Rants di Una Donna Pazza

My bathroom!

2012-02-15T07:01:00.000-07:00

Pretty grainy photos, but it gives an idea as to what the bathroom looks like....my haven and retreat! I love it in there.....books and wine! Ahhhhh....ching!

Day 42 - A picture of you listening to music

2012-02-15T06:47:00.001-07:00

Me listening to my music at my desk....sometimes just with my earbuds in to block out everyone around me. Ching!

Day 39 - A picture of your favorite food

2012-02-08T06:07:00.000-07:00

My fave food....Mediterranean food....the fresh veggies from the market to make a salad, the freshest cheese I have ever had, fresh pita, delicious oils and vinegars and of course my fave Greek wine...Retzina. Yum....come with me? Ching!

Day 38 - A picture of your favorite drink

2012-02-07T06:25:00.000-07:00

My favorite drink in one of my favorite places in the world....a margarita at Casa Dennis in Cozumel! Yum! Ching!!!

Day 37 - A picture taken at work

2012-02-06T11:27:00.000-07:00

Ah....me at work! haha

Day 36 - A picture of your pet

2012-02-05T11:24:00.001-07:00

Day 35 - A picture of your hometown

2012-02-05T11:22:00.001-07:00

My pretty city....so close to the mountains...I see them every day! I can imagine a beautiful cabin....

Day 34 - A picture of your favorite morning

2012-02-05T11:20:00.001-07:00

Day 33 - A picture of somewhere you went today

2012-02-05T11:18:00.001-07:00

Day 32 - A picture of what you did today

2012-02-05T11:16:00.001-07:00

Day 31 - A picture of food you made

2012-02-05T11:13:00.001-07:00

Day 30 - A picture of your favorite quote

2012-02-05T11:12:00.001-07:00

I just love this pic and this quote....it is so true! Smile! Ching!

Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile

2012-02-05T11:09:00.001-07:00

Day 28 - A picture of your favorite place in the world

2012-02-05T11:07:00.001-07:00

Day 27 - A picture of your favorite night

2012-02-05T11:04:00.000-07:00

Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you

2012-01-26T21:18:00.000-07:00

Coffee in the morning, blanket and sunrise...then, wine and sunset....can you feel it? Ching!

Day 25 - A picture of you from last year

2012-01-25T21:18:00.001-07:00

Ok, maybe a little more than a year ago...lol

In Santorini, we went to a winery for an evening of food, wine and celebration and this was beside baskets for grapes. Not a flattering pic....but I dont have many of me. Ching and Opa!

Day 24 - A picture of someone you miss

2012-01-24T21:17:00.000-07:00

I dont miss the work but i miss the kids....my dayhome kids. I loved their innocence and watching them experience and grow....fun time! They are all 4-5 years old now...my babies!

Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book

2012-01-23T20:55:00.001-07:00

Anne of Green Gables....my favorite of all time. Love the characters, the setting, the messages and the legacy. Amazing series and amazing author.Ching!

Day 22 - A picture of something you never leave the house without

2012-01-22T20:54:00.000-07:00

My phone....love my iPhone....but have it will me all the time. I have no land line or house phone, so this is my link. Addicted...perhaps. lol Ching!!!!

Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget

2012-01-21T20:54:00.000-07:00

I find it hard to put a photo up for this. I don't want to ever forget anything....even the bad. I learn from all experiences and am a better person for all of the bad too. The good things are great because the bad happened.

Never forget......

Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel

2012-01-20T20:53:00.000-07:00

I wonder if anyone would want to be here with me...Bali, Indonesia. So amazing and hours just relaxing and exploring....ching!

Day 19 - A picture of something you love to do

2012-01-19T20:53:00.000-07:00

Yep...read! Love it......certainly not going to put a photo up here of the subject matter....lol Ching!

Day 18 - A picture of the sexiest Woman alive

2012-01-18T06:03:00.003-07:00

I think Jennifer Aniston is stunning!

Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently

2012-01-18T06:03:00.001-07:00

Hmmmm...brings a smile to my face. Ching!

Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you

2012-01-16T13:41:00.002-07:00

One of my most favorite and treasured experiences of my life was sitting in audience the His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. An amazing man of faith and humanity - He truly believes in and sees the good in people and wants nothing but peace and happiness for all.

I was fortunate and sat at a peace conference in Denver, in audience of 11 Noble Peace Prize recipients, including the Dalai Lama and Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu. The words they spoke were real and true and seem so simple - just be kind.

The Dalai Lama and Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu are old friends now and actually were silly on stage, sitting side by side and talking and giggling while others spoke at the podium - like naughty school children.

Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die

2012-01-15T13:40:00.001-07:00

Before I die, I will bring in the new year in Sydney, Australia. Whether I watch the clock strike midnight on the steps of the Opera House or on a boat on the harbour, I will be there and see a new year in.

