girl asks a wise old woman, "How does one become a butterfly?"

With a twinkle in her eye, the old woman replies, "You must be willing to give up being a caterpillar."

Day 32

2007-10-24T10:41:00.001-07:00

And life has been passing quickly. Great news...I placed 2nd in the Scrappin Survivor contest over at ilove2create.com It was a blast to do the challenges--challenges really spark my creativity and I LOVE the excuse to create. As a great big reward for winning 2nd place I get to be a guest designer for two months. I just peeked out my front door an hour ago to see my first kit arrived. Let me tell you---this could be a favorite!!

Here are my challenge entries:

Challenge #1. Do two layouts based on the same sketch.

Challenge #2: Make a layout that is inspired from a particular ad.
Challenge #3: Based on a particular color pallette, make a layout.
Challenge #4: Make 2 cards that use glitter and/or chipboard.

Challenge #5: Make a 12 x 12 photo-less layout.
Challenge #6: Make an altered item that uses a transparency.
Challenge #7: Make a layout.
Challenge #8: Use Sculpey clay to make a project.

Day 25 already?

2007-10-17T05:51:00.001-07:00

So, I was selected for jury duty. I'll be at the courthouse again today. Hopefully this will be our last day, but I have a feeling I'll be there again tomorrow. I don't mind too much...a change of pace is always good, right?

On my plate when I get home is Challenge 8 of the IL2C scrappin' challenge. It is the last challenge and I am excited because an idea is forming in my head.....can't wait to work on it tonight. I am also looking forward to cleaning. lol. I know, strange, but I've been sitting on my butt for two days and today will be the third.

My video in the last post somehow never loaded correctly so I'll have to repost it when I get a chance.

Day 22

2007-10-14T13:10:00.001-07:00

Still moving forward....
I made this video to help me visualize. I am amazed every time I make a video that it takes 1000 times longer to make the video than the final result takes to watch! I am happy with it, glad I made it, and had a lot of fun---but my butt is killing me from sitting in this chair. lol

Best wishes. Thanks for watching :)

Day 19.

2007-10-11T18:36:00.000-07:00

I was watching the Extreme Makeover Home Edition episodes on abc.com LOVE the stories of the people and LOVE the houses.

I also watched the first three episodes of Kid Nation. If you happen to watch the show, isn't Michael such a neat kid. So wise and mature for his age.

Lately, I have been re-interested in finding favorite quotes. Here are a few of my favorites. I put them in a scrapbook layout for the Scappin Surivior challenge at ilove2create.com There is just one last challenge and I am excited about it.
Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in an eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand---and melting like a snowflake. –M.B. Ray

Let others lead small lives, but not you. Let others argue over small things, but not you. Let others cry over small hurts, but not you. Let others leave their future in someone else’s hands, but not you. ---Jim Rohn

I am here for a purpose and that purpose is to grow into a mountain, not to shrink to a grain of sand. Henceforth will I apply ALL my efforts to become the highest mountain of all and I will strain my potential until it cries for mercy. –Og Mandino

When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bounds, your mind transcends limitation, your consciousness expands in every direction and you find yourself in a new, great, and wonderful world. –Dr. Wayne Dyer

Day 15 of my 100 Day Challenge

2007-10-07T15:33:00.000-07:00

As you can see from my happy little count-up timer, today is Day 15. I listed the 9 intentions for the 100 days in a previous post. I am still working on all of them, but I decided a few days ago to focus mainly on 3 at a time for 20 days at a time. I am currently focusing on building a strong partnership with my husband, having physical and mental clarity, organization and peace, and leading a significantly-sized productive team for my business.

I am noticing that I create an obstacle in my manifesting of these goals by the way I feel about them under the surface. If you are familiar, you know thoughts become feelings become actions...Well, I have noticed I make very strong initial statements when I think about my goals, but then my mind immediately wanders to the negative fear-based side of the goal. For example, I can strongly say I AM going to become financially independent with my business before I turn 42 years old. I really do BELIEVE this, however, I want this to happen so badly that I start to worry about what would happen if I don't get this goal. I start thinking about living a limited life, being a stressed-out teacher forever, and not reaching my other goals and dreams because of it. This is so terribly toxic in terms of the Law of Attraction, so I am starting to monitor this thought/feelings process very, very carefully. Anyhow, enough said for now. I am currently entering student grades into my online gradebook and listening to one of the 100 Day Challenge participants video logs on youtube. Most of my Sunday has passed by in this manner. Hope your Sunday is going well!