Day 14 - A picture of your favorite store

2012-01-14T13:40:00.000-07:00

My favorite store and one of my favorite pastimes....a good coffee and a stroll around the bookstore. Love all the options, reading childrens books or finding other treasures. Ching!!!

Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist

2012-01-13T13:40:00.000-07:00

My childhood fave and still a big fan! This is who I went to Las Vegas to see and it was a dream come true....another item off my bucket list!

Day 12 - A picture of something you love

2012-01-12T05:59:00.000-07:00

I love so many things! Its hard to choose one, but when I saw this picture today, I knew I loved it so thought I would share. This a Pina Colada drink, served to me at Corona Beach on the island of Cozumel. Freddy, the server, would bring it to me with the hibiscus, as he said it was special. Freddy is no longer just a server there, he is our friend. I was invited to his house for dinner and he showed me his home and introduced me to his family.

Cozumel I love.....I would go there today if I could. It is safe, friendly and laid back....my kind of place. I stay at a quiet bed and breakfast, right in town and away from the tourist area. I would go alone - I feel so safe. Ching!

Day 11 - A picture of something you hate

2012-01-11T06:49:00.000-07:00

I don't like bugs or spiders but I hate mean. Simple....ching!

Day 10 - A picture of someone you do the craziest things with

2012-01-10T21:56:00.000-07:00

My bestest friend! Melinda, or I call her Nini, and I have been friends since college....20 years ago. We have so much fun and act like we are children together.

Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most

2012-01-09T21:47:00.002-07:00

I think I have gotten me through most things, with the help of others...but I am a strong person because of it.

Day 08 - A picture of your most treasured item

2012-01-08T19:45:00.000-07:00

I don't really have a concrete item that I treasure above all others, but I treasure my eyesight....I am an observer and treasure memories that are initially captured with my eye. I do love memories from other senses, but I can readily go back with visuals and share with other people what I have seen. Ching!

Day 07 - A picture that makes you laugh

2012-01-07T10:55:00.000-07:00

I had never seen a real pumpkin patch, so on a road trip through Idaho/Oregon, when we turned down a small side road and I looked out my window and saw this one, I didn't even think and yelled (quite loud) "A PUMPKIN PATCH!!! and scared Jason. We ended up pulling over and there was a maze and several large patches. Can you see me in the picture? lol

Ching!!!!

Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day

2012-01-06T05:46:00.001-07:00

Now, don't laugh.....its true....I just want to know what it would feel like to switch with:

... a man! I would love to be a man for a day! Just to feel the difference in doing many things.....silly, hey?

Ching!

Day 05 - A picture of your favorite memory

2012-01-05T06:51:00.000-07:00

I am very lucky in that I have many, many memories - hard to pick a favorite. However, one that I will never ever forget, having waited and wanted it for so long, was the first sunset in Santorini. Along the sea wall, rushing up to get a spot and then IT happened. Sun slowly setting and painting a sunset canvas that I had been waiting to see. I cried.....

Day 04 - A picture of yourself and a family member

2012-01-04T06:23:00.000-07:00

Again, not so flattering, but with my girls....my 3 nieces who are all so gorgeous!

Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show

2012-01-03T07:01:00.000-07:00

My favorite show right now....should be starting again soon! Dark and funny.....

Day 2 - A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest

2012-01-02T05:56:00.000-07:00

Not a flattering picture at all, but we sure giggle when we see it. Melinda and I have been friends since college, 1990. We always seem to laugh until we cry when we see each other and talk almost every day, driving to work in the morning. She is my rock and I adore her.

2012 - 100 days of photos

2012-01-01T20:31:00.000-07:00

Trying something....100 days of photos.

Day 01 - A picture of yourself with five facts

January 1, 2012

5 Facts:

1. I am going to learn about and try geo-caching this year
2. I daydream a lot - traveling to lots of places
3. I hate having to wear glasses - but no other options, sadly
4. I love smoked oysters - on crackers
5. I love music - all different kinds and it's on almost all the time

Ching

Picture wall!

2011-12-12T19:41:00.000-07:00

A special place that can take me away or bring me back....

Started adding one photo a month to the wall....will fill with memories....and, notice the sunshine yellow wall....love yellow!

The next addition!

Ching!

Crazy Canadian Coconut Tour!!!!

2011-12-04T17:12:00.001-07:00

I received an invitation to participate in a fun experiment....the Crazy Canadian Coconut Tour and received a visitor via Canada Post on Friday! My job is now to photo document its visit and then send it on to visit a new family in Canada. Here is it upon arrival!

And as it got more comfortable in its new temporary home...

Ching!

Christmas time's a'comin!

2011-12-04T16:22:00.000-07:00

Christmas in my little suite is tough....still doesn't feel like home, so I don't decorate much. Christmas is not my favorite holiday anymore....sad, but true.

I did set up the tree though....hahaha!

Las Vegas - Solo Style!!!

2011-11-27T21:04:00.003-07:00

My solo vacation to Las Vegas! First, the hotel room....which in comparison the to the other 5 rooms I have stayed in in Vegas was by far the largest. Quite decent...especially for being in there alone.

Then, photos from the conservatory at the Belagio....including a pumpkin of carnations! So many flowers and a nice display.

Was nice to get away on a solo vacation...3 days of mostly being in my own head. Lots of walking and people watching, making my way down the strip and enjoying the sun.

I would totally vacation alone again....would also recommend it to anyone....quiet thoughts and alone time. I enjoyed!

Nice large bed....for one!

An apple for my teacher!

Come with me....

2011-11-06T20:13:00.002-07:00

....on a trip to one of my favorite places! An hour west of the city is a town called Canmore, just outside the Banff national park. I love the mountain area there...all seasons it is beautiful.


Dinner!


Winding road in the parkway.

New tree growth in the prescribed burn from 1993.

Castle Mountain

Cute little romantic cabin at Castle Junction

Morant's Curve....one of my favorite places!

Lake Louise

Rocky Mountain Sheep

Ching!

5 years ago.....

2011-10-29T11:34:00.003-06:00

5 years ago this week, we were to board an airplane for a wonderful trip to Cozumel that we had been planning for a few months. 2 days before our departure, following the news and it was not looking good. Hurricane Wilma had Cozumel in its sight and it was a big one...category 5 hurricane. Our trip was not going to happen. Wilma ended up hovering over Cozumel and Cancun for 3 days....huge damage and horrid for the tourism in the area.

We decided that we had our time off and should still do something....road trip! We left on an 11-day adventure that took us down through Oregon, up the coast and through British Columbia.

Jason took me to where he used to rock climb, before we met. We camped for a night in the area and walked some of the trails he had taken. It was autumn and crisp and the colours were wonderful. I even got to see my first pumpkin patch!!!

Where is Lori?

There are more photos to add...have to find them.

When we arrived in Victoria, B.C., we looked into a whale watching tour. It was pricey and we wondered if it would be worth it. We signed up and it ended up being one of those experiences you never forget!


A transient pod of orcas - and a newborn! Newborns have orange colouring, due to jaundice and toxins in their bodies.


I love this!

Such a large whale! Another tour operator happened upon what we were seeing.

Markings, like fingerprints, make them identifiable to guides.

Noisy group!

A pod spouting off.

Scratches on this orca.

So large....swims right beside us and under our zodiak....we could have easily reached and touched it.

Spy hop!

Another spy hop!

Leaving footprints for us!

Athens - In and Out

2011-09-03T12:41:00.004-06:00

From Cairo, we flew to Athens, Greece. We landed quite late at night and hailed a taxi driver who drove us to our hotel - Hotel Jason - going no less than 160 km on the highway. A bit fast for an 80 zone. We made it to the hotel and checked in, heading to bed.

We woke the next morning and went to the rooftop terrace for breakfast. Amazing food and drink, but the view was beyond belief. Just over the rooftops of the neighbourhood rose the Acropolis and the Parthenon atop it. What a way to be greeted by Greece!

We really enjoyed Athens, so many sites and the people were great to watch! I loved that I could just walk and, almost literally, stumble upon ruins of ancient times. Old and new - together as if it were nothing.

I loved the cafes and the Freddicino's -delicious frozen coffee drink. We strolled and explored, seeing so much. Found great fruit stands along the way. We made our way to the sight of sights - the Acropolis. Climbed many marble stairs and summited to find the Parthenon. Larger than I had envisioned and being restored. Amazing to think of the minds and great thinkers that walked these footsteps before me.

The magnificent Acropolis and Parthenon!

One of the many statues in and around temples and ruins.

A pillar in ruin....still beautiful.

The detail is amazing - still.

Our rooftop terrace, where breakfast was served every day and you could enjoy a lovely glass of wine as the sun sets on the city.

Theatre of Dionysus - It was used for festivals in honor of the god Dionysus.

Yet another update....Egypt!

2011-08-25T17:14:00.007-06:00

So, after Amsterdam we flew to Cairo, Egypt, via Bucharest, Romania. We didn't see Romania, just the 5 hour layover in the airport. We did, however, enjoy this leg of our journey as we were in first class the entire way. Quite an experience!

We landed in Cairo and the hostel I had arranged our stay with had a driver meet us at the airport, with our names on a sign....a welcome sight at 2 in the morning in a country that is a bit confusing when you first land.

We got settled at the hostel and met with the owner/operator, who sold us on some arranged trips to see the sights. He arranged to have a private driver and a guide meet us in the morning to take us to Giza, to see the pyramids. What a treat it was to approach the pyramids on camel, from a vast and empty plateau. We were fortunate enough to travel on camel, across the edge of the Sahara, to be greeted by the giant structures as we neared from behind. The masses, from tour buses and the like, drove up to the front. We shared our view with maybe 20 other people and when we reached the front there were hundreds! I am glad our first meeting was more intimate.