So good to get away

2007-10-04T15:52:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, B and I decided to get out of the Valley. We headed to Corpus Christi and found ourselves at the aquarium. We had a perfect day. There is something magical about staring at a huge tank full of fish living in a completely different world--just inches from you.

one other thing I just figured out.

2007-09-29T18:45:00.001-07:00

I just calculated what would be my 100th day for the challenge...cool date...its Tuesday, January 1, 2008.

100 Day Challenge

2007-09-29T18:30:00.001-07:00

I am on Day 7 of my one hundred day challenge. For those who have not heard of it, it is a group on youtube that focusses on documenting your goal-oriented journey. It's philosophy is based on The Secret. A lot of people post their video blogs online, but I am taking a more private journey. Anyways, I wanted to share my 9 intentions for the next 100 Days.

1) I connect deeply with my need to create.
2)I feel incredibly healthy.
3) I lead a significantly-sized team that does $5K in premium (or more), 10 recruits (or more), 7 $mart applications (or more) and help 10 families (or more) each month.
4) I feel strong connections with like-minded people.
5) I increase my networth by $10K.
6) I have a strong partnership with my husband.
7) I have physical and mental clarity, organization, and peace.
8) I express myself with bold fashion.
9) I function smoothly at work and meet deadlines with ease.

I'm off to Dallas

2007-09-20T21:22:00.001-07:00

Women's Convention

Little Jo and the gang

2007-09-19T16:55:00.001-07:00

So, its been a month and a half of having 4 pets and I love having 4. Poor little Jo--the only photo people have seen of her is the photo from the shelter. She has cleaned up well. Everyone who meets her says she is the sweetest dog ever. (And she is...of course, so is Anya.) Here are the 4 furry friends that greet me at the end of those long workdays and also, just as excitedly when I walk outside for 30 seconds to get the mail. (They really don't have a concept of elapsed time.)

Josie
Anya babySam (who's really an indoor kitty, but THIS was HIS lucky day...He loves to explore.)

Kit-Kat Katie

Been Productive.

2007-09-15T20:55:00.000-07:00

I've been at IL2C both Friday and Saturday night enjoying the Girls Crafting Weekend.

New Look

2007-09-14T01:12:00.001-07:00

I wound up getting this haircut two days ago. It turned out pretty well...Except the hairdresser cut the top layer/bangs shorter than the photo so I am anxious to have them grow out a little. I did get a lot of compliments about it today so I guess it is a success. (Except for one student who said I looked better before lol.)

2007-09-11T16:51:00.001-07:00

Never Give Up

2007-09-09T09:39:00.000-07:00

I guess "never give up" goes for cleaning too. I have to say, I am not the neatest person in the world. Okay, I am nearly a slob. I also have a husband who is on the messy side of, well, messy. This weekend is one of those weekends you hibernate in your home and do not venture out for us. I have been fighting illness so I really don't have the urge to go anywhere. I do feel well enough to clean though and I have been cleaning from top to bottom. Cleaning and decluttering, really. I also took a second and ordered a touchless trash can--the kind with the sensor that makes it open automatically. It had great reviews and I used my Amazon gift card from a survey, so I am super happy. :) Happy about a trash can, haha.

A little pink, purple, and blue

2007-09-07T15:59:00.001-07:00

Summer '07 is unofficially over. Two weeks into the school year and I am definitely out of my leisurely summer routine. Oh, how I'd love to be retired! I am reading a funny novel right now called Early Bird about a 28 year-old that decides to join a retirement community to see if retirement is something to look forward to. I've laughed out loud a few times and I'm on page 68. I'll be turning 28 next Thursday so the book couldn't be more perfect for me than that. I am certainly, vicariously, and longingly living through the book character.

Can you read this?

2007-09-06T02:24:00.000-07:00

fi yuo cna raed tihs, yuo hvae a sgtrane mnid too

Cna yuo raed tihs? Olny 55 plepoe out of 100 can.

i cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I
was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a
rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in waht oerdr
the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the
frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a
taotl mses and youcan sitll raed it whotuit a pboerlm. Tihs is
bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but

the wrod as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot
slpeling was ipmorantt! if you can raed tihs psot a mssegae.

Finally an update

2007-09-03T21:10:00.001-07:00

Well I could've updated more often last week, but I had nothing exciting to talk about, really.

Here are a few LOs.

One Down, 182 to go.