Then, the following day, he would get us to the train station to board a sleeper train to Luxor. While in Luxor, we would visit Karnak, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple. Wonderful sites!

We would overnight it there and then return to Cairo. This was an overwhelming part of our trip...culture shock and the sights just took my breath away!

Driving down the highway and I glance past J. to watch the farmers in the fields of sugar cane and such, seeing donkeys carting loads - and I see this! This is someone's backyard!

Massive, magical, huge, inspiring - words do not do these wonders justice.

Breathtaking

Yes, that is an elephant on the camel! One of our two regular travel companions...Exshaw de Elephant and Hips, the Hippo.

The entrance to the Great Pyramid - basically, bend in half and scramble down a long ladder-lined tunnel, rest at bottom then scramble up tunnel into the belly of the pyramid! It's stuffy, hot, humid, and the tomb is empty - but you are standing in a pyramid!

20 metres high and 50 metres long, the Great Sphynx is a sight to behold!

So many of these statues from Karnak to Luxor ... huge and still beautiful.

Luxor Temple ....with Sphynx Avenue in front....still being unearth, hundreds of the sphynx statues line the street from Karnak to Luxor Temple. This was the view from our hotel rooftop, with the Nile in the distance.

Our rooftop pool, a welcome treat in 46 Celsius heat!

Cairo was a treat for the eyes - and all of the senses. Overloaded to say the least. I will return, as I have more things to cross of my list in and around Cairo.

Another update....Summer 2010 trip

2011-08-22T06:36:00.008-06:00

So, with the dayhome closing and another new chapter beginning, J and I set out, yet again, on a summer adventure! Summer 2010 was to be a big one! We decided on Wednesday that we were actually going to do the trip and we left Friday morning - a 49 day trip planned in a day and a half!

So, after 7 airplanes, 2 sleeper trains, 5 ferries, numerous taxis and cars, countless metros and buses, 1 camel, 13 hotel rooms, 6 countries and 49 days away from home - here are some highlights.

After our almost 9 hour flight, we landed. Customs was easy enough in Amsterdam, receiving my first stamp in my new passport! We were directed to a platform in the Central Terminal, to catch our train to the city. After a short time, chatting with another couple on a near-empty train, we discovered that we were headed in the wrong direction - Eindhoven not being our destination. Grabbing our backpacks, we disembarked at the next stop and caught a train in the right direction - Amsterdam!

Beautiful canal system...loving the narrow, tall homes.

Loved all the houseboats.

Very interesting shapes and sizes!

An actual bicycle parkade!

Thousands of bikes!

Quaint homes, all in row.

A brick houseboat.

Love this...looks ideal!

Morning mist and sunlight hitting the floating flower shop.

Good morning, Amsterdam!

Life is not a rehearsal....live it fully and completely, with your whole heart and being. No mulligans or redo's or do-overs. I am learning not to dream - but, to LIVE! Making a change, not waiting for one.

Long, overdue update!

2011-08-21T11:53:00.017-06:00

So much to update, as it has been far too long since I even visited. I encouraged a friend to blog, and thought it best for me to do the same.

So this will be one of a few updates....

Summer 2009 travels -
J and I packed our backpacks and hopped on a plane to Cancun. This part of the journey is becoming quite familiar. Land in Cancun, bus to Playa del Carmen, ferry to Cozumel and walk to Eliane's. A couple of days in Coz, enjoying our favorite places and then ferry back to Playa del Carmen to board a bus that will take us to Belize. 4.5 hour bus ride, interesting border crossing and we arrive in Corozal! This begins our Belizean adventure!

This is in Corozal, one of our first sights in Belize. Beautiful calm water. Men fishing on the docks, with nets and poles, very early in the morning. From here, we caught a water taxi to Ambergris Caye.

Ambergris Caye is so beautiful and relaxing!

Now, we get to Caye Caulker and it stole my heart! The island has a motto, Go Slow, and people do! This is the life! So friendly and just amazing views. We did a sail trip and swam with rays and nurse sharks...saw a sea turtle diving for sea grass, a giant grouper, ate ceviche that was freshly made for us, and enjoyed a day of snorkeling and swimming. We found a great sports pub on the island, owned by a Canadian expat, and ended up there most evenings, playing trivia and drinking tropical drinks with funny names - Panty Removers! We also donated some money ("Buy a Piece of the Pub") to the local school, to provide sports equipment to the kids. In turn, the pub paints your name on whatever item you "purchased" and you get a certificate of ownership...stating you own property in Belize! Haha..... J and I have our names painted on the table we sat at each time. We spent 8 days here, eventually sailing a 3 day sail trip south, to Placencia.

Our hotel - Rainbow Hotel

Great lobster - this meal cost about $6!