2007-08-27T17:23:00.000-07:00

I am definitely tired today, but all went well. I have 3 quite talkative groups. (oh, joy.)

The other day I was researching paper bag albums because I might have the students do them on club (activity) day. I am currently writing a grant/request to get the supplies paid for. I found this wonderfully talented person's blog. Check it out.

Well, dinner is ready. Did I mention I LOVE my crockpot? We made our first meal in it last night (Spinach Chicken Lasagna) We still have gobs of leftovers (a very good thing) and tonight we are making Broccoli Chicken which is my husband's request. This one is baked in the oven though. Tomorrow is leftover day...and a busy evening is planned so perfect timing :)

Its starting again.

2007-08-26T17:47:00.000-07:00

Well, tomorrow I start teaching again. My room is ready. My lesson is ready. My clothes for the week are in the dryer. The only thing not really ready is me. Its hard to say goodbye to the freedom of summer. Its hard to admit regrets for not taking full advantage of it. And it is hard to head back into the drama of co-workers and thirteen year-olds. I find the thought of the first day of school a little stressful. It is the day I meet, simultaneously, the kids who I am going to love to death and the ones who will leave me frustrated at the thought of another day of dealing with them. Its quite a whirlwind, really. There is no escaping it--summer is over. Here is to the best teaching year yet!

I made a LO today of my first class of students. They were my students for 5 weeks during a summer school teacher training institute and I shared them with my collaborative teachers. Funny thing is, they were going into 2nd grade when I taught them and they are now in 7th grade (the grade I teach). Time really does fly. My next group of students (my first class that I had all year) were fourth graders and they are entering high school this year. I never thought I'd teach that long and it makes me realize how quickly time flies!

We're going to dodge Dean

2007-08-21T16:09:00.000-07:00

It seems we are not getting a direct hit from the hurricane. What's interesting is the extra-cautious preparation I've seen around town. There are busses upon busses lined up. Some of them are at the old, vacant Walmart parking lot. Others are at the convention center. The district's general session for teachers was cancelled today because it was supposed to be there, but the busses left us without parking.
Instead, I worked on my classroom almost all day. I currently feel dusty and icky.
Other good news around here: Anya doesn't haver Kennel Cough. She has the vaccine so I am glad to know it worked. She just has a cold and is noticeably grumpy because of it.
My camera is still holding my photos hostage. Can't wait until I can play show and tell with the photos I've taken recently!

What's on Your To-Do List?

2007-08-19T07:55:00.000-07:00

All of a sudden I realized I have a ton of stuff to do this week! Here is my list. Why I feel the need to share it I do not know ;).

1. Clean house (today)
2. Get house ready for impending hurricane and get non-perishable groceries. The Rio Grande Valley (where I live) is the only part of the USA that is currently in the "cone" of the prediction path. Oh, joy. Getting the house ready involves getting dear husband to board up a window that leaks when it rains really hard. This lead me to a question: what do I do with two dogs who will need to "go" during a hurricane. Anya asks to go out every 5 minutes, I swear.
3. Get classroom ready before my "work day" on Friday. Friday is the day the hurricane is supposed to hit and I can just see the work day being cancelled on Friday and school still starting on Monday. yikes.
4. Plan lessons and prepare for first week of school.
5. I have a lot of client appointments to set up.
6. Get camera issue fixed so I can upload my photos.
7. Find some crock pot recipes so we don't starve during this busy week and shop for needed ingredients.
8. Take Anya to the vet. I think she got the cough/cold Josie got from the shelter.
9. Today is my week for paying bills. I haven't opened any of the mail in a week!
10. Spend the two save $10 on a $10 purchase cards I got from JC Penny and Kohls. Dh needs a new bag for college (he starts the 27th).
11. Make sure all laundry is finished before impending hurricane so I have something to wear to work if we lose power. :::sigh::: I dislike the hype hurricanes bring with them, but its better to be safe than sorry.
12. Call to order the flood insurance we have been talking about and haven't done yet. It won't be in effect for this storm, but we've had a lot of rain lately so we better do so.
13. Get sand bags. We moved into our house right after the last hurricane and the previous owners had some sandbags by the back door which is right on level with the grass in the area that gets soggy when it rains so I am sure we should take cue and do the same.
14. Mail my nieces' back to school gifts.