Typical view as we walked along the street - no cars on island, just golf carts and bikes.

Snorkeling!

One of the many rays we swam with!

Beautiful and gentle sea turtle!

I caught dinner for the travelers that night - barracuda! Took about 15 minutes to reel the guy in! The crew of the Ragga Queen were quite impressed!

The island where we camped the first night. Yes, that is the entire island!

We flew from Placencia back to Cancun, as there were reports of trouble crossing the border due to H1N1 flu.

One of the best experiences I have ever had - swimming with Whale Sharks! There were reportedly about 200 in the area, and they are huge! That mouth is about a metre across and they can be 35 ft. long!

The prettiest beaches I have ever been to. Isla Mujeres - sand soft like flour and white as snow. Water as warm as a tub and you can walk out waist deep forever.

More to be updated!

Long time, many changes!

2010-12-09T21:36:00.002-07:00

How exciting! So many things have changed and I have so much to update on....anyone still out there?

I have traveled all summer, finished a travel practicum, still working on school and now working in a hotel as a Front Office Supervisor!

Getting my name out there and getting my feet wet in the travel industry.

I will post more later on my summer travels, but for now I will just say that I got to Amsterdam, Egypt, Greece and Italy! 49 days away and tons of memories. I will walk down that lane shortly!

Ta ta!

OMG! Has it really been that long?

2009-08-30T14:54:00.005-06:00

I am shocked! I have had no sense of time of late and have let things slide. I have had so much happen in the many months since I have visited and have simply forgotten about this blog. Wow! So, "HELLO" to anyone who drops by and who I have not visited with (virtually) in a long, long time.

So, to catch up with things....

~ I left my job at the school! I was tired. I had been there for 13 years and felt it was time to move on before I let things slide too much and resented any aspect of my job. I left on good terms and have not looked back!

~ I opened and operate a small dayhome. It was an idea in place as I left my prior job. I now am a proud childcare provider to 5 lovely toddlers, all of whom have parents who I used to work with. It is unique in some ways...I do not operate out of my own home (I will come back to that), as the dayhome is out of the home of one of the children. His parents live right close to the school and the children all get dropped off there. I work only days that the school is in operation, leaving me plenty of days off and summers to enjoy with my husband!

~ My husband quit his job as well and is now a full-time university student, studying engineering. We talked long and hard about this, but I want him to do it now and have no regrets when he is 50 or 60....shoulda, coulda, woulda.

~ My house....sold! We listed the house last July and it sold in a day! The sign was not even in the lawn and we showed the house at 2pm and had a offer by 8pm. We took it and gave up possession on Aug. 22. This is where it gets complicated:
- because the house sold so quickly, we had no plan of where to go. Our 'longer-term' plan was to eventually move into my husband's parents home, renovating a suite in their empty basement. Until that was finished (it had not yet begun), we needed a place. I immediately began looking at rentals. Many of our rentals in the city were super inflated but I did find one - a small basement suite for $1100.00/month. When this was mentioned to a friend of mine (a woman for whom I was a nanny to her two young boys, many years ago) she mentioned that she had room for us. Her boys were out of the house and they had a developed basement that we could use. We saved so much money by staying with them.
- we are now living with my in-laws! Our suite only needs a few more things done until it is completely finished!

Phew!
There is so much more, but I will share later! Ta ta!

An adventure...

2008-06-22T11:06:00.004-06:00

I don't know if anyone here has visited Canada before, or more specific Banff in the Western Canadian province of Alberta. I live near there and it never ceases to amaze me when I take day trips around the area and see what a beautiful space I live in. I love the mountains and the nature that exists there.

Yesterday, I ventured out early with my dear friend and her visiting family. I told the young passengers that there is never a guarantee that we will see any wildlife, as times have changed from when I was a child and we would most certainly see something.

Yesterday was amazing! It started with deer....

And, then the Big Horn Sheep and Elk....

And then......

BEARS!!! A momma and her two cubs (yearlings and very large!)!

A very exciting day, indeed!

Projects of late...

2008-06-11T06:16:00.006-06:00

Thanks all for the well wishes. It has been a long month, with school ending and family issues. All is on the mend.

I have also been busy with paper crafts. I made 63 graduation cards for the '08 class, as I have worked with the majority of them for all 12 years. I made the cards, put a variety of quotes inside and then a personal message for each grad. It was hard work but worth it.

I also made these altered notebooks. Both to give to friends and they turned out great!

And then....I used acrylic sheet and some beautiful paper to make my MIL a clock for her office. It is hard to tell, but there is a lot of void, clear space on here. I love it and will be making more!

So, for now I am off....12 more school days left!!!!

Cheers!

4-day Weekend!

2008-05-16T09:40:00.002-06:00

So exciting...no work until Tuesday! I am so glad. I have had a rough week, along with my family. Grandpa was buried on Tuesday, after a semi-quick bout with cancer. He felt that he had had it for some time, but didn't act on it.