Back to School

2007-08-17T20:37:00.001-07:00

These notebooks are for my nieces who will be starting preschool and Kindergarten in less than two weeks. I go back to work tomorrow for teacher stuff. I cannot believe summer is over! This summer was actually 2 weeks longer because this school year must begin longer because of a new Texas law. I wanted to get more scrapping in today. Look back on Sunday. I should surely have some new LOs up then. I'm also almost finished with a pretty cool bill sorter I made entirely from scratch. I am completing it in time for Amy's Challenge over at IL2C. Better stop here. Its past my BEDTIME!!

You're it!!

2007-08-13T08:31:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged by Karen

So here are the rules:
1. Post these rules
2. Each person must post 8 random facts about themselves
3. 8 more people need to be tagged, and you have to leave a comment on their blog saying so :)

1. I am thoroughly grossed out by people who do not thoroughly cover there mouth when they sneeze. A sneeze travels at some high speed like 40 MPH or something like that.
2. One regret of my summer is not scrapbooking enough. I have barely done anything creative. If I don't schedule the time I clean, plan, cook, and do all the things I need to do first...and that list never ends, right?
3. I now have FOUR pets! 2 cats (Katie and Sam) and 2 dogs (Anya and Josie). Who knew that would happen?
4. I am a Fightin' Blue Hen. That is the mascot for my college U of Delaware.
5. I am the messiest person imaginable. I wish I wasn't.
6. I LOVE fashion now which is weird because I never really pushed for designer clothing as a teenager.
7. I have been dreaming of getting a Staples Desk Apprentice all summer. I am just waiting and waiting for it to go one sale. I think I am obsessed and really want two--one for work and one for home. (as if this will solve my organization problems ;))
8. I have not changed a single thing about my house since I moved in 2 years....and I want to change everything!! I guess I should get going lol.

Who I tag:
Anyone who wants to join--I'm still working on building a list of people who blog that I can tag. If you want to participate--let me know. :) :)

Looking for a new hairstyle

2007-08-12T19:56:00.000-07:00

I am yearning for a new hairstyle. I am low key--leave "just enough" time to get ready...but I love a nice bold look. Are those two things possible??? Here are a few shots of what I found and liked so far:

Sending some love. Otherwise too tired to post.

2007-08-10T20:15:00.000-07:00

http://www.1millionlovemessages.com/

Convention Video

2007-08-07T21:05:00.000-07:00

Watching this short clip makes me feel the excitement again! I have some videos on my phone but can't find my hotsync cord so this is a video off of youtube. Its just 16 seconds long but gives you an idea.

A New Little Girl

2007-08-07T16:29:00.000-07:00

B and I have not celebrated our 2 year anniversary officially yet. (It was July 9, 2007). This Friday, August 9, we are going to by getting a new little dog for our family and especially for Anya. I found her on petfinder.com. I was looking for a dog that would not rival Anya's 20 pound size. This little girl...who was picked up as a stray two or three days ago, is a perfect match from what we know so far. Unfortunately, I have to work Wednesday and Thursday, so I must wait until Friday to make the 5 hour drive to check her out. The guy said he could hold her for us, but, with it being a kill-shelter, I didn't want her to miss out on any chance of life if another family comes along for her. I sure hope she waits for us until Friday! She came in without any tags, but has since gotten a nickname Jumper. She is a sweet ball of energy which is exactly what we were looking for. We have a big backyard and feel it would be a waste to not give a dog a home that might not be suited for homes with a smaller yard situation or a less energetic family. We are just so plain excited, but trying not to get our hopes up yet.

Cool Video!!!

2007-08-06T10:21:00.000-07:00

I am back from my trip---amazing! I am still digesting all the awesome experiences from the convention and will post about it tomorrow if I get a second. In the meantime, I found this really neat video

Countdown to Atlanta: 2 days to go!!

2007-07-30T19:47:00.000-07:00

I can't write much because I am packing!

Strength in Other Words

2007-07-29T12:26:00.001-07:00

BE STRONG
To be strong, remind yourself that you can be. To be strong, remind yourself of why you choose to be.
To be strong, remind yourself of what your strength, focus and discipline have already brought you. To be strong, remind yourself that your commitment can be just as powerful as any excuse or rationalization.
To be strong, have a well-understood purpose and a well-defined plan. To be strong, be sincerely thankful for all that you have and for all that you are able to do.
To be strong, begin with your thoughts. When your thoughts are of strength and of positive possibilities, your actions will follow along.
Each day the world will send you all sorts of challenges, difficulties, temptations and distractions. Know that these things are surely coming your way, and choose in advance to be strong.
As the ups and downs of life arrive, remind yourself that you have chosen to be strong. Then as each moment passes, you'll naturally follow through on that choice.
-- Ralph Marston

Let me explain the fake buffalos.

2007-07-28T19:38:00.000-07:00

I had a couple comments about the buffalo picture. Along the highway in Wyoming they had these 3D structures--a buffalo, a coyote. I have no idea who put them there--the state government or just random people. There was also another fake buffalo next to a store. When we stopped for gas, we saw it. My cousin and I got out of the car to go look at it because we thought it was real. We got halfway there before we realized it wasn't moving. :p silly road trip stories...

I can't believe it is already 10 PM (central). I started typing up my teacher items to sell on kijiji.com (eBay's sister site for free local classified ads). I typed up 100 items (in two ads not each a separate ad lol). I started this afternoon and I finished an hour ago. no joke. no stopping. non-stop digging through the closet and typing up the descriptions to all the stuff from my 4th grade classroom. Now that I am going on two years teaching 7th, I thought it was time to sell all the younger-kid items. I was getting nostalgic about some of the items, especially the 3 puppets and the tears in the seam they have that my students lovingly fixed with Scotch tape. I kind of hope no one buys the puppets. ;) I priced them high on purpose.

Once I get going on something I cannot stop. Today, I was supposed to go buy some comfy shoes for the convention, but did the teacher stuff instead. T minus 3 days!! Atlanta here I come (with no shoes to wear.lol). I can't wait!!

Nebraska to Colorado

2007-07-27T08:54:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the photos of Wyoming and Colorado, almost a month ago already.

Flower shot
My road trip buddies, Mom and Dadman, this was a gorgeous sunset

Rock!
White Water
Close-up
love the natural tunnel to the left
love the layers of mountain

a storm in Wyoming
love these man-made buffalos. I got fooled a couple times.

Punky Power

2007-07-26T00:26:00.000-07:00

I was such a punky fan! I couldn't resist posting this.

You really oughta...

2007-07-25T18:18:00.000-07:00

...hug a teacher. I have spent three days reading every detail of the new math textbook my students will be doing this year. Before that, I skimmed another 500 pages of another text and am now compiling all the activities and worksheets I liked into a directory. It is taking me forever and I only have 5 more resources to go, but it will save lots of time and give me lots of great lessons at my fingertips once I finish. It will be worth it, for sure. Just in case you thought teachers actually had the whole summer to frolic and play. ;)

I did take a few minutes to finish this layout. The papers are from the oh-so special limited edition scrapbook kit over at I Love 2 Create.

Its storming here in Texas--again. Anyone have tips for getting lightening on camera?

New Line of Shoes in Texas

2007-07-24T22:21:00.000-07:00

I do not know who to give credit to for this photo--its very creative. The rain has given creative minds a new idea for shoe design. lol

2007-07-23T16:42:00.001-07:00

A shot from my cousin's wedding.

Procrastination at 2:29 AM

2007-07-23T00:00:00.001-07:00

Have you ever used the "next blog" function on the top of Blogger? It is a great procrastination tool. I was going to post some photos, but my camera battery is a-charging so I thought I'd share a few neat blogs I found after hitting the next button.

Disclaimer: Don't hit the next button with children in the room. You never know what will...pop up!!!!?!!!!!!!**!

Vintage Threads
Yum
Big Ideas From a Little Girl
Gardenscape
Love the wedding photos

Well, there you go. I don't have much to say today because I have been doing teacher stuff all day--planning--and it just isn't that interesting. I did, however, brave the Staples 5 cent and 1 cent sale. Woah, baby! Did anyone else go to that? It is amazing what cheap school supplies will bring out in people. My adrenaline was pumping! 80 pencils for 50 cents :) Now if that doesn't make a math teacher grin...

Free!

2007-07-21T19:02:00.000-07:00

If you didn't know, I am the Queen of Free. Here is a program I just found out about that is pretty exciting if you like books.
Harper Collins First Look

No Words Today

2007-07-20T10:54:00.000-07:00

Resolution Time!

2007-07-19T11:56:00.000-07:00

It is human nature to make those positive little statements on January 1st every year. You know, those ones everyone at your gym makes which spawns them to sign 2-year contracts enabling them to use the stair climber a life-changing six times before the following January in which they use the second year of the gym contract for another six visits?
I like to take every opportunity to reevaluate my goals and remind me why I have them. My birthday, my half-birthday, my dog's birthday, and George Washington's birthday are open-game for me. The other week I reread this journal entry I wrote just before 2007 began.