I have always said it is such a shame that you learn so much at funerals. The stories that come from these gatherings should really be shared and laughed at prior to when your loved one is gone. I wish, wish, wish I had of known that grandpa liked playing Canasta. Canasta!? Something so simple and I would have loved to have played with and learned from him.

I am going to open all of my windows today and clean my house! I am actually quite excited by that thought. I want to have my house listed and on the market within two weeks. Can it be done?

I will check in later....

I am pooped!

2008-04-28T13:12:00.002-06:00

I am tired. Tired in general; Tired of work; Tired of being tired.

I feel like complaining and it is only Monday....boy, it's going be a long week! LOL

Working with kids is usually so great. Today is just work. I think many of them are feeling overwhelmed with workload and other expectations. The ones I work with are just 'off'. That makes for a terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad day!

I wish I could just be at home...purging my belongings. I am in the mood to unload! My SIL is having a garage sale this weekend, so I will be carting stuff to her. I don't even care if I make any money, it is just an excuse to get stuff out of my house.

I also want to scrap and make cards. I was not feeling inspired this weekend, but I am now! I want to just sit in my room, with the windows open and music on, crafting away!

41 more school days (with kids) left until summer break....did anyone else just here Alice Cooper's song in their head????

Cards today - OSW (I made 10!)

2008-04-13T19:36:00.002-06:00

I completed a OSW (one sheet wonder) today. I chose a spring page and cut it, allowing for approx. 10 cards to be made. You can really have fun with these, completing a set!

I really need to start giving out cards!!!

Ciao!

.

A lovely 'Sun'day!

2008-04-13T16:32:00.002-06:00

Sun is out and it is perfectly lovely here in Calgary. We had a WICKED snowstorm on Thursday that took the area by surprise. Heavy snow and whiteout conditions. My usual 45 minute commute to work took 2.5 hours and had it not been for material in my car needed for a presentation, I would have turned myself right around and went home. I also had a dentist appointment later that morning. Bad girl I am....first one in almost 8 years. So, left my house at 7:15am; got to work at 9:45; dropped off materials; checked on my coded students; got back in car at 10:00am and made it to my 11:00 appointment in record time of 1 hour 15 minutes for a half hour drive! I was a walking ball of nerves.

I then had a great scrap/card making weekend. I hosted it at my school and had a small group of ladies come in Friday night and Saturday. I loved it. I am going to finish some of my cards right now and perhaps post photos later.

Ciao!

It's Been TOO Long!

2008-04-02T12:44:00.002-06:00

Why?!?! I don't know. I just know that I have not been too motivated to much of anything lately. I am taking a quick break from some serious spring cleaning today. I have made some very fun altered notebooks and a few cards lately. I also finished Volume I (of III) of my Italy vacation. It is quite cool. I may make a slide show of it. Stay tuned for some pics.

Post later!!!

A birthday card for MIL and Valentine Card for DH

2008-02-27T18:51:00.005-07:00

This is the card for my lovely MIL. It took some time, but I figured out the scale and measurements. She loved that it was different. I found a great verse inside and brought flowers to her at work.

Also, for Valentines Day, I wrote my DH a love letter and put it in this card. We went out for a super Greek dinner.

Tagged again - About me!

2008-02-26T06:47:00.003-07:00

I was tagged by Lastel !

1. Stamping Style: Fun and experimental - I like to see things and figure out a way to do it.
2. Inspiration: I really enjoy blogs and take ideas from colours or objects I see around me!
3. Color: Love pink/blue with brown; Ginger Blossom DP from SU right now is my fave.
4. Work Space: Stamp with friends or my club and also have craft room set up in a spare bedroom.
5. Perfect day: A day that I can devote to doing what I want, which usually includes craft or a day with hubby!
6. First Job: McDonalds! Funny thing is they moved me from kitchen duty (as I talked too much) to drive through or lobby. I got to do all the birthday parties! I still work with kids.
7. Wildest dream: We move to land either on Van. Island or somewhere tropical - maybe Greece!
8. Ink: SU Chocolate Chip.
9. Family: My love of my life, Jason.
10. Beverage: I love and am addicted to Diet Coke.
11. Biggest Challenge: Dealing with change.

I will tag all my SBS 10 Sisters , you know who you are !

Checking in

2008-02-24T09:32:00.004-07:00

Good morning all.

Since my post of my 101 in 1001 List, I have been busy. I will update that later. I am still working along on my 365 Photo-A-Day Challenge and having fun with that. Taking a photo a day, doing a layout a week. I am sure it will be a great album when finished.

I have also been busy making cards for the graduates at the school I work at. I have got most of the cutting done and moved onto the simple stamping. I will then assemble and then write in each one. There are about 65 grads, so it should take some time. I have given myself until beginning of May to finish this.

I am also now preparing for next weekend - a retreat! An entire weekend to scrapbook my trip to Italy! So excited. I have everything I need, with the exception of some adhesive that I will get at Michael's this week. I just have to pack well and I leave on Friday afternoon. So excited. I will need it after this week. It is going to be busy, starting with a funeral today. My sister-in-laws brother passed away last weekend in an avalanche. So sad.

2008-02-12T08:45:00.007-07:00

As I get ready to downsize...

2008-02-11T22:15:00.000-07:00

...I stumble across this "unclutterer" website. It has some interesting ideas and projects.

TAGGED... the Middle Name Game

2008-02-08T09:39:00.000-07:00

These are the rules: You must post the rules before you give your answers. You must list one fact about yourself for each letter of your middle name. Each fact must begin with that letter. If you don't have a middle name, just use your maiden name. After you've been tagged, you need to up-date your blog with your middle name and answers. At the end of your post, you need to tag one person for each letter of your middle name (be sure to leave them a comment telling them they've been tagged and need to read your blog for details).

My middle name is Ann...easy and plain. Sidenote, I always wanted to change it to "Anne-with-an-E" after reading "Anne of Green Gables".
A - affectionate ~ I am a very affectionate person, though have a large "personal space bubble". With those I trust and know very well, I will show affection to and in different ways.
N - nostalgic ~ I am constantly looking back to the past, enjoying and remembering experiences. I love looking at old photos and visiting, in my mind, that time and situation.
N - not disorganized anymore! ~ I am now getting quite organized and settled into my craft room. I can actually just come in and sit and create! Now, if only I could attack the rest of my house!

I am going to take 3 people from my SBS 10 group...Sarah, Heather, and Lesly. Cheers ladies!

wish I were scrapin'

2008-01-25T09:11:00.000-07:00

I so wish I were at home and scrapin'. I bought some more chipboard to play with. Anyone have ideas on how to decorate? I am not a fan of covering with paper, so other ideas would be great.

I also purchased one last (hope not!) modular storage cube from Michael's. They are not necessarily re-stocking, so they have sold out in Calgary. I love them. So organized now.

I also can not wait to start my 365 album. I will be starting Feb. 1, as I did not find out about it until after Jan. 1. I am quite excited.

card for my husband

2008-01-20T18:43:00.000-07:00

An accordian card, adjusted, to give to my hubby tonight! To thank him for letting me do my own thing all day!

Crafty Sunday

2008-01-20T12:47:00.001-07:00

So...I have made the cute purple and pink paper bag/box, as well as the so cute brown and pink gift card holder. I will thank Julie (Paper Pleasing Designs) for the gift card holder and I will go back and find out how did the tutorial on the bag/box. Very easy and cute.

My first layout for 365 Project

2008-01-20T11:22:00.000-07:00

This is the opening page for my 365 project. It tells of my word for the year and just a shot I took the other day. Here I go!

2008-01-19T14:56:00.000-07:00

I am almost finished! Tackling my craft room and making it a usable space, rather than a storage room. I can actually sit and scrapbook! What a concept! Instead of just gathering (and hoarding) papers and other items, I can use them. I don't now have to wait for a retreat to get some serious work done. I can sit, in my own house and room, and work. Music on, computer there for resources and ideas...all while doing what I enjoy! Whoohoo!

I have a large bookshelf and on that I have put many photoboxes, that are now refered to as "project boxes", as they contain specifics for certain scrap projects. For example, my Italy trip...that box contains photos, embellishments, trinkets, and pamphlets....anything to do with that scrapbook. I can then grab it, sit and have everything I need. I have labeled them and they are all bright and cheery. I then have started buying units for the modular storage system (above). I currently have 6 units and would love at least 3 more. They are a perfect size. There is one unit with a large, deep drawer with dividers inside, creating 16 small spaces. I found spice jars (clear glass and silver lid) that fit as though they were made for each other. Bought those last night and will be putting embellishments, flowers and anything else into those.

Phew...now to finish my Las Vegas album...should be done in 30 minutes!

A cool contest!

2008-01-19T13:49:00.000-07:00

A Cowboy’s Wife is having a contest on her food blog! You can win a Hamilton Beach® Stand Mixer and she’ll ship anywhere so everyone is eligible!

Sisterhood of the Blogging Stampers -10

2008-01-18T07:31:00.000-07:00

Well, this should help ensure that I post, both to the blog and my creations. My name is Lori and I am 35 years old. Goodness, that sounds like I just stood up at a 'meeting' and admitted something. Yes, 35 years old.

I live in Calgary, Canada and am married to a wonderful man. I have no children, but would like to change that fact this year.

I have scrapped for years and began making cards about a year and a half ago. Love it! I belong to a card club, where we meet once a month, create three cards and learn new techniques. I also take advantage of weekend crops and retreats. I will be attending a retreat in February, so will have many of my Italy trip pages complete, if not the entire album. Such a work in progress, as I get sidetracked.