I want to change the course of my family's history by creating wealth in an honest way. I want to be a part of people's fondest memories. I want my financial independence and freedom of time to give me the ability to provide travel experiences beyond my wildest dreams; choices without thinking or sacrificing for money or holding back until the money is there. I want to be an amazing mother. I want to be a steadfast, romantic, sweet wife and confidant to Barton. I want to be known as a family historian. I want no regrets beyond this point. Live happily + confidantly + joyfully + daringly.

Reading this makes me want to jump out of my comfort zone (otherwise known as this very computer chair I sit in that faces this very endearing friend called my computer) and get to work. And that's a good thing.

Your Challenge of the day (if you so wish to entertain this cheesy little challenge) is to write down WHY you have your goals so when the next birthday rolls around you can remind yourself of the WHY and get yourself back on your feet sooner than next January Uno. Feel free to post your reason in the comments, or not.

By the way, the event that spurred me to remember my goals this time around was our 2-year wedding anniversary on July 9th. It has been two marvelous and crazy years. :)

Who needs 40 days?

2007-07-18T22:02:00.000-07:00

There isn't much going on here besides RAIN. We've had downpours for four or five days. Every morning I wake up to heavy rain and every evening between 6-7 PM it begins to rain again. Its midnight now and its still raining. My grass is over a foot high now and it just keeps raining. The sun comes out just long enough to "feed" the grass, but the puddles are still there, especially in the backyard. It will be at least one sunny day to dry things out and tomorrow we're expecting....rain again.
I don't mind the rain. I kind of like it. I really could care less about my grass being a jungleland, but I know two individuals in this world feel very differently: my dog and one persnickety neighbor. My poor dog is fed up with squatting to pee with wet shards of grass (TX grass is NOT soft) sticking up her hiney.
The neighbor's identity still remains a mystery, but last time we let our grass go wild we got a nasty note in our mailbox. We had just moved in and were busy with the inside of our house and, frankly, having more of a life than this grass-pondering neighbor must have been having. The note said, "Your grass looks like ****. Cut it or water it or something." Can you imagine?!!?

Just noticed, I've been tagged

2007-07-17T12:43:00.000-07:00

...by the amazing Rachael

My roommate and I once: talked...haha my first roommate was a bit strange. She was rarely there, so much so that I was surprised when she was there. She slept in her horse barn most of the time, I think. She probably would have been cool to talk to, but we probably had a meaningful conversation less than 5 times all freshman year.

Never in my life have I: done illegal drugs, smoked, or cheated on a test

High school was : busy and awkward and fun and taken maybe too seriously.

When I'm nervous : I try to pretend I am not nervous, but I wind up getting really hungry and get shaky if I don't eat.

My hair : needs a haircut.

When I was 5 : I got my sweet, childhood dog, Jenny. (or maybe I was four?)

When I turn my head left : I see out my scraproom window...a tree top and the roof of the house next door.

I should be : getting ready, prospecting for my business, and finishing up the laundry.

By this time next year : I want to be further ahead in my business...very close to Regional Vice President.

My favorite aunt is : They are all great and beautiful people.

I have a hard time understanding : Why people say one thing and do another. Why so many people are fine with just being average. Why the world is set up in such a way that money rules 99% of all our decisions.

You know I like you if : I'm not sure you would. I am pretty subtle about most things.

My ideal breakfast is : the one I had after waking up on the cruise, overlooking the vast ocean, someone serving me, fresh fruit, warm fluffy eggs...

If you visit my home town : you'd see beaches. I'd take you to Four Seas Ice Cream, the Christmas trees we replanted at our old house that are huge now, maybe a Cape League Baseball game, and definitely a trip to the Christmas Tree Shop (store).

If you spend the night at my house : We'd probably stay in and watch movies, scrapbook (if that's your thing) and talk.

My favorite blonde is : hmmm...my neices

My favorite brunette is : my dear husband, of course.

The animal I would like to see flying besides birds : haha. How about a purple alligator?

I shouldn't have been : so quiet in high school

Last night I: I stayed up until 3 AM. I was working on finding links for my classroom blog and then uploaded my photos and watched the lonnnnnng slideshow twice.

A better name for me would be : I couldn't imagine another.

I've been told I look like : the actress from the X-files That was in highschool/college. My haircut was shorter then.

If I could have any car, it would be : a fast, expensive sportscar. (check out my mindmovie in an earlier post for examples.)

And now I hereby tag:

the birthday girl, Tracy
the newest blogger Mimi
Fellow gal from Texas Melanie

fotos from the fourth

2007-07-16T22:58:00.000-07:00

Here comes photo overload. I took so many photos, but these are my favorites of the Fourth of July bunch. I actually started my vacation visiting my family (mom, dad, brother, SIL and nieces) in Massachusetts. I was there three days and it was a whirlwind. My SIL took photos, but I don't have them yet. (Click on these photos for a better look.)

Ceder Creek, Nebraska, is my absolute favorite place to spend the Fourth of July. (2nd fave is Bristol, RI because of their parade). Ceder Creek is an itty bitty town of maybe 1,000 year-round folks and has 4 lakes. Fourth of July there gives you a truly all-American kind of feeling.

These are actually of the nearby town where we went for breakfast that morning.

Back at Ceder Creek, taking a few photos. Me, being silly (love that cinderblock on TOP of the car.); My dad with a hat lent to him for the fourth--gotta wear red, white, and blue!!; and my mom (isn't she gorgeous??)

Before the Car Parade

The Grand Marshall (surprised with the honor just a few minutes before)

Here they come

And then the boat parade

The decor

And, of course, the fireworks. The fireworks in Cedar Creek are put on by the residents themselves. Everyone on the lake shoots off their own fireworks, everything from little ones to the big ones. There are so many fireworks coming from the four lakes it is a truly magical experience--almost a sensory overload with the sound and views. They start before it is dark...

...and continue late into the night.

That about sums it up. Want the long version? ;)
Next stop: Colorado.

Set some time aside...

2007-07-15T14:17:00.000-07:00

...for scrapping today. Feels so good to be creative. I was able to finish 5 of the gazillion half-finished layouts. It seems I have a way of scrapping that is sort of unique. I make 30 half-finished layouts and then finish them up months and months later. Hey, it works for me:)

Speaking of gazillion, I read a funny joke the other day. I did vote for Bush, but I thought this was funny:

Bush was getting his daily briefing of the news. He was informed the new allies, Brazil, suffered some casualties in Iraq. "Three Brazilian soldiers were killed in a road side bomb." Bush let out a horrific cry of despair, "Please tell me its not true," he said, "This is terrible." He went on in his despair for about 30 seconds. Then he asked, "How many is a brazillion?"

{insert laughter}

I'll exit now. :)

When I said tomorrow a few days ago...

2007-07-13T23:13:00.000-07:00

I didn't actually mean I'd post photos from my three-state vacation "tomorrow". I meant I'd post the photos sometime soon. Maybe it will be tomorrow. ;)

Seriously, I find hooking up my camera to upload my photos a very big task. I come from a long line of photo procrastinators. If I still used a film camera I would follow my mom's footsteps and send the film to be developed once a year. In fact, I took a black and white photography class sophomore year of college. It is the last time I remember using a film camera. I have three rolls of film waiting to be developed. I have no idea what's on them. Its been 7 years. (Maybe I'll develop them tomorrow...

Actually, tomorrow I have a business event. Since my blog is seriously lacking photos. (And I am the type who only "reads" the pictures in my scrapbooking magazine...) here is a video of my business for your viewing enjoyment.

and here

and here

Inspiration Anyone?

2007-07-10T22:40:00.000-07:00

I just flew in from a whirlwind trip. More on that tomorrow. Thought I'd post some inspiration in the mean time. I found some cool challenges to take part in...

Scrap your Hands
Ten On Tuesday
A Fancy Word for Simple
Altered Items
Anything Goes
Collectively Yours
How Much is Too Much
Mojo Holder
Photo Friday
Scrapjacked
For the Love of Effers
Thursday Thirteen
Beyond Appearances

So stinkin' excited about my video.

2007-06-23T21:51:00.000-07:00

Check out mindmovies.com for more information. This is basically a video of positive affirmations. I had a blast doing this and plan to watch it everyday. Feel free to watch it daily too!! The video with the most views on YouTube in December wins $5,000. So watch away!! :) :)

It amazes me that it is less than 3 minutes long---it took a lot longer than that to make!!