I will try to upload some creations today. Ta ta!

Moments!

2008-01-17T19:12:00.000-07:00

It just came to me...my word of the year. As I am also about to embark on the 365 Day Scrapbook/Journal Challenge, I realized that the word MOMENTS is the theme. I feel that the word signifies what IT is all about. What we treasure, what we seek, what we remember. Tidbits of time, a small piece or fragment of an experience. Along the path, it is moments that we learn from and take with us.

My A-HA moment!

It is what I live for. A moment of complete serenity and peace. In my husband's arms, holding the hand of a niece, reading a book (for the hundredth time) to a nephew, a smile from a true friend...when Dad says "I love you". Happy moments, sad moments, being scared or alone, cold and nervous, angry or completely frustrated. For as many moments that we feel we could do without there are as many as we must experience and grow from.

Celebrate each and every moment. Learn. Grow. Believe that there are always more moments. I do.

My Crazy 8’s

2008-01-16T21:51:00.000-07:00

I found this on another blog (thanks Jen!) I think it is a neat idea. I am going to list it and over the next day or so, complete it. Cheers!

My Crazy 8’s
8 Passions in my Life:
~ My husband
~ family
~ friends
~ reading
~ children
~ freedom 9to be able to do what I want
~ scrapbooking/card-making
~ Diet Coke and I love coffee...does that count?

8 Things to do Before I Die:
~ have children
~ travel to Africa
~ travel to Australia
~ swim with Whale Sharks
~ grow old with my husband
~ go to a Spa retreat - alone
~ get a photo published in a magazine
~ feel satisfied - no regrets

8 Things I Often Say:
~ Aw, shitburgers!
~ Awesome!
~ This sucks monkey balls!
~ Dude!
~ Nah
~ Love you!
~
~

8 Things I’ve Read Recently:
~ Angela's Ashes
~ Time Travellers Wife
~ It's Never Too Late to Get a Life
~ 'Tis
~ Wifey
~ The Wedding
~ books and articles re: Autism/Asperger's Syndrome
~ Rachael Ray magazine

8 Qualities I look for in a Friend:
~ honesty
~ can make me laugh
~ common interests
~ adventure
~ can hang out and not have to say a word, still being comfortable
~ personalities compliment each other
~ similar tastes in many things
~ can be silly with each other

8 Things I have learned this past year:
~ it is ok to cry
~ I can travel with more confidence and less luggage!
~ I am okay with moving away from my family - if I must
~ That I love my husband more now than when I married him
~ many techniques for card making/scrappin'
~ change is good
~ adopt an attitude of gratitude
~ to laugh at myself and move on

My evening...

2008-01-16T21:46:00.000-07:00

I spent time with Nini tonight, just shopping and hanging out. Dangerous, as I went to a new Scrappin' store (Scrapbook Pantry) and then Michael's. Nini and I decided to begin a 365 Day Challenge - scrapbook of a photo-a-day for a year! It will be fun. I found some lovely paper and a great scrapbook that I may get next week. As it is already into January, we are going to start Feb. 1. Isn't that just like me...a day late and a dollar short, I think the saying is. I feel like I am always playing catch up. Ahhh...my life!

Another day....

2008-01-16T11:14:00.000-07:00

Another day of work. Another day that I would rather be doing something else.

If I could be at home, what would I do? Hmmm...

I would do my dishes and tackly Mt. Washmore. I am so sick of laundry. But, how can I be sick of it if I never do it?!?!? I don't know how that works.

I would rather be in my craft room. If I could lock myself in there, life would be perfect. I can hide out and avoid all else.

As I sit here and avoid work, I realize I am only making it more painful. Get up and go to work!

I have found a blogger that I will be swapping with. I am quite excited. I will post when I receive the package. More later!

Gimme Your Stuff

2008-01-13T18:37:00.000-07:00

I just stumbled across this site, "Gimme Your Stuff", a swapping site to meet and swap with people around the world.

I would love to find someone to swap with...from anywhere!

Things I can offer:

craft items, especially scrapbooking
candies and treats from my area
material
yarn
trinkets
jewelry
magazines and books
letter from me
postcards, and
other items if you ask

Things I would like:

craft and scrapbooking items
makeup
magazines
music
letter from you
books
postcards
candies and treats from your area
anything!

Thanks!

Lists

2008-01-13T15:24:00.000-07:00

I am so easily distracted. There...I said it. I had full intentions of doing some work around the house today and have not even made a move to begin. Instead, I find myself looking at what others are doing to get and stay organized. Brilliant.

I am a list maker and love the internet. So, maybe I make a list on here and follow that list. Perhaps...

I would rather be doing so many things, but if we truly are focused on cleaning and selling the house in the near future, I have so much work to do.

I will begin. Now. Here I go.