Decluttering Mode

2007-06-22T14:37:00.000-07:00

I really need to declutter. How is that my dream home would be spotless and clutter-free and my real home is the total opposite? I spurt attention deficit disorder when I begin to declutter. I declutter 5 minutes or less before I come to something that distracts me and diverts my attention for an hour or so before I get back on track. Anyone have any decluttering tips? I wish I could get Peter Walsh from Clean Sweep over here to help out. If I could, I'd take everything out of my house and only put back 1/4 of it. But working within the mess just has me sifting through it an d holding on to too much. I wonder how much those personal organizers cost? Anyone ever use one.

I've Been Tagged!!

2007-06-20T15:00:00.000-07:00

Okay Amy Tagged me...
This occasion for having two hefty posts in one day is my first blog tag...and I realized I need to frequent more blogs so I know enough bloggers to tag in return...so I will add to my tag list as I find more people. ;)

These are the rules.... each player starts with 7 random fact about themselves on their Blog. People who are tagged need to blog 7 facts about themselves and post the rules as well. At the end of the blog list 7 people you are tagging. Let them know that they are tagged by leaving them a comment.

7 things about ME:

1. I've just finished my 5th year of teaching. I never meant to Teach past my 2nd year with Teach For America. I have taught 4th grade self-contained, 3rd grade-self contained, 4th grade Science/Social Studies, 4th Grade Reading, and 7th Grade Math. 3 schools and districts later, and I am FINALLY going to stay in the same assignment and classroom 2 years in a row for my 6th year! Just Call me Mrs. Flexible.

2. My exit ticket out of teaching is my awesome business with Primerica. I help families get out of debt and get financially independent.

3. This is really my second attempt at keeping a blog. The other one is here.

4. My husband's name is Barton and my brother's name is Bobby and I frequently say the opposite name when talking with either one of them.

5. I used to play Rugby and miss playing it.

6. I am frugal and overly practical. I love the Grocery Game concept.

7. I grew up in Cape Cod, Mass., went to college in Newark Delaware (Go Blue Hens!!) , and now live about in the Southern Tip o'Texas.

What I am Excited About:

2007-06-20T13:56:00.000-07:00

1. Our 1st Ever Valley Dream team event for my business. We are having a speaker come right here to McAllen rather than Austin. If you are local to me, tickets are only $10. July 14th 9-11. Holiday Inn on Highway 83. Its a must see!!

2. Recent successes with my business

3. The I Love 2 Create July Limited Edition kit.

4. Going to visit family in Massachusetts on Tuesday and our plans to visit family in Omaha and a wedding in Colorado. ( RV road trip!!)

5. Primerica's 30th Anniversary International Convention in August. Watch out Atlanta --70,000+ people headed your way!! I'll be traveling by plane with about 40 other very excited people and we'll have 4 days packed with events and mind-blowing announcements.

(please note: this is an amateur's video, not a company-made video.)
6. Summer Vacation--I love having the freedom of summer to set my schedule and do what I decide is important.

Back to Work...for a bit.

2007-06-18T13:33:00.000-07:00

I've been off from teaching since June 1st, but today I went back for a 4-day working session writing curriculum. Man, let me tell you it was hard to hear that alarm this morning! I so appreciate the summer break...I don't want it to end!!

I really, really like this website: It is so positive and enabling.

Were you a New Kid fan?

2007-06-17T20:19:00.000-07:00

I love words

2007-06-16T21:30:00.001-07:00

...and this site is definitely my style.

Food for the mind

2007-06-15T20:32:00.000-07:00

One thing I really like is reading self-improvement books and listening to self-improvement CDs. If you haven't tried it, my advice would be not to knock it. It is the #1 way to stay positive and happy, in my opinion. Right now, I am reading 17 Secrets of the Master Prospectors by John Kalench. I came across this link to an event by Secrets of the Millionaire Mind's T. Harv Eker. This book is excellent and the audio clips you'll hear here are a great way to taste what self-improvement junkies are all about.

One other thing: I was thinking I'd make a quick trip to this gorgeous location (Lanai, Hawaii). Anyone want to join me? The bus is leaving.

1st post

2007-06-14T21:05:00.001-07:00

Seeing that it is my first post, I decided to use that handy "next blog" feature at the header of the page to see some random blogs and get some ideas on just what it is I am going to write to make a profound start. You can come across some pretty cool--and strange--items. I did like this, from a soldier's wife's blog:

Stick to your task till it sticks to you;
Beginners are many, but enders are few.
Honor, power, place, and praise
Will come, in time, to the one who stays.

Stick to your task till it stick to you;
Bend at it, sweat at it, smile at it too;
For out of the bend and the sweat and the smile
Will come life's victories, after awhile